Reptile and Amphibian Expo Day in Florida
Mood:  happy
Topic: Places to go

Reptile and Amphibian Expo

Come explore the fascinating world of amphibians and reptiles Oct. 7, at Chinsegut Nature Center, north of Brooksville. The 12th annual Reptile and Amphibian Expo Day, hosted by the center, begins at 9 a.m. and ends at 4 p.m.

The public is invited to join in the festivities featuring live displays of a variety of snakes, other reptiles and amphibians. People attending the expo may take a guided tour of a gopher tