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Global Conservation Links
button link Save The Frogs Day- April 28, 2012
button link Save The Frogs!
button link Amphibian Specialist Group
button link Amphibian Ark
button link Frog Matters Posts from Amphibian Ark
button link Tree Walkers International (TWI)
button link DAPTF
button link PARC International
button link Amphibian Conservation Alliance
button link AmphibiaWeb
button link SSAR
button link Caudata.org
button link Amphibian Species of the World
button link Living Underworld: Amphibian Information Resource
button link Amphibian News
button link Save The Frogs

Africa
button link Caroline Aguti, Herpetologist Interview about Ugandan Frogs

Asia
button link Amphibians & Reptiles of Mainland SE Asia

Australia
button link Frog Decline Reversal Project, Inc. and Cairns Frog Hospital

Europe
button link FROGlife

North America
button link NAAMP
button link CNAH
button link The Hellbender Homepage
button link Tadpoles of the United States and Canada: A Tutorial and Key
button link Scientific and Common Names of the Reptiles and Amphibians of North America Explained
button link Project Golden Frog
button link Costa Rica Amphibian Research Center
button link Amphibian Rescue and Conservation Project (Panama)

Canada
button link Canadian Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Network
button link FrogWatch
button link BullfrogControl.com Inc.
button link The Alberta Reptile and Amphibian Society
button link Alberta Volunteer Amphibian Monitoring Program
button link Herp Information Society of Saskatchewan
button link Westcoast Society for the Ptotection and Conservation of Reptiles
button link Nova Scotia Herpetoculture Society
button link Montreal Herpetological Association
button link Ontario Herpetofaunal Summary Atlas

Mexico
button link Costa Rican Amphibian Research Center
button link Fauna of Mexico - Amphibians

United States (National Links)
button link National Amphibian Atlas
button link Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (PARC)
button link Frogwatch USA
button link Amphibian Malformations and Declines
button link NBII- Amphibians page
button link ASIH

North East (Regional Links)
button link NE PARC
button link New England Herpetological Society
button link Northeast Herpetofaunal Species
button link Habitat and Management Guidelines for NE

Midwest (Regional Links)
button link MW PARC
button link Frog Calls...an evolving webumentary
button link The Herp Center
button link Habitat and Management Guidelines for MW

South (Regional Links)
button link SEPARC
button link SWPARC

West (Regional Links)
button link NorthWest Herptile Keepers Association
button link Pacific Northwest Herpetological Society
button link Pacific Nortwest Amphibian and Reptile Consortium

AL Alabama
button link Auburn Herpetological Society

AK Alaska
button link Frogs and Toads of Alsaka
button link Alaska Wood Frog Monitoring Project

AZ Arizona
button link Arizona Herpetological Association
button link Tucson Herpetological Society

AR Arkansas
button link Arkansas Herpetological Society

CA California
button link The Bay Area Amphibian and Reptile Society
button link The North Bay Herpetological Society
button link Northern California Herpetological Society
button link San Diego Herpetological Society
button link Southwestern Herpetologists Society
button link Freshwater Sport Fishing Regulations (Amphibians)

CO Colorado
button link Colorado Herpetological Society
button link Key to the Amphibians of Colorado

CT Connecticut
button link Connecticut Amphibians

DE Delaware
button link DAMP- Delaware Amphibian Monitoring Program

DC District of Columbia

FL Florida
button link The Calusa Herpetological Society of Southwest Florida
button link Florida Herp Laws
button link Central Florida Herpetological Society
button link Jacksonville Herpetological Society
button link Suncoast Herpetological Society
button link Sawgrass Herpetological Society of Broward County, Florida

GA Georgia
button link The Frogs and Toads of Georgia
button link Amphibian Species of Georgia

HI Hawaii

ID Idaho

IL Illinois
button link Chicago Wilderness Habitat Project Frog/Toad Monitoring
button link Chicago Herpetological Society
button link Herps of Illinois
button link Illinois Herp Regulations and list of endangered, threatened and species of special concern

IN Indiana
button link Hoosier Herpetological Society
button link ToadTimes Newsletter
button link Frogs and Toads of Indiana (DNR)
button link INAMP
button link Indiana Herp Regulations and Species List
button link Herp Indiana
button link Camp Cullom - Clinton County

IA Iowa
button link Iowa Herpetological Society

KS Kansas
button link Kansas Anuran Monitoring Program (KAMP)
button link Kansas Herpetological Society

KY Kentucky
button link Kentucky Herpetological Society
button link Kentucky Herp Laws and Regulations
button link Kentucky frogs and toads
button link Kentucky Frog Loggers
button link Frogs of Kentucky Ringtones

LA Lousiana
button link Louisiana Gulf Coast Herpetological Society

ME Maine
button link Maine Herpetological Society
button link Maine Amphibian Monitoring Program

MD Maryland
button link Eastern Shore Herpetological Society
button link Mid-Atlantic Reptile Show (MARS)

MA Massachusetts
button link New England Herpetological Society

MI Michigan
button link Michigan Society of Herpetologists
button link F/T Monitoring in the Rouge Watershed
button link Michigan Reptiles and Amphibians

MN Minnesota
button link A Thousand Friends of Frogs
button link Minnesota Frog & Toad Calling Survey (MFTCS)
button link Minnesota Herpetological Society
button link Frogs for Kids

MS Mississippi
button link Mississippi Herpetological Atlas

MO Missouri
button link Missouri Herpetological Association
button link Kansas City Herpetological Society
button link Mid Missouri Herpetological Society
button link St. Louis Herpetologial Society

MT Montana

NE Nebraska
button link Nebraska Herpetological Society

NV Nevada

NH New Hampshire

NJ New Jersey

NM New Mexico
button link New Mexico Herpetological Society

NY New York
button link Long Island Herpetological Society
button link Upstate Herpetological Association
button link Western New York Herpetological Society

NC North Carolina
button link North Carolina Herpetological Society
button link Frogs and Toads of North Carolina
button link NC CASP (Calling Amphibian Survey Program)
button link Frogs and Toads of NC book/CD
button link NC PARC (Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation)

ND North Dakota

OH Ohio
button link OhioAmphibians.com
button link NOAH
button link Greater Cincinnati Herpetological Society
button link Greater Dayton Herpetological Society
button link Ohio Herp Regulations

OK Oklahoma
button link Amphibians and Reptiles in Oklahoma

OR Oregon

PA Pennsylvania
button link Northeast Pennsylvania Herpetological Society
button link Philadelphia Herpetological Society
button link Pennsylvania Online Herpetological Atlas

RI Rhode Island

SC South Carolina
button link Frogs and Toads Found in South Carolina

SD South Dakota

TN Tennessee
button link The Frogs and Toads of Tennessee
button link Tennessee Herpetological Society
button link Salamanders of Tennessee
button link TAMP
button link Froghaven Farm

TX Texas
button link Texas Herpetological Society
button link West Texas Herpetological Society
button link East Texas Herpetological Society
button link South Texas Herpetological Society
button link Dallas-Ft. Worth Herpetological Society

UT Utah

VT Vermont

VA Virginia
button link Virginia Herpetological Society

WA Washington

WV West Virginia

WI Wisconsin
button link Wisconsin Herpetological Society
button link Amphibians of Wisconsin

WY Wyoming

South America
button link Operation Atelopus
button link Yeager's Frogs

Kid's Links
button link FROGSTER-Video Game
button link Frog Coloring Pages
button link Amphibian Word Search
button link Froggyville Jokes and Games
button link Frogland!
button link Frogs for Kids

Other Links
button link Online Frog Dissection
button link Toe-Clipping of Frogs and Toads
button link Collection of Blood Samples From Adult Amphibians
button link Herp Job Opportunities

Contact Me
button link Email address in Profile
button link "Wendell's Frog Page" Myspace

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Wendell's Frog Blog
Friday, 22 February 2008
Amphibian Expert Robin Moore is Talking Frogs, Toads, and Slimy Creatures- Online Chat
Mood:  sharp
Topic: Media

Amphibian Expert Robin Moore is Talking Frogs, Toads, and Slimy Creatures

Wednesday, February 27
1 p.m. EST
http://www.conservation.org/cilive

Did you know wood frogs can freeze themselves solid, thaw out, and then hop away unscathed? With Leap Day upon us, it seems only appropriate to get a jump on the weird and wonderful lives of frogs, toads, and other fascinating amphibians.

Robin Moore, CI’s resident amphibian expert, is happy to help (any excuse to talk frogs!) and will hold a live chat to field your questions about toads, salamanders, and all their brethren. Join us Wednesday, February 27 in discussing the importance of amphibians - nearly 1 in 3 species face extinction - and learn some interesting tadpole tidbits at the same time.

>> Submit your questions for Moore now, and tune in Wednesday, February 27 at 1 p.m. EST to participate live.

>> Impress your friends with fun facts about frogs and toads, and check out our cool photo gallery.

>> Take our Amphibian Quiz to see how much you already know.


