Salamander need a home too
Mood:  happy
Topic: Articles

State: 40B project will impact salamander

The four toed salamander has put off a housing development, or at least made them consider downsizing.

Give me a hand...a salamander hand
Mood:  surprised
Topic: Articles

Grow Your Own Limbs

The article compares this to "Star Wars Stuff", as I remember it, Star Wars was all about animatronic limbs, and respirators. This sounds much more X-files to me. I remember an episode with a man with exactly this, a salamander hand. Regardless of what sci-fi you want to compare it to, it looks like it will eventually be a reality. Two teams are working different angles trying to solve this riddle. One is using the MRL mouse, one that was genetically altered for lupus, but wound up with regenerative abilities. If it were green and gigantic it would be the HULK mouse. The other is going with the salamander angle led by Ken Muneoka. (The name may sound familiar if you have read A Plague of Frogs). It will be very interesting to see how this all pans out. I seem to remember some of the experiments on salamander's limb development have created multiple limbs and digits, some at odd angles. I guess we'll see as time progresses. Good luck to both teams.

Frog Webumentury
Mood:  a-ok
Topic: Media

If you find yourself feeling down that they frogs have stopped calling, and your Lang Elliot CD just isn't enough to get your fix, I suggest going to Frogs Calls...an evolving "Webumentary". Dave McGowan and Ravenswood media have an awesome site. It has 14 frog calling videos as well as many interviews with some of the top amphibian researchers. He frequently adds new clips to the site, the latest being about Pangaea and speciation. If you get to craving the familiar call of the wood frog to coax yourself into believing that spring is almost here, the link is always along the left side of my Blog under Midwest. I have found that while kids enjoy listening to a call off of a CD, they remember a call they can actually see the frog making. Adults seem to remember the calls and what frog they belong to better as well. I know it is sometimes so hard in the field to get close enough to see the calling frog without scaring it into silence. This is a wonderful way to familiarize yourself with the beautiful calls of the night. Its also a great tool for monitors to use to learn the calls as well as to ID by appearance. He also has other Webumentaries about CaveBiota, Great Lakes Fishes, and Envirovet

The way we look at the world is rapidly changing, it is great that Ravenswood Media is keeping up with the times for mother Nature, Thanks Dave!

Tragic death of a boy looking for Frogs
Mood:  blue
Topic: Articles

7-year-old boy drowns in frog pond

This story is just a horrible thing. It sits very heavy with me and I've been thinking about how I am with my kids when we go to a frog pond, am I too lenient? Usually as long as we are all close, I don't worry about them. My children are 8,10,12. My 8 year old does very well around the water, but maybe this boy did too. Whenever I do a frog program, I tell the kids to get out and find frogs, enjoy nature. Am I sending the wrong message? I don't think I am, but this just mads me very sad. I know when your number's up, it doesn't matter where you are, and God does everything for a reason, but this...My thoughts and prayers go out to this young boy's family.

Forest Fire threatens Red-legged frog and California Condor
Mood:  on fire
Topic: Articles

Day Fire Threatens Endangered Species

While this sound very detrimental to the conservation efforts that have taken place for these species, fire is a natural element and they have natural instincts to protect themselves in this case. Lets hope these instincts are enough.

Exploding Toad Fertilizer
Mood:  quizzical
Topic: Articles

No, not some catchy new "Batman" phrase, apparently these guys have quite a kick, even after their dead. The first batch of ToadJus was apparently still very young and had some fermenting left to do. To relieve the pressure and prevent bottles you may have from exploding the cap needs loosened. It is also not receommened to send them by mail.  

Cane toads explode from beyond the grave

Bottled toads have explosive potential

 

Tucson Reptile and Amphibian Show and Sale
Mood:  happy
Topic: Places to go

Frog Blog Profile with Jeff Hohman of East Kentucky Power
Mood:  a-ok
Topic: Frog Blog Profiles

I love doing profiles. I get the opportunity to share what a special person is doing to help amphibians as I learn more myself. I met Mr. Hohman at the PARC meeting, when we were going around the room saying our name and affiliation so everyone could see who was there. When Jeff's turn was up, he said he had to stand and told everyone how happy he was to be part of something like this. It's no wonder he works for a power company, this man radiates positive energy. I have always been happy with who I am and where I am, but I have to admit, I wish I could be a fourth grader from eastern Kentucky.

 

Top Ten Questions on the Board

Wendell’s Frog Blog Online Interview 

WFB: 1)    Name, Rank and Serial Number. Tell us a little bit about yourself. Where are you from? Where did you go to school? Maybe a little about your family? (Married? Siblings?) Hobbies?

 Jeff Hohman – Biologist with East Kentucky Power since 1979. Wonderful Wife – Debbie; Incredible Daughters – Lauren and Madison. Lauren is a sophomore at Murray State (my alma mater) and Madison is a freshman at College of Charleston. They are my best herp buddies.

 WFB: 2)  What sparked your interest in amphibians? What is your favorite amphibian, and why? 

JEH: I caught my first salamander in the creek behind my house when I was 8 or 9 years old. I think it was a streamside salamander but that was a bazillion years ago. I was hooked immediately. My favorite salamanders are the Tiger Salamander and the Hellbender. My favorite frogs are the Crawfish Frog and the Spadefoot Toad. 

WFB: 3)  Do you keep any pets? 

JEH: At home, we have a cat (Johnnie) and a dog (Samson). I am not a cat lover but Madison adopted the cat and then left for college. Samson, on the other hand, is an awesome Sheltie and I LOVE that dog. All my herp pets are kept at work. I have a juvenile corn snake in my office. Cool snake!

 WFB: 4)  How are you involved with amphibians and their conservation? 

JEH: I work for a company that is completely dedicated to environmental education. We have 6 biologists on staff that perform Rare and Endangered Species surveys prior to construction of any projects. During the school year we perform various nature programs at schools throughout eastern Ky.  All of our programs focus on native species and you can check them out at ekpc.coop (click on the frog).  

WFB: 5)  How did you get involved in this? 

JEH: About 15 years ago, I was asked by a teacher to come to her school on career day and share what I did for EKPC. I gathered up some of my herp friends and took them with me. I had a hognose snake and some salamanders. The kids went nuts and the rest is history. What a life-changing experience that was. 

WFB: 6)  What has been the most fulfilling part of working with amphibians for you? 

JEH: Teaching kids of all ages about the wonders of Kentucky’s rich natural history. I love to see those faces light up when we pull a rat snake out of the bag and hand it to them. It never gets old. 

WFB: 7)   What would be the best way for others to get involved as you have? 

JEH: If you have a passion for herps, share that with kids. We find the best age for learning is 4^th grade and up. The younger kids love the animals but

they don’t follow instructions very well and that puts the animals at risk. Collect a few amphibians and non-biting reptiles and take them to area schools, camps or civic groups and share what you love. It is as easy as falling off a log and a lot more fun.

 WFB: 8)  How did you learn about amphibians to do what you do? 

 JEH: I have been a fan since I was a kid. I have had great teachers and I have been blessed to have great herp friends to encourage me and inspire me.  It is easy to learn about things you love. 

WFB: 9)  What is the most important thing you want others to know? 

JEH: Education is the key to effective conservation. If you can take a few minutes to show a student a snake, chances are he will never consider killing that animal as an adult. It is much cheaper than litigation and government regulation. 

WFB: 10)                     Do you have anything else you would like to share? (websites, contact info, other affiliations)

 JEH: Check out our website at EKPC.coop and happy herpin!

In the email correspondence, he signs them JEH, though I can't say for sure what the "E" stands for, my guess is either Energy, Effort or Enthusiasm. I would like to thank Jeff and his whole team for the phenomenal work they do. There is no doubt in my mind they are making a huge positive impact on the world one fourth grader at a time. Those kids will be the decision makers and it would sure be nice to have them thinking about herp conservation! On behalf of my Frog Blog, Herpers and Herps from around the world, Thank You!

Herp Digest is Back
Mood:  incredulous
Topic: Media

This is terrific news! This is THE source for herp news. "All the herp news thats fit to print" It has it all, and is once again free. The latest issue has a story titled "Tarahumara Frogs Find Life is Good at Wildlife Museum, (Arizona)", there are also many other reptile related stories. Herp Digest

The same guy that does Herp Digest also has Herparts.com, "Your one-stop online shop for amphibian and reptile gifts". They have just added the 2007 Frog Calendars, they look awesome! There is also just all sorts of cool gift items, even if the gift is for yourself. All the proceeds from Herparts.com go toward HerpDigest. HerpDigest runs strictly off of these proceeds and donations. If you like it, support it so it'll be able to stay around.

Jeff Hohman talks at the Short's Goldenrod Festival at Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park
Mood:  a-ok
Topic: Articles

Blue Licks biology

Goldenrod Festival focuses on environment

If you ever get the chance to hear this guy, don't miss it! He is a great speaker and very motivating. I already did some kids programs before I saw him, but I have new ideas to make them better and more exciting for the kids. You also have to check out their website. Very cool stuff including frog ringtones! Touchstone Energy

Traveling Snake thrills and lemonade spills
Mood:  accident prone
Topic: Out in the Field
Friday the kids had a half day of school for a teacher's in service, so we took the opportunity and advantage of the beautiful day for a road trip. At the Midwest PARC meeting I had met Bob Hay from Wisconsin that had a couple of snakes that originated in Indiana and were confiscated in Wisconsin. He brought them to the meeting to find a ride home for them. He had the precise location where they were captured and so we were off to Southeastern Indiana. It was about two and a half hours, and if you have ever been in a car with a spouse and three kids, that seems like an eternity. But we made it alright. The location was beautiful. There was a stone bridge and a small creek with lots of flat rock. (Limestone or shale I would guess) Down the creek a little was a small waterfall. These snakes were lucky to be able to return to such a beautiful spot. We took them out one at a time and got a few pictures before letting the go home. The northern watersnake seemed to be a little hesitant before swimming off under a rock, but the queen snake wasted no time finding cover. Upon arrival we did see another reptile with not so good of fate. A small box turtle had been flattened next to the bridge. Its crazy that these snakes were taken from their home, traveled nearly 1300 miles through three states, and this little guy was just crossing the road is his own yard. We also found bullfrog and green frog metamorphs, as well as two of each queen snakes and northern water snakes. One queen snake looked bigger than the other two, but not by much. I think the others were all neonates. While searching I had the opportunity to use my new Furmont "Stump Ripper" and it is AWESOME! My back was grateful. I even found a bullfrog using it. the rocks in the creek were slippery and my daughter wound up doing the splits and keeping herself just out of the water until I could pick her up. I don't know how she didn't get wet. The buckeyes were also everywhere and we each took one. Just after putting one in my pocket is when we found the first snake! After we explored a while we decided it was time to head home and get a bite to eat. We stopped at LaRosa's Pizzeria just off of I74 at the Batesville exit. If your ever travelling I74, look out for it, this place was fantastic! The pizza was heavenly, and the lemonade was ice cold. My wife sat across from me in a booth and knocked over her lemonade (full glass) into my lap. Maybe the buckeye isn't so lucky. I don't know what was worse, the freezing feeling in this part of my body, or the looks when I got up to leave with yellow liquid all down the front of my pants. She took a picture, but don't look for me to post that one. I was pretty much dry by the time we got home and it was a great feeling to know that those two snakes are finally back where they belong. Sometimes we look too big trying to save an entire species, but individuals need our help too. Keep working on the Big picture, but don't forget the little guy either.

