NEWS RELEASE The Center for North American Herpetology Lawrence, Kansas http://www.cnah.org 1 February 2006
In Memoriam John Behler (1943-2006) The following announcement was prepared by the Wildlife Conservation Society: The Board of Trustees and Staff of the Wildlife Conservation Society are profoundly saddened by the death of our esteemed colleague, John L. Behler. John died at his home on Tuesday, 31 January 2006. As Curator of Herpetology at the Bronx Zoo, John began his WCS career in 1970 in the Reptile Department as an intern. John's knowledge and love of wildlife included working with WCS field staff on related projects in Madagascar and Asia and is known and appreciated worldwide. His work exemplified the long history of WCS setting standards for others to follow. He assumed a leadership role among his peers in groundbreaking captive breeding programs for endangered crocodilians, tortoises, and freshwater turtles and also focused on the ecology and behavior of reptilians. John's quick wit, charm and dedication allowed him to share his life's work with many. Among his numerous affiliations, John was a founding member of the American Zoo and Aquarium's Crocodilian Advisory Group and worked closely with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation's Endangered Species Unit. Likewise, Behler served his community on the Sommers Conservation Board and Muscoot Farm Nature Center in Westchester County Park. Behler authored more than 40 popular scientific articles, five guidebooks highlighting reptilians and amphibians and co-authored a book "Frogs - A Chorus of Colors" with his wife, Deborah Behler. We are all saddened by the loss of our friend, a great scientist and conservationist. Our heartfelt sympathies go to John's wife, Debbie; mother, Mildred; sister, Judy Howells; John's children Cindy Sibilia, and David Behler and his five grandchildren. David T. Schiff Chairman Steven E. Sanderson President and CEO Wildlife Conservation Society ***** The CNAH Board of Directors extends its sympathy to John Behler's family and friends.