Posted by wendellsfrogblog at 9:22 AM EST
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Thursday, 21 February 2008
Cajun Chorus Frog-newest US discovered species
Mood:  a-ok
Topic: Articles

Chorus frog is Kansan's big find

a great article and also a soound byte of the Cajun Chorus Frog's call!


Posted by wendellsfrogblog at 9:10 AM EST
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How you can help frogs toads in the UK
Mood:  special
Topic: Articles

Sign up for Frogwatch

Anyone interested in helping is asked to get in touch with the Conservators on 01684 892002


 

 HELP OUR TOADS CROSS THE ROAD -check out the toad crossing sign, awesome!

For more information, visit www.derbyshirearg.co.uk or www.herpconstrust.org.uk .


Posted by wendellsfrogblog at 9:03 AM EST
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African Frog speaker Feb. 26 at the Ridge Audubon Society, Lakeland,FL
Mood:  sharp
Topic: Places to go

 

 Frog Expert to Speak Feb. 26

Wayne Hill, who spent three years in Africa, will make a presentation about African frogs, including sighs and sounds, Feb. 26 at the Ridge Audubon Society.

Hill is a specialist in several species. Besides frogs, he has studied turtles and poisonous snakes.

The evening will start at 6 p.m. with a potluck dinner, followed by the program at 7 p.m.

Ridge Audubon Center is at 200 N. Crooked Lake Drive.

For more information, call 863-638-1355 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday.


Posted by wendellsfrogblog at 8:58 AM EST
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News Flash, Habitat loss is causing amphibian declines!
Mood:  mischievious
Topic: Articles

Habitat loss drives decline in amphibians

Rainforest fragmentation affects reptiles and amphibians


Wow, if we take away somethings home, it can't live anymore? Who would have thunk! But seriously, this is a much bigger problem than most think. Go to the Hoosier Herpetological Society Message board and vote for the cause you think is having the greatest effect on amphibian declines. http://hoosierherpsociety.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=252 


Posted by wendellsfrogblog at 8:49 AM EST
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Illinois "Frog Lady" teaches kids about herps
Mood:  happy
Topic: Articles

Frog Lady teaching students about reptiles and amphibians

Keep up the great work Deb Krohn! A Web footed salute to you.


Posted by wendellsfrogblog at 8:43 AM EST
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DO NOT EAT THE BROWN SALAMANDER!
Mood:  don't ask
Topic: Articles

Missing man found in Mendocino


Please, Please Please...if you are going out into the wilderness for whatever reason, have an idea of whats out there and the Do's and Don'ts. Stories like these do nothing to help the plight of amphibians. Yes some salamanders can kill you if you eat them. So don't eat them! 


Posted by wendellsfrogblog at 8:35 AM EST
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Toronto Editorial on Amphibian Declines
Mood:  cheeky
Topic: Articles

Forget the cute and cuddly on the endangered species list. Our friends the frogs and toads are starting to croak

Nice article, witty and informative.


Posted by wendellsfrogblog at 8:27 AM EST
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Free Access Online Herp Journal-Herpetological Conservation and Biology Volume 3?
Mood:  incredulous
Topic: Media
Herpetological Conservation and Biology, a free online journal and PARC partner, is now in its third volume with release of Issue 1 for 2008 late Monday night (February 18th).  Please feel free to check out HCB and its articles on the ecology, life history, conservation, and management of Amphibians and Reptiles. The journal is open access and freely available at http://www.herpconbio.org.

The current issue is 127 pages:

Brodman, R. (editorial) Announcement of the international symposium on natural history and conservation of amphibians and reptiles. HCB 3:i-ii.

Miller, B.T., and M.L Niemiller. Distribution and relative abundance of Tennessee cave salamanders (Gyrinophilus palleucus and Gyrinophilus gulolineatus) with an emphasis on Tennessee populations. HCB 3:1-20.

Blanvillain, G., L.D. Wood, A.B. Meylan, and P.A. Meylan. Sex ratio prediction of juvenile Hawksbill Sea Turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) from South Florida, USA.  HCB 3:21-27.

Fellers, G.M., K.L. Pope, J.E. Stead, M.S. Koo, and H.H. Welsh, Jr. Turning population trend monitoring into active conservation: can we save the cascades frog (Rana cascadae) in the Lassen Region of California?  HCB
3:28-39.  (and see associated gallery of photos!).

Tripathy, B. and B. Pandav. Beach fidelity and internesting movements of Olive Ridley Turtles (Lipidochelys olivacea) at Rushikulya, India. HCB 3:46-54.