Not all agree with the ESA
Mood:  irritated
Topic: Articles

The Endangered Species Act

I guess there are passionate people on both sides of the fence. I fail to see how "environmentalists" are only concerned with controlling land usage though. This is what America is all about, people with different views hashing it out and the courts coming up with a suitable middle ground. I do not agree with most of what Mr. Caldwell has to say, but he brings up good points. I feel that with the ongoing genetic research eventually the species/subspecies debate will pass. If we lose an animal before that happens, there is no bringing it back. Another thing that really bothers me is the line of thinking that these animals have the nerve to be on private land when public land is available. This reminds me of so many examples of how mankind moved in on amphibian land and claimed it as our own. This sounds like moving Native Americans from large regions and forcing them to live on small reservations. How can anyone see this as the right thing to do? Lets hope not too many species are lost before we can figure this out. Right now the Wisconsin government is attempting to remove the Butler's Garter Snake from their endangered list without any science to back up their decision. The vote is on Sept 26th and I encourage anyone with an opinion to let them know. More info about this can be found at Butler's Garter Snake Delisting - A Dangerous Precedent  I encourage you all to voice your opinions. I have sent letters to Wisconsin as well as my home state of Indiana legislature. If this passes it could have national implications and your legislature needs to be aware of your views.

How effective are Sniffer Dogs
Mood:  quizzical
Topic: Articles

'Too late' for toad sniffer dogs in NT

I see their point, but if you only get what you see, then the rest will continue to reproduce at higher rates to make up the difference. It looks like a Catch 22.

Amphibian Declines even on Network TV
Mood:  down
Topic: Media

Just like its frog, WB croaks

I, for one, will miss the frog. I have no idea what CW even means. Thw WB was there with many great shows, and some not so great. Where will the animaniacs live now? Will they repaint the water tower? I understand that progress is progress, but it was nice to see an amphibian on TV, even if it was Michigan J. Frog or Kermit. Amphibian awareness is the first step to conservation and this will be a draw back to that. Goodbye Michigan J. Frog, you will be missed. 

Half human-half amphibian:Marvel's Submariner
Mood:  not sure
Topic: Articles

Here are a few articles about this new movie in the works. I must admit I'm not a big comic fan, but I do like movies about these superheros. This one leaves me unsure though, I can understand an alien from Krypton (I know it's DC, but work with me) or a rich kid with bats in his belfry, even a spider bite from a radio active arachnid, but given basic biology, how is a half human-half amphibian possible? At least with X-men they are all encompassing mutants. Was this done in a lab? Did a salamander use a discarded condom as a spermataphore? Was a couple fooling around in a frog pond? Like I said I don't follow comics, so if you know feel free to enlighten us on what is going on here.

Marvel Taps T3 Director for Sub-Mariner

Sub Mariner Movie Moves Ahead

Mostow to take on latest Marvel Superhero movie

Amphibian Declines in the Mediterranian
Mood:  blue
Topic: Articles

Mediterranean wildlife under threat

This is a very diverse area that is seeing signs of decline. The good part is:

"The IUCN's Mediterranean Red List of Threatened Species is being made available to policy makers and environmental planners in order to help them reduce the loss of biodiversity in the Mediterranean."

Why did the Cane Toad cross the border?
Mood:  sad
Topic: Articles

No, it has nothing to do with toads playing chicken!

Live cane toad crosses WA-NT border

Its a sad reality that these toads are using human technology to expand their territories. Whether its hitch hiking on a vehicle or using a road for an easier passage, they are moving to new areas. I hate the idea of killing these toads for doing what toads do, but I hope the idea of the fertilizer spreads (no pun intended) so that they are not dying in vain.

South African Frog Tour
Topic: Places to go

Safari to frogland

This sounds like my kind of vacation! What excitement it would be to go to a place like this. I think its terrific that they are now including frogs in their tour, I would love to see the big five if I ever make it to Africa, but a frog tour would be so incredible.

Orange County Hoppers
Mood:  happy
Topic: Articles

Could this frog stop a county beach?

Its great that the cricket frog's habitat and well being is being looked into for this development project. With the recent declines of the cricket frog, it is important to learn as much about them as we can. The cricket frog would be the best for an amphibians mascot in court because it is so small in size yet has such a loud voice.

Frog Farmer in LA
Topic: Articles

Man turns from frog hunter to frog fancier

This is what I like to see. A frog farmer staying where the frogs are native, but captive rearing them so it doesn't hurt the local population. Being native, if a few get out now and again, it shouldn't be a huge ecological problem like it would be where the frog doesn't belong, but it could still have an impact. It sounds like he has everything together though and is doing things right.