Mood: a-ok
Topic: Articles
Going Green Could Help Ailing Frog Population
Museum Of Science Launches New Frog Exhibit
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Local Forest Service Worker Honored
The information below is provided by the US Forest Service:
PUEBLO -- U.S. Forest Service - Pike and San Isabel National Forests - Salida Ranger District employee Mike Wrigley was recognized by fellow biologists with the Laurel Kagan Wiley Award for Excellence and Dedication in Wildlife Conservation. The award was presented in recognition of his professionalism, effectiveness, passion and accomplishments.
Wrigley demonstrated courage and dedication in his commitment to protecting boreal toads and amphibian habitat during Allotment Management Planning for several grazing allotments on the Salida Ranger District. He took extra effort to use the best available science (conservation plans and published literature) and to reach out to species experts to design a survey, monitoring and mitigation plan to protect boreal toads from the potential adverse impacts of livestock grazing.
According to the award, "Mike's courage, tenacity and persistence under pressure resulted in a carefully-crafted protocol to survey for and protect occupied boreal toad breeding sites from grazing effects. Mike's work is now considered a template for boreal toad conservation and management coordination in the Rocky Mountain Region."
Wrigley's efforts also led to re-establishment of a survey to monitor potential boreal toad breeding sites. He also developed a handout describing boreal toad biology, habitat, threats and decontamination protocols for public education.
Wrigley has been with the U.S. Forest Service for 10 years, 7 years on the Salida District. In addition, he worked for the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service for 4 years, Quinault Indian Nations for 2 years and as a private consultant for 5 years.
Congratulations Mr. Wrigley and thanks for all your efforts to help amphibians!
Beware of the Toad Migration | |
By Lisa Levinson and Katay Lezenby | |
Each spring, a flood of toads that live in the woods surrounding the Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education attempt to cross Port Royal Road to get to the Roxborough Reservoir where they congregate to mate. Every year, this heavily trafficked back road is littered with the remains of hundreds of toads crushed by cars. For the past three years, the toad population has steadily declined due to traffic fatalities.Witnesses report 50 percent fewer toads migrating each year. On the main migration night in 2008, 100 dead toads were counted on the road while only 25 were observed crossing the road over a two-hour period. With community help, toads can safely cross the road again. Toads are very important members of the food chain in our area. The entire ecosystem depends on their survival. The Toad Migration Project is an effort to protect toads as they migrate to and from their breeding ground each year and to raise public awareness about the migration. The Toad Migration Committee is composed of local citizens and officials from various local agencies (SCEE, Residents of Shawmont Valley Association, Andorra Police, Philadelphia Streets Department). The Committee will initiate new policies improving migration safety for local toads, such as temporary road detours on evenings of heavy migration, and educate the community about migration safety. Community volunteers are needed to alert local officials about the start and end of the migration. Signs are needed to alert oncoming traffic during migration season and encourage alternate routes. The Green Woods Charter School will create Public Service Announcements for local television and radio to alert commuters about the migration. The Toad Migration Project, a committee of local residents, representatives from the Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education, The Schuylkill Wildlife Rescue Center, the Fifth District Police, the Philadelphia Streets Department, and concerned friends of wildlife will be meeting at the Andorra Branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia, 705 East Cathedral Rd (Henry Ave. & Cathedral Rd.) Philadelphia, PA 19128-2106 on March 4, from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. If you want to help toads cross the roads, educate drivers about the migration, or learn more about the Toad Migration Project, attend their upcoming meeting or contact Lisa Levinson at: lisa@publiceyephilly.org 215-620-2130. |
NEWS RELEASE
The Center for North American Herpetology
Lawrence, Kansas
http://www.cnah.org
4 March 2009
MASTERS STUDENT POSITION IN HERPETOLOGY
I am recruiting two highly motivated students interested in earning an Masters degree in
Biology starting in the summer of 2009. Interested students should want to work on a
study involving baseline survey and monitoring of the herpetofauna in association with a
major Mississippi Alluvial Valley restoration project. This research will involve working
outdoors in a hot, humid climate; prior herpetological fieldwork, ATV skils, and boating
skills would be beneficial. The students selected will have a year-round stipend of
$13,750 (academic-year Assistantship of $10,000 & $3,750 Research Assistantship for
the summer months), plus a tuition waiver.