Ribeiro, L.B., S.C. Gomides, A.O. Santos, and B.M. Sousa. Thermoregulatory behavior of the saxicolous lizard, Tropidurus torquatus (Squamata, Tropiduridae), in a rocky outcrop in Minas Gerais, Brazil. HCB 3:63-70.

Lemckert, F., and M. Mahony. Core calling periods of the frogs of temperate New South Wales, Australia. HCB 3:71-76.

Glista, D.J., T.L. DeVault, and J.A. DeWoody. Vertebrate road mortality predominantly impacts amphibians. HCB 3:77-87.

Voris, H.K., D.R. Karns, K.A. Feldheim, B. Kechavarzi, and M. Rinehart. Multiple paternity in the oriental-australian rear-fanged watersnakes (Homalopsidae). HCB 3:88-102.

Nussear, K.E., T.C. Esque, J.S. Heaton, M.E. Cablk, K.K. Drake, C. valentin, J.L. Yee, and P.A. Medica. Are wildlife detector dogs or people better at finding Desert Tortoises? HCB 3:103-115. (see associated gallery
of photos!).
Johnson, J.E., S.F. Belmont, and R.S. Wagner. DNA Barcoding as a means to identify organisms associated with amphibian eggs. HCB 3:116-127.

CONTACT:
Malcolm L. McCallum
Assistant Professor of Biology
Editor Herpetological Conservation and Biology
http://www.herpconbio.org
malcolm.mccallum@tamut.edu
malcolm.mccallum@herpconbio.org

Posted by wendellsfrogblog at 8:15 AM EST
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Ohio Zoos using Frog Mascots to educate about amphibian declines
Mood:  a-ok
Topic: Articles

Is there room in Northeast Ohio for two frog mascots?

I don't know which I like better! They both rock. I do like the idea in the comments about a battle though. Call it "Amphibian Gladiators" and have it a jousting match ontop of a giant padded lilly pad. May the best frog win!


Posted by wendellsfrogblog at 8:12 AM EST
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A Huge Frog Story in the Year of the Frog (literally)
Mood:  surprised
Topic: Articles

Possible the largest frog to have ever graced this Earth with its presence.


Its name, Beelzebufo ampinga, came from Beelzebub, the Greek for devil, and bufo, Latin for toad. Ampinga means shield, named after an armour-like part of its anatomy.

Beelzebufo (pronounced bee-el-zeh-BOOF-oh) was 41 centimetres long and weighed an estimated 4.5 kilograms.


For all you non-metric people, thats about 16 inches long and 10 lbs! Thats one big frog. The largest frog is considered to be the Goliath Frog from Cameroon at about 12 inches long and up to 7 lbs, though a Cane Toad was found last year weighing in at 8 lbs.


'Devil' frog ate dinos for breakfast

Ancient "devil frog" may have eaten baby dinosaurs

Scientists find fossil of 'frog from hell' in Madagascar

Scientists discover 'giant fossil frog from hell' - Evidence suggests late Cretaceous period South America-Madagascar link

"Frog From Hell" Fossil Located

Fossil of Giant "Devil Frog" Discovered


How about that for some awesome headlines? I do find it odd that this discovery brings into question what we thought we knew about ancient geography, but they can still be certain that its origin is HELL! An armored frog with teeth, that would certainly make amphibian monitoring a bit more dangerous. Its great this is become a global story, I have received emails and article clippings from many friends and family. Hopefully this will get everyone thinking about frogs for leap day, even if it is snowing outside their window like mine.


Posted by wendellsfrogblog at 8:07 AM EST
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Monday, 18 February 2008
Volunteers needed frog chorus surveys in Maryland?
Mood:  sharp
Topic: Out in the Field
Volunteers are needed to conduct North American Amphibian Monitoring
Program (NAAMP) roadside frog chorus surveys in Maryland. The
surveys are run 3 times a year starting in March and ending by July.
The surveys start about ½ hour after sunset and take about 2 to 3
hours to conduct. A survey route is about 15 miles long and has 10
stops. At each stop, the volunteer listen for 5 minutes and records
on a data sheet the species heard calling. No experience is needed.
I will provide a CD of Maryland Frog Calls and provide training on
how to identify frog calls. Historically we have 19 species of frogs
in Maryland. Please contact me if you are interested in
participating.

