Cane Toad Muster on the Radio
Mood:  happy
Topic: Articles

Open season on cane toads in NT

Here is the transcript of the radio interview with some of Australia's leaders in Toad removal, including Dingo Trainer (and friend to Wendell's Frog Blog) Sarah Fyffe. It sounds like they are making huge strides in keeping the amphibian assult at bay. Great job and good luck.

National Zoo has new display that includes a Japanese Giant Salamander
Mood:  a-ok
Topic: Articles

Giant Panda Habitat Home To 7 Species

If you ever get the opportunity to see one of these, it is amazing. Its like being featured in a nature film and monster movie at the same time. A five foot long salamander, and we think the Hellbender is huge. I had the chance to see a colony at the Detroit Zoo back in March on a behind the scenes tour. I would have happily stayed there and watched them all day. Here is a horrible picture I took there. Sorry about the quality, I could blame the camera, but it was all me.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Saving all the pieces: the need for private sector oversight of
Topic: Places to go
Agenda: 11 November 2006 Workshop

Johns Hopkins University
Room 03, Shaffer
Baltimore, Maryland

Saving all the pieces: the need for private sector oversight of
Maryland's natural diversity

A one-day workshop to advance citizens' involvement in the long-term
stewardship of our state's native biota.

Sponsored by The Ecosystem Recovery Institute and The Tortoise Reserve

8:00- 9:00 AM Registration, handouts, book displays

Introduction [C. J. Stine Session Chair]
9:00-9:15 AM Opening remarks (Dr. Charles J. Stine, John's Hopkins
University)
9:15-9:40 AM Keynote Address (Mark Steiner, WYTR Radio)
9:40-10:00 AM Why large Non-Government Conservation Organizations
fail to engage in local conservation issues. (Dr. Chris Haney,
Defenders of Wildlife)

10:00- 10:15 Break

The issues, a sampling of the foolishness and squandering [M. Hollins,
Session Chair]

10:15- 10:30 AM Extinct and Extirpated species in Maryland (Dave Lee,
The Tortoise Reserve)
10:30-10:45 Diamondback Terrapins, turtles with price tags (Margaret
Whilden, The Terrapin Institute)
10:45-11:00 Tiger Salamanders, another lost species? (Dr. Charles J.
Stine, Johns Hopkins University)
11:00-11:15 Horseshoe Crabs ; trying to breath with book gills in
ill-regulated waters. (to be announced)
11:15-11:30 to be announced
11:30-11:45 Limited trout (Jim Grace, Md. Brook Trout Alliance)

11:45-1:00 Lunch on your own with many of us going to Dizzy Issies
(other options explained at workshop)

Working examples of some working solutions, undoing the well intended
[Chris Swarth, Director Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary Session Chair]

1:00-1:15 PM Gopher Tortoise Wars, the State vs. common sense. (Ray
Ashton, Ashton Biological Reserve)
1:15-1:30 Project Bog Turtle (Dave Lee, The Tortoise Reserve)
1:30-1:45 The role of private land trusts in protecting rare species
(Mike Hollins, Ecosystem Recovery Institute)
1:45-2:00 to be announced

2:00-2:15 Break

Natural History education and public awareness, what was it, where did
it go? [D. S. Lee, Session Chair]

2:15-2:25 PM Nature education through public media (Jean Worthley;
Miss Jean of Hodge Podge Lodge)
2:25-2:40 Local Environmental Public Education, perspectives and
hindsight of below average students (Kevin Miskelly and Tessy
Brungardt, survivors of Towson High's biology program)
2:40-2:50 Raising conservation funds through local educational events
(Tim Hoen, MARS Preservation Fund)
2:50-3:00 The role of The Maryland Natural History Society in local
education and maintaining the State's scientific data base (Charley
Davis, Md Natural History Society)
3:00-3:15 How to get good media coverage for complex conservation
issues (Tom Horton, Baltimore Sun, retired)

3:15-3:30 Break

The Workshop
3:30-4:45 PM
[This is just to establish working-groups, except for some
generalities and committee organization it is not realistic to expect
these groups to complete complex task in a one day event. We will try
to have key people in each group and then allow the audience to work
with whatever group is the best fit for their interest and experience.]

Suggested working groups: [expect changes in these]
· Working with state and federal agencies,
· Working with legislative groups,
· Networking with conservation organizations on a grass roots level,
· How to improve existing systems,
· Holding agencies to be responsible,
· Getting nature back into the public eye.
· How can we actually help tiger salamanders: a case study
[These should become standing committees, brief end of workshop
reports from each to be presented.]

4:45-5:15 PM How can we form this workshop into an effective
conservation network? (Questions and comments from participants)

5:15-5:30 PM Concluding remarks (Where do we go from here?)

5:30 PM Adjourn for now. We will refocus from what we learned today
and regroup. This will be an ongoing conservation effort. Stay tuned.

7:30-9:30 Social hosted by Ecosystem Recovery Institute.

To register

The registration fee is $30. The total number of participants will be
limited to sixty. Registration will be on a first-come first-serve
basis. To register by mail send a check for $30 to MATTS, P. O. Box
22321, Baltimore, Maryland 21203. Include your name address phone
number and email address. Make checks out to "The Tortoise Reserve"
and identify then for JHU Workshop.

To register electronically email your name and address to
JHUworkshop@hotmail.com and pay your registration fee at the door.

Information concerning recommended places for lunch and dinner will be
provided at the meeting, as will the site of the after meeting social.
Hopkins does not allow food or drinks in the meeting room.

Frogs in Newsweek-Cover Story everywhere except US
Mood:  irritated
Topic: Articles

Why the Frogs Are Dying

Please don't get me wrong, I'm am very happy that Newsweek put out such a wonderful informative article about how Global Warming is effecting amphibians and other animals on a global scale. What irritates me is that it is more newsworthy for a politician to make inappropriate emails than the loss of entire class of animals in the United States. With our priorities so screwed up, its no wonder we have so many problems.

Fish vs Frogs
Topic: Articles

Trout stocking target of lawsuit While this case is sure to hold water, what will be allowed in that water is in question. Many of the stocked species are destroying native species, this is a proven reason of declines, but since much of the money used for conservation comes from the sportsmen, what will the outcome be? I have always been amazed at how someone will go ballistic about introduced red eared sliders and bullfrogs, because they are eating the fish they stocked the pond with. Or the same person is upset that bullfrog tadpoles are included with his shipment of non native fish. I see both sides, and don't know what the answer should be. I think its great this is going to court to have some professional decision makers look at the problem.

POWER of Conservation conference set for Oct. 13 in Ohio
Mood:  a-ok
Topic: Places to go

Get in touch with nature

Students are free; the cost for adults is $15 per person, including a continental breakfast, lunch from the Fox &Hound and workshop materials.

Reservations are required. Registration forms and information are available at www.StarkParks.com in “Hot Topics” or by calling 330-477-0448.

Registration is from 7:45-8:15 a.m.Workshops follow from 9:30 a.m.-3:15 p.m., with several choices in each time segment.

Many presenters including:

• “It’s Not Easy Being Green,” Amphibian Decline, Brandon Sheafor, Mount Union College; follow-up discussion with keynote speaker John M. Hoopingarner

 

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Stark Parks - Environmental Conference
Friday - October 13, 2006
R.G. Drage Career Education Center

---Environmental Conference Registration Deadline Extended to 10-10-06---

Water quality, Ohio plants and animals, and outdoor education will be the major topics of the Environmental Conference scheduled for Friday, October 13 at R.G. Drage Career Education Center. This all-day event is sponsored by the Stark County Park District, Malone College, Mt. Union College, Quail Hollow State Park, and the Stark County Educational Service Center. “The P.O.W.E.R. of Conservation” is open to the public, but may be of special interest to environmental professionals, nature enthusiasts, teachers and students. Cost is $15.00 per person including lunch. Students under age 18 or with a college ID are FREE. Reservations are required by October 5th. Call the Stark County Park District at (330) 477-0448 or visit www.starkparks.com for the required registration form and more information. For reserving your spot at the Environmental Conference click here To view the Environmental Conference brochure click here To view the Environmental Conference flyer click here

6000 more Cane Toads destroyed
Topic: Articles

6000 cane toads gassed

There is some debate in the comment section of this article, but I think any step in the right direction, regardless of the size is progress.

Will Orange County Hoppers feel effect of Illegal Dumping
Mood:  irritated
Topic: Articles

Orange County, DEC investigate illegal dump near Glenmere Lake

Even the mean, ugly nasty guys of Group W bench moved away when Arlo soid he was a litter bug! So much has been done to try to have a place for everything, why would anyone do this? To save a few bucks or a little paperwork?