Please contact me by e-mail to express interest in the position or get additional
information at
or visit my website at
Application materials and procedures can be found on the University of Louisiana at
Monroe Graduate Studies webpage at
http://www.ulm.edu/gradschool/
John L. Carr
Professor of Biology &
Associate Curator, Museum of Natural History
Department of Biology
The University of Louisiana at Monroe
700 University Ave.
Monroe, Louisiana 71209-0520
carr@ulm.edu
318-342-1796
NEWS RELEASE
The Center for North American Herpetology
Lawrence, Kansas
http://www.cnah.org
4 March 2009
SALAMANDER SEASONAL TECHNICIAN
Agency: Purdue University, Department of Forestry and Natural Resources
Location: Southwestern North Carolina
Job Description: A seasonal field technician is needed for research investigating headwater
stream community ecology in the southern Appalachian Mountains. Field work will involve
capturing, identifying, gut flushing, and measuring salamanders found in and around
headwater streams, as well as collecting water quality data and aquatic macro-
invertebrates. Laboratory work will involve identifying salamander gut contents and
processing water samples, although the majority of the work will be field based. Field work
will begin in late May and last through the middle of August.
Qualifications: Successful applicants must be able to work long hours in sometimes
inclement weather while hiking in mountainous terrain. Preference will be given to
applicants with a strong interest in stream ecology, herpetology, community ecology, or
wildlife conservation. Previous experience working in the field or with salamanders is
desirable, but not required. To apply please send a resume, brief statement of interest
(1-2 paragraphs), and contact information for two references to Conor Keitzer at
Salary: $8.50/hour and housing will be provided at a field research station.
Last Date to Apply: Open until filled.
Contact Information:
S. Conor Keitzer
Graduate Research Assistant
Forestry and Natural Resources
Purdue University
715 W State Street
West Lafayette, Indiana 47907-2061
(765) 494-9597
March 8th is Amphibian Awareness Day- So SPING AHEAD like a frog and remember amphibians on this clock changing day. See what the Kansas City Zoo is doing to celebrate! https://www.kansascityzoo.org/Event/Event.asp?IdS=00D895-3428EE0&EntryType=Public&Id=303
March 16-20 is National Wildlife Week.
Participate in three ways:
1. Personally: Take time to appreciate the wildlife in your community. The National Wildlife Week website offers downloads of free activities and service project ideas to do with kids and teens, Wildlife Watch lists of local plants and animals, and fact sheets about the benefits of playing outside.
2. In your community: Organize a time for your friends and neighbors to participate in a wildlife habitat project or to watch for wildlife.
3. Spread the word: Forward this email to others, including educators, parents, and kids so they can get involved during National Wildlife Week.
Since 1938, National Wildlife Week has been increasing awareness about wildlife conservation and the benefits of spending time outdoors. Research shows that a daily Green Hour® (playing outside) improves one's physical, mental and emotional well-being. Be out there.
Starting March 1, visit www.nwf.org/wildlifeweek for more info!
April 28th is Save the Frogs Day!
In an effort to raise awareness of the plight of amphibians, the scientific community has declared April 28th, 2009 the 1st Annual 'Save The Frogs Day'. On this day we encourage the appreciation and celebration of amphibians by people from all walks of life.
Please get involved and help spread the word! Remember that only a small proportion of our public is aware that frogs are disappearing, and that amphibian conservation efforts will not be successful until amphibian declines are common knowledge: think of how long it has taken for any political action on global warming to occur! Politicians rarely act until the public demands action. Our goal is to make the amphibian extinction crisis common knowledge by 2013: help make it happen!
Save The Frogs Day is a perfect time for teachers and students to focus on amphibian conservation, learn about amphibian extinctions, and discuss ways that we can all contribute to amphibian conservation efforts.
Please join the SAVE THE FROGS! mailing list (in the left sidebar of this page) so that we can keep you informed of important Save The Frogs Day news and events.
If you know of other events you think should be listed on Wendells Frog Blog, please email them to wzetterberg@gmail.com
Thanks.
Perth scientists step up toad fight
Cane toads establish Kimberley colony
Cane toads arrive in Western Australia
First cane toad to cross from Northern Territory to Western Australia has been caught
Cane toad continues relentless march to WA border
Cane toads reach WA but the fight goes on
And on a nother sad note, my Cane Toad, Morris died. Not sure why, but he never seemed very healthy for a toad, and was always very shy and not a big eater.
Frog’s immune system is key in fight against killer virus
This could be great news for so many frogs.
It's early, but annual frog count shows promise
Even if I ate froglegs, I think I would pass on this one!
Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy lists March 2009 Events
VANISHING VERNAL POOLS ? Saturday, March 7, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at Rust Nature Sanctuary. Registration Required. This Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy (LWC) program begins with an indoor session on vernal pool ecology. This will be followed by an outdoor exploration of vernal pool habitats at Rust Nature Sanctuary and other nearby locations. Co-sponsored with the Audubon Naturalist Society (ANS). ANS & LWC members: $29; nonmembers: $41. To register contact ANS at 301-652-9188, ext.16. For those who plan to become monitors in LWC’s Amphibian Monitoring Program for the 2009 season, please register with Nicole Hamilton (nhamilton@loudounwildlife.org) and the fee will be covered by LWC.
MID-WEEK NATURE WALK WITH MIKE HAYSLETT ? March 11, 3-5 p.m. Registration Required. Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy and Mike Hayslett-vernal pool expert and head of the Vernal Pool Institute at Sweet Briar College-for an exploration of one of eastern Loudoun’s natural areas where vernal pools thrive with wood frogs, spring peepers and salamanders. During the walk, Mike will discuss this very special wetland area, the lifecycles of the animals that use vernal pools for breeding locations, and the importance of the forests that surround them. Space is limited for this walk in order to minimize the impact of human foot traffic in these sensitive habitats. Please Sign up online or contact Nicole Hamilton at nhamilton@loudounwildlife.org.
AMPHIBIANS AFOOT! March 11, 7-8:30 p.m. Event to be held at
Broadlands Nature Center located at 21907 Claiborne Parkway, Broadlands, Va. Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy (LWC) for a family program with Mike Hayslett-vernal pool expert and head of the Vernal Pool Institute at Sweet Briar College-for a discussion about vernal pools and their unique attributes. You’ll learn about the diversity of frogs, toads and salamanders and their interesting habitats. As you learn about them, you may discover that you have these special vernal pools right in your own neighborhood. Learn how your family can engage in monitoring and preserving these special habitats and the forests that are required for amphibian life to thrive. Nicole Hamilton, amphibian monitoring coordinator for LWC, will discuss the Loudoun Amphibian Monitoring Program and handout materials will be available. For questions, contact Nicole Hamilton at nhamilton@loudounwildlife.org.
SPRING POOLS INSTITUTE ? March 13, 14, 15. Registration Required. Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy welcomes back Mike Hayslett for his popular “crash-course” workshop on vernal pools. Hands-on training begins at 1 p.m. on Friday with background instruction indoors and examination outdoors of the unique wetland at the ANS Rust Nature Sanctuary in Leesburg. Saturday and Sunday will be all-day field explorations, including visits to numerous vernal pools and other isolated wetlands around Leesburg, at the Blue Ridge Center for Environmental Stewardship, and other vernal pools around Loudoun County. Optional night forays are also possible, depending on rainfall. Participants will receive take-home materials and spend ample time outdoors experiencing a variety of wetland habitats. The group will likely encounter four or five species of obligate wildlife fauna, including Spotted and Jefferson Salamanders, Wood Frogs and Fairy Shrimp. Cost for this three-day foray is $49 for LWC members, $69 for non-members (meals not included). Registration must be completed by March 10 and is limited to 20 participants. Full details (schedule/itinerary, what-to-bring, background info, etc.) will be provided upon registration with LWC. To register contact Nicole Hamilton at nhamilton@loudounwildlife.org.
BIRDING BANSHEE ? Saturday, March 14, 8:00 a.m. Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy and the Friends of Banshee Reeks at the Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve for the monthly bird walk. Because of its rich and varied habitat, this part of the county is a birding hot spot. Please bring binoculars. For more information, contact Joe Coleman at 540-554-2542 or jcoleman@loudounwildlife.org.
BEGINNING BIRDING WORKSHOP ? Saturday, March 21 & March 28, 9-11 a.m. This two-part workshop sponsored by Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy is for bird-watching beginners ages 7 and older and is led by experienced birder and naturalist, Phil Daley. Children must be accompanied by an adult. A classroom session will include learning about what to look and listen for and getting tips on identification and the best tools for doing so. This will be followed with a walk outside to see how many birds we can identify. Bring binoculars if you have them. For more information, contact Phil Daley at 540-338-6528.
LOUDOUN AMPHIBIAN MONITORING PROGRAM (LAMP) 2009 KICKOFF ? Saturday, March 21, 10 a.m-4 p.m. Registration Required. Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy at the Blue Ridge Center for Environmental Stewardship to kick off the 2009 Amphibian Monitoring Program. Learn about site surveys, frog call surveys and migration mapping. All the materials you need to get started will be issued and after the presentation, you’ll head out into the field to practice your identification skills by looking and listening for different frogs, toads and salamanders. No experience is needed to become a monitor, just an interest in learning about local amphibians and their habitats. Advance sign-up is required. To register
for this orientation, sign up online or contact Nicole Hamilton at nhamilton@loudounwildlife.org. Please bring a bag lunch.