Thanks,
Wayne Hildebrand
Maryland Calling Amphibian Coordinator
301-845-6582
wayneh@netstorm.net

NAAMP Website:
http://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/naamp/

Posted by wendellsfrogblog at 9:25 PM EST
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Indiana NAAMP Training Dates
Mood:  sharp
Topic: Places to go

I wanted to let everyone know that we have now scheduled five training sessions for the NAAMP program.  The training sessions will be held in locations scattered across Indiana.  The trainings will be held at the following locations: All dates 2-4pm.

 

1.   February 9, 2008.

Sugar Ridge FWA

2310 E. SR 364

Winslow, IN 47598

 

2.   February 10, 2008.

Falls of the Ohio SP.

201 W. Riverside Dr.

Clarksville, IN 47129

 

3. February 16, 2008.

Atterbury FWA

7970 S. Rowe St. PO Box 3000

Edinburgh, IN 46124

 

4. February 23, 2008

Fish and Wildlife NE Regional Office

1353 South Governors Drive
Columbia City, IN 46725

 

5.  February 24, 2008.

Kankakee FWA

4320 W. Toto Rd, PO Box 77

North Judson, IN 46366

 

We are still looking to fill a number of routes throughout the state.  If you know of anyone interested in helping out with the NAAMP project, please let them know of the trainings. 


Posted by wendellsfrogblog at 9:19 PM EST
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Ohio Amphibian Research and Conservation Conference
Mood:  sharp
Topic: Places to go
Ohio Amphibian Research and Conservation Conference
Date: 15 March 2008

Location: Ohio Historical Society, Columbus, Ohio

Only 1 month left to register for the Ohio Amphibian Research and Conservation Conference (formally the Ohio DAPTF).  Co-sponsored by The Ohio Division of Wildlife and the Ohio Biological Survey, presentations will highlight recent research and amphibia! n conservation efforts in Ohio

In addition, we are pleased to announce our keynote speaker, Dr. Jim Bogart, professor emeritus at the University of Guelph, who will be speaking on Ohio's Unisexual Ambystoma salamanders.   The registration fee is only $20 ($10 for students) and includes lunch if you register before 22 February.

For more information, including a draft program, presentation abstracts, and registration, go to:
http://www.ohioamphibians.com/meeting/index.html

OHIO AMPHIBIAN RESEARCH AND CONSERVATION CONFERENCE

P.O. BOX 21370 • COLUMBUS, OHIO • 43221-0370

PHONE: 614-457-8787 • FAX: 614-457-6005 • E-Mail: Ohiobiosurvey@rrohio.com

Frogs & Toads -- Salamanders & Newts

March 15, 2008

Sponsored by the Ohio Division of Wildlife & Ohio Biological Survey

REGISTRATION FORM (.pdf - Click here) - print doublesided

NEW: PROGRAM AND ABSTRACTS (Click here)

Formerly the Ohio Working Group of the Declining Amphibian Populations Taskforce (DAPTF), this 4th meeting will take place on March 15, 2008 at the The Ohio Historical Society, 1982 Velma Avenue (intersection of I-71 and E. 17th Avenue). Directions are given below.

Invited speakers from the Midwest will present findings of recent research and conservation projects involving Ohio's frogs, toads, and salamanders. In addition, we are pleased to announce our keynote speaker, Dr. Jim Bogart, Professor Emeritus at the University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada, presenting "Unisexual Ambystomid Salamanders in Ohio." If you are interested in learning more about Ohio's amphibians and networking with other herpetologists and naturalists, then be sure to reserve this date and register for this meeting. A limited number of spaces are available for those wishing to present posters relevant to the conference topic.

The Conference will start with setup and registration at 8:30 AM. Paper presentations will commence at 9:00 AM. The auditorium and a display area will be available for oral and poster presentations, respectively. A box lunch will be provided as part of the regular registration fee of $20 ($10 for students). Registrations received after February 22, 2008 and on-site registration fees are the same, but with no lunch. The Conference concludes at 5 PM.

Please let others know about this conference. We hope to see you there!

REGISTRATION FORM (.pdf Click here) - print doublesided

NEW: PROGRAM AND ABSTRACTS (Click here)


Posted by wendellsfrogblog at 8:42 PM EST
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Wildlife Biologist Intern Position - Blanding's Turtles
Mood:  special
Topic: Out in the Field
Temporary Position: 6 months
Location: Grayslake, IL
Wage: $9.00 - 13.00/hr
Application deadline: March 7, 2008

The Wildlife Biologist Intern will be assisting with a Blanding's
turtle research project throughout Lake County. Will aid in all
aspects of data collection including, locating turtles via radio-
telemetry and environmental conditions at each location (weather and
soil parameters, water quality, canopy cover, dominant vegetation
types, water levels, etc.). Will be responsible for maintaining
equipment including traps, nets, radio telemetry equipment, nest
protection fencing, and remotely triggered digital cameras. Duties
will also include assisting with headstarting efforts and predator
surveys such as locating nests and eggs, transporting eggs to the
headstart facility, documenting nest predation and conducting scent
station surveys. May also assist with data entry.

EXPERIENCE:
Two years of course work in biology, ecology or a related field with
an interest in herpetology. Familiarity with radio telemetry and
turtle trapping is encouraged. Ability to swim and a strong comfort
level around water is required. Ability to work in inclement weather
conditions is required. Must posses a valid drivers license.

HOW TO APPLY AND APPLICATION DEADLINES:
Interest in Forest Preserve employment can be indicated by
submitting a resume or completed Forest Preserve employment
application. Applications are available at WWW.LCFPD.ORG or Lake
County Forest Preserve District, Human Resources Department, 2000 N.
Milwaukee Avenue. Libertyville, IL 60048, 847/367-6640.

Applications are accepted only for posted positions. Complete a job
interest card for other positions for which you are interested. The
card will be kept on file for six months pending an opening, and
will be mailed to you should an opening occur.

LAKE COUNTY FOREST PRESERVE DISTRICT GENERAL INFORMATION:
The Lake County Forest Preserve District was created in 1958 and
provides over 25,600-acres in a county-wide system of natural,
cultural and recreational resources. Governed under Illinois law as
a special purpose unit of government, the mission of the Forest
Preserve District is to preserve a dynamic and unique system of
diverse natural and cultural resources, and to develop innovative
educational, recreational and cultural opportunities of regional
value, while exercising environmental and fiscal responsibility.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER
Posting Date: January 24, 2008


National Gold Medal Grand Award Winner...Best in America

Posted by wendellsfrogblog at 8:33 PM EST
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First Annual Northwest PARC meeting, 26-27 February 2008, Missoula, MT?
Mood:  sharp
Topic: Places to go
The first Northwest PARC annual meeting has been scheduled! Please also
see the "Call For..." below!

The meeting is being held in conjunction with the Society for
Northwestern Vertebrate Biology (SNVB) and Montana Chapter of The
Wildlife Society (MT-TWS) joint meeting.
LOCATION: Holiday Inn Parkside, Missoula, MT
DATES: Tuesday 26 February - Wednesday 27 February 2008 (just under a
month from now!)

REGISTRATION AND LODGING: Registration for the NW PARC meeting (a
workshop within the joint meeting) is $75 for professionals and $30 for
students. This includes lunch on Tuesday, all breaks on Tuesday and
Wednesday, a hosted mixer with snacks and beverages on Monday and
Tuesday evenings, and viewings of herp-themed films from the
International Wildlife Film Festival on Monday and Tuesday nights.
-- See http://www.parcplace.org/regionalupdates.html#northwest for the
online registration link, lodging, and additional NW PARC meeting
details.

AGENDA: A draft agenda will soon be posted on the above website!
Topics will include the ReGAP project, NRCS Conservation Program
opportunities in the Farm Bill, and State- and Province-based updates on
herpetological conservation issues and activities from across the
region. There are still two open slots in the agenda! See below for
further information.
-- In addition, other partners have planned a special session on ranid
reintroductions and recovery efforts for Wednesday 27 February evening
from 7 - 9 pm MT. , specifically with respect to northern leopard frogs
and Oregon spotted frogs. There is no additional registration fee for
attending this session.

CALL FOR:
-- TALKS! Two 20-minute slots in the agenda are available! We are
seeking, in particular, talks which demonstrate success stories in
amphibian and (better yet) reptile conservation through partnerships,
such as with industry (timber, energy, pet, etc.), local landowners,
Departments of Transportation, or other "non-traditional" partnerships.
Please contact Priya Nanjappa Mitchell (pnanjappa@fishwildlife.org) if
you can provide (or know of someone who can provide) such a talk!
-- NW PARC co-chair nominations! Co-chairs will be elected at the
meeting - if you would like to nominate someone (including yourself),
please send names and e-mail addresses to interim Chair Dede Olson
(dedeolson@fs.fed.us). See
http://www.parcplace.org/documents/PARC_RWG_co_chairs_duties_FINAL.doc
for a description of duties.
-- Regional Steering Committee member nominations! During the meeting,
we hope to assemble a regional Steering Committee. These people will
serve as a regional advisory team to assist the co-chairs with
agenda-building for subsequent annual meetings, help to track the
progress of regional Task Teams by liaising with Task Team Leaders,
evaluate items brought to the region via the PARC Joint National
Steering Committee, and related activities. Time commitment is
typically 2-4 hours per month in planning conference calls and e-mails.
The makeup of the Steering Committee, ideally, is reflective of PARC's
makeup, and includes state, federal, NGO, academic, and industry
representatives, but anyone who is willing will not be turned away! If
you would like to nominate Regional Steering Committee members
(including yourself), please send names to interim Chair Dede Olson
(dedeolson@fs.fed.us).

Please contact Bryce (bmaxell@mt.gov), Dede (dedeolson@fs.fed.us), or
Priya Nanjappa Michell (pnanjappa@fishwildlife.org) should any
meeting-related questions arise. Feel free to forward this message to
your colleagues and friends.

Hope to see you in Missoula!

Posted by wendellsfrogblog at 8:30 PM EST
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2008 Southeastern Ecology and Evolution Conference Florida State University Call For Abstracts?
Mood:  sharp
Topic: Places to go
Florida State University will host the 2008 Southeastern Ecology and
Evolution Conference and is announcing a call for abstracts for
presentations of research. This is a scientific symposium aimed at
graduate, post-doctoral, and undergraduate researchers in the fields
of ecology, systematics, and evolutionary biology. The conference
will be held on the campus of Florida State University on March 28-30, 2008.


Abstract Submission Information

Researchers interested in presenting posters or 15-minute talks are
invited to submit abstracts pertaining to:
- Animal Behavior
- Conservation
- Ecology
- Evolution
- Functional Morphology
- History and Philosophy of Science
- Systematics


The deadline for the early registration and submission of abstracts
is Friday, February 29, 2008. The final date to submit abstracts is
Friday March 14, 2008 at 5:00 PM, EST. Please submit your abstract
along with registration at the SEEC website, found at
<http://bio.fsu.edu/~eerdg/seec/>http://bio.fsu.edu/~eerdg/seec/.

Abstracts should be limited to 250 words, and please include any
primary and co-authors as well as session preference. Information
about poster and talk requirements is available on the SEEC
website. Early registration fees for the meeting are $15; late
registration fees are $35.


Please contact David McNutt
(<mailto:dmcnutt@bio.fsu.edu>dmcnutt@bio.fsu.edu) for questions
regarding registration or abstract submission, or general questions
about SEEC to Amanda Buchanan
(<mailto:abuchanan@bio.fsu.edu>abuchanan@bio.fsu.edu) or Eric Jones
(ejones@bio.fsu.edu).

Posted by wendellsfrogblog at 8:27 PM EST
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Saturday, 12 January 2008
Contest could give $50,000 to help with amphibian conservation
Mood:  incredulous
Topic: Articles

Children's Eternal Rainforest needs prize winnings to save endangered frogs only found in the preserve.

http://www.prlog.org/10045236-only-environmental-group-with-chance-to-win-50-000-contest-fights-for-survival.html

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(PRLog.Org)Jan 11, 2008 – 20 years ago a small classroom of kids in Sweden decided to raise money to protect rainforest by holding a bake sale. Today, over 54,000 acres have been sucessfully protected in what is now the largest private preserve in Central America. This land is known as the Children's Eternal Rainforest. Supporters of the cause are fighting to survive as the only remaining environmental organization that has a chance to win a $50,000 award. The contest is called the Causes Giving Challenge, and is sponsored by Facebook and the Case Foundation. It runs through February 1, 2008, and awards the non-profit group that gets the most individual donations with the grand prize.

Supporters of the Children's Eternal Rainforest are excited for the opportunity to save endangered tree frogs living in their preserve. If they win the grand prize, the money will be used to help protect a species of frog that was thought extinct - Lithobates vibicarius. A new population of this frog was recently found by researchers in the preserve. This discovery has given activists new hope that the fight against global warming and loss of biodiversity can be won.

Environmental children's book author and illustrator Kristin Joy Pratt-Serafini entered the group into the contest, inspired by the release of her latest book, The Forever Forest: Kids Save a Tropical Treasure (Dawn Publications, 2008). The book tells the true story of how the Children's Eternal Rainforest was created.

"Concern for the Children's Eternal Rainforest inspired me to make my first book," Kristin says. "I hope this contest inspires a new generation of environmental leaders. I've learned to never underestimate the power of motivated youth. With this contest, Facebook just 'friended' the forest."

Rachel Crandell, the founder of Monteverde Conservation League, U.S. says "Participants in this contest are helping ensure the endangered animals in the Children's Eternal Rainforest will be protected forever."