Treefrog and other herps featured on Malaysian Stamps
Topic: Articles

Semi-Aquatic Animals On Pos Malaysia's Stamps From Oct 9

If you collect herp or wildlife stamps, check this out.

Amphibian impact from fish stocking
Topic: Articles

California Sued For Fish Stocking(2nd article on page)

While I have known that amphibians avoid water with fish and that stocking is part of the habitat loss problem, this is the first lawsuit I have heard of about the issue. It will be interesting to see how this plays out.

Toxic Avenger fights Army of Volunteers
Topic: Articles

Volunteer army tries to halt toxic toad invasion

Although the misuse of the term venomous in place of poisonous irritated me, its an informative article with a nice map. I also mentions that the toads have decreased the goanna population and that is allowing an increase in crocodile and sea turtle hatchlings. My guess is that these extra young will be most likely eaten by birds or some other predator and most will not reach reproductive maturity, but some surely will and as far as the sea turtles go, that is a great thing. Just as the toads are evolving to their new environment, so are are predators. It would not surprise me to hear in a few years of birds learning to flip them and eat them through the underside, just as the crows have learned with the exploding toads of Hamburg.

Maybe frogs CAN fly
Mood:  not sure
Topic: Articles

Frog-launching fun flies for science at CKA

What do you do with preserved frogs after the expiration date? This is not what I would do, but it does sound like fun. They used to have a pumpkin catupult contest here in Indiana each Halloween, I'll have to look into if they still do.

By Land and Sea...
Mood:  surprised
Topic: Articles

Toad invaders find their sea legs

If these guys figure out how to fly, we'll all be in trouble!

Why did the Chicken cross the road
Mood:  quizzical
Topic: Articles

The get to the Coqui frog sleeping in his daytime hiding spot.

 Wild chickens may help solve coqui frog problem

If frog legs taste like chicken, does that make this bird a wannabe cannibal?

Loss of Habitat equals lack of defense
Mood:  incredulous
Topic: Articles

Poison frogs less toxic when habitat degraded

I'm sure many of you already know that a poison dart frog kept in captivity is no longer poisonous because it lacks the essentials in its diet. This study has taken that to the next level, and found that frogs living in a disturbed environment are less toxic than frogs in a pristine habitat. This is because the insects available are different, which leave the frogs more vulnerable than their relatives in the "better part of town".

Cane toads good for Melons
Mood:  surprised
Topic: Articles

Cane toads helping to reduce feral pigs, insect numbers

This is an article I can't say I expected. According to this melon farmer, the toads greatly reduce the pest insects saving him lots of money in pesticides. They also control ferel pigs. Its nice to hear something good about the toads on occasion. This, well almost, is the reason they were released in Australia in the first place. In case anyone is interested, I just joined Myspace.com and was looking at some of the groups. There is an "I love Cane Toad" group and an "I hate Cane toad group", and even one for fans of the Cane Toad Documentary film.

Fall Virginia Herpetological Society Symposium
Topic: Welcome

Fall Virginia Herpetological Society Symposium

Announcement http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/VaHS/message/536
The Fall VHS symposium will be held on Saturday October 21, 2006 at Longwood
University in Farmville, Virginia. Anyone interested in learning more about
reptiles and amphibians are welcome to come to this free event. We will meet in
room G12 in Longwood's new science building.  Driving directions and a printable
campus map can be obtained from Longwood's
website...http://www.whylongwood.com/comevisit/directions.htm.

Preregistration is requested so that certificates for recertification points for
teachers and master naturalists can be filled out prior to the event. We would
also like to have a rough idea of how many people plan to attend. Please
preregister with Jason Gibson (frogman31@gmail.com). In addition to some fine
speakers we will have a live animal display, an auction of reptile and
amphibians related items, and a book signing with keynote speaker Michael
Dorcas. The VHS has purchased 30 Snakes of the Southeast books by Whitt Gibbons
and Michael Dorcas that are available for purchase at the event (books will be
sold at a discount). Email Susan Watson (Susan.Watson@dgif.virginia.gov) to
reserve your copy.
Any updated information will be posted on the VHS website
http://fwie.fw.vt.edu/VHS/.
If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to email Jason
Gibson(frogman31@gmail.com). Speaker List and Agenda9:00 – 9:45 - Kory Steele
and Bonnie Keller "Caring for Captive Amphibians and Reptiles."Concurrent
Session 9:00 – 11:00 Mike Clifford "GPS Workshop"9:55 – 10:25 – J.D. Kleopfer
"The History and Impacts of the Pet Turtle Trade, specifically the red-eared
slider"10: 35 – 11:05 - Kristen Cecala and Michael Dorcas "Effective Techniques
for Field Studies of Amphibians and Reptiles"11:05 – 12:00 – Photo contest, book
signing, auction, live animal displays.12:00 – 1:00 - Lunch at Longwood
Cafeteria. Lunch will be $5.59.  There are other restaurants to eat at but
Farmville has a 11.5 % taxon meals.1:00 – 1:45 – Keynote speaker presentation
Michael Dorcas "Impacts of Urbanization on Amphibians and Reptiles in the
Carolinas"2:00 – 2:30 - Norm Reichenbach, Doug Wynn, Carolyn Caldwell, Pete
Johantgen, Kristy Becka, Kristin Stanford, Gordon Burghardt "Chronological
account of the Restoration Program for the State endangered Plains Garter Snake
in Ohio2:35 – 3:00 – Joy Ware "The Role of Amphibians and Reptiles in
Conservation Medicine"3:05 – 3:35 - Jennifer Heemeyer "Evaluation of Visible
Implant Elastomer in Red-backed salamanders (Plethodon cinereus)."3:40 – 4:40 –
VHS Business MeetingVirginia Herpetological Society
http://fwie.fw.vt.edu/VHShttp://groups.yahoo.com/group/VaHS

Girl Scouts give herps a helping hand
Mood:  a-ok
Topic: Articles

New mission for Bay Area Girl Scouts

Its great to hear about large scale clean up projects, especially when most of the volunteers are youths. These girls and their families are doing a wonderful job and they are our future, and I find that very comforting.

Splash into Fall Festival was a Blast!
Mood:  happy
Topic: Articles

Yesterday was the Splash into Fall Festival at Camp Cullom near Frankfort Indiana. It was a load of fun. Unfortunately I experienced some technical difficulties with my camera (I think I may have dropped it too many times in the field) so I didn't get any photos. I was invited to set up a table with some live frogs, toads, salamanders and turtles and answer questions and talk about them. I was in the Wetland Discovery area. The weather sounded as if it might get a little ugly according to the meteorologist, but the day turned out to be beautiful. I had many people come check out the animals and some great questions and stories. My son caught a cricket frog (Acris crepitans) that we included in the display, and let go after wards. I also heard a spring peeper (Pseudacris crucifer) call during the day!?!? I think he forgot to flip a few months on his calendar! One of the Cub scouts that were there camping for the weekend found a small snake and brought it to show me. I'm pretty sure it is a midland brown snake (Storeria dekayi), but I still need to check a few more places. Speaking of snakes, "Snakehead Ed" Ferrer had two shows during the day. This was his first trip to Camp Cullom, and he sounds like he's ready to come back. He said he was very impressed by the event, the camp, the kids, he just had a wonderful day. I heard many of the kids talking about how great the shows were as well. Ed is also the president of the Hoosier Herpetological Society, as well a good friend that I go herping with when the opportunity arises. We recently went to Carbondale IL for the Midwest PARC meeting and got in a little herping while we were there. I'm starting to get away from the point here. The Splash into Fall Festival was put on by the Clinton County Soil and Water Conservation District. They did a superb job in the event. I was very impressed by the planning that went into this and the success of the day showed just how hard they worked. There were many crafts and games, a slide show about National Wildlife Federation's Backyard Wildlife Habitat program. There were also displays and activities about how wetlands work and how to protect our environment and waterways. Smokey Bear was even there. I am very excited to be able to say I was a small part of such a wonderful event. I can't wait until next year!

Madagascar at Risk of Chytrid
Mood:  don't ask
Topic: Articles

SA fungus could wipe out island frogs

A group did some tests and found no traces of BD (chytrid) in Madagascar. Many may find it surprising that this is a bad thing. If traces were found, it would mean it naturally belongs there and the local species would have evolved with it and been naturally immuned to it. Since it not there, it means if the fungus ever works its way into the environment, it will be certain death for many of the already endangered species. Lets keep our fingers and flippers crossed that this island stays the pristine paradise it has always been.