SUNDAY IN THE PRESERVE
? Sunday, March 22 1 p.m. Join the Friends of Banshee Reeks and Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy for a free informal, family walk around the preserve. Search for the many natural wonders that make this such a special place. For information, call the Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve at 703-669-0316.
BIRDING THE BLUE RIDGE CENTER ? Saturday, March 28, 8 a.m. On the fourth Saturday of each month (except December), Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy leads a free bird walk at the Blue Ridge Center for Environmental Stewardship (BRCES). This beautiful 900-acre preserve is located on Harpers Ferry Road, Route 671, in northwestern Loudoun County. Only a few miles south of Harpers Ferry and the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers, the property includes meadows in the valley and heavily forested slopes on the Blue Ridge. Meet at the Neersville Volunteer Fire Station on Route 671 at 8 a.m. For more information,
contact Joe Coleman at 540-554-2542 or jcoleman@loudounwildlife.org.
BLUEBIRD PREDATOR GUARD/MAKE IT-TAKE IT WORKSHOP
? Saturday, March 28. Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy will teach you how to make your own Stovepipe Bluebird Predator Guards to help protect birds from snakes and other predators. All materials provided. Cost: $15 fee for materials required. Location and time TBD. Registration required. Sign up at http://www.loudounwildlife.org/SignUp.htm.
Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy is an all-volunteer non-profit organization whose mission is to promote the preservation and proliferation of healthy wildlife habitats throughout Loudoun County. Visit www.loudounwildlife.org or call 540-554-2542.
Council's secret cane toad abode
I don't see the reason for the secrecey, but think its good that they are giving the FrogWatch Toad-Busters a home.
We're being told to protect frogs in the Isle of Man by leaving spawn alone.
That's the message from the Department of Agriculture as the season arrives for spawning.
People are being reminded it's important frogs are allowed to reproduce in their natural sites as only one in 1,000 eggs will grow into an adult frog.
The Department also says if you move pond wildlife around the Island you risk the spread of disease.
A good piece of advice for anywhere!
NEWS RELEASE
The Center for North American Herpetology
Lawrence, Kansas
http://www.cnah.org
24 February 2009
Title: Hellbender Research Technician
Agency: Purdue University
Location: Corydon, Indiana
Job Description: Two technicians are needed from May through mid-November 2009.
Technicians will assist with field surveys for Hellbenders (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis) in
southern Indiana as well as in other states (e.g., North Carolina, Virginia, and
Pennsylvania). Tasks will include, but are not limited to: 1) surveying, 2) restraining and
handling hellbenders, 3) radio-tracking, 4) collecting and analyzing water quality and
hematology data, 5) sampling for aquatic macro-invertebrates and crayfish, and 6) data-
entry. Surveys will involve rock-flipping and snorkeling in shallow water to locate adult
and larval Hellbenders. Radio-tracking will be conducted from a kayak, canoe, or on foot.
Applications will be accepted through 31 March 2009, but positions will be filled as
suitable applicants are found. To apply submit a cover letter and resume with at least two
references via email to Shem Unger (see below).
Qualifications: Applicants should be able to work well both alone and in groups in varying
conditions. Applicants must be physically fit, able to swim, and capable of lifting at least
50 lbs because many days will consist of long periods of time lifting large rocks in the
river. A valid driver's license is required. Prior experience in the field is not necessary, but
experience using GPS, collecting and organizing data, and kayaking/canoeing is preferred.
Housing: A 29-foot trailer and an additional pop-up trailer will be provided at O'Bannon
Woods State Park. Restroom facilities (including shower) will be provided by the park.
During travel periods, a pop-up trailer will be provided, but successful applicants will be
responsible for their own subsistence.
Purdue University is an equal access/equal opportunity/affirmative action employer fully
committed to achieving a diverse workforce.
Salary: $9.00/hour
Last Date to Apply: Open until filled.
Contact: Shem Unger
sunger@purdue.edu
(765) 414-5435
Bullfrog man calls bull on theories about invasive amphibians
Personally, while I love the bullfrog, I am with Stan on this one. I don't see where control measures would keep them under control. I think total eradication is the only way to control these frogs. They lay 5000 eggs at a time, how can just culling the juveniles work?