The Children's Eternal Rainforest Cause page can be viewed here: http://apps.facebook.com/causes/view_cause/53587

The Causes Giving Challenge leader board can be found here: http://apps.facebook.com/causes/giving

About the Children's Eternal Rainforest
Swedish school children started a worldwide effort in 1987 by sending money to Monteverde, Costa Rica to purchase rain forest and protect its priceless natural treasures forever. Today children from 44 nations have helped The Children's Eternal Rainforest (http://www.mclus.org) become the largest private reserve in Central America, 54,000 acres.

# # #

About MCLUS:
Monteverde Conservation League US, Inc., founded in April 2002, was formed primarily to support the work and programs of the Monteverde Conservation League (MCL) in Monteverde, Costa Rica which owns and maintains 54,000+ acres of the Bosque Eterno de Los Niños (Children’s Eternal Rain Forest). Our goal is to aid the MCL and other organizations in their efforts "to support the conservation and rehabilitation of tropical ecosystems and their biodiversity."

# # #


*WFB notes: Lithobates is the new taxa for many frogs formerly known as Rana.


Posted by wendellsfrogblog at 9:21 AM EST
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Friday, 11 January 2008
Central Indiana FrogWatchers meeting review
Mood:  a-ok
Topic: Articles
Wednesday was a great meeting of the Central Indiana FrogWatchers (CIFW) www.myspace.com/cifw . Our first meeting of 2008, the Year of the Frog www.yearofthefrog.org had a fair turnout, but by far the fartherst travel to any meeting. We had several new faces wanting to learn how to help the frogs of their community. Todd Pierson was the guest speaker and did a superb job. His topic was "Indiana Field Herping" and he explained the different types of field heping, and also talked about photographing amphibians and reptiles. He has some fantastic pictures, most of in Indiana, though he has herped throughout the country and even in Europe. His photos have been showcased at the Zion Nature Center and he has been voted Field Herper of the Month by www.fieldherperforum.com . He and his friend Andrew Coffman are working on a new website that will have every amphibian and reptile in Indiana, complete with photos and natural history for each. Don't be surprised when Todd's pictures are on the cover of wildlife publications. We have a great lineup of speakers for the Year of the Frog, so please try to check out a meeting and see how easy and fun it can be to help conserve frogs and toads. Thanks to Todd and to all that came out to the meeting. Hoppy Herping!

Posted by wendellsfrogblog at 2:23 PM EST
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Amphibian Chimeras
Mood:  mischievious
Topic: Out in the Field

I think I may have made a discovery that is unknown to science, at least I have not found any literature on this. Let me explain my discovery and tell me what you think. This was my first day of herping for 2008 and it was great to get out and streatch my legs. I went to Bryan Woods after hearing reports of other Hoosier Herpers finding many species of salamanders and frogs and had high expectations. I also went to Camp Cullom for some herping before the Central Indiana FrogWatchers meeting that evening. While I did see my first countable herp, it was unfortunatley dead. A bullfrog tadpole had washed ashore near the dam. I will explain the schene at Bryan Woods and let me if anyone has ever experienced somrthing similar.

 

1/9/08 1pm-2pm Temperature about 40degrees F It was partly cloudy with much rain in the last 2 days

Under a log, half round with approx diameter of 10 inches, I saw the tail and counted a few costal ridges of what I believed to be a smallmouth salamander (Ambystoma texanum). I watched for a few seconds trying to decide if I should try for a picture where it was, or grab and measure it first and then stage a shot. I decided to go for the grab. I held the log up with my leg, balanced my Furmont Stump Ripper on my other leg and slowly went in fot the capture. right as I was about to put my fingers on it, it changed right in front of my eyes. By the time I got a hold of it, it had went from the animal form of a smallmouth salamander to the plant for of a bur oak leaf that was wet and curled to the exact shape of a salamander tail. The costal grooves had changed into leaf veins.

This could very well explain why salamanders are so hard to find throughout the year. During the brreding season, they are pre-occupied to worry about their special form of evolutionary camoflauge. I am pretty sure I have also seen this in a few species of frogs, and even turtles. I have tracked a frog, been very sly getting the dip net ready and when I go for the capture, I end up with a hickory nut that apparently I was supposed to believe was floating there and not the frog I had been focusing on. I also saw a snapping turtle on the bottom of a pond that changed into a tree root, a very strangley shaped tree root, but a root none the less. If you have ever experienced this, please let me know and maybe we can collaborate on this very unusual discovery to science.


Posted by wendellsfrogblog at 2:01 PM EST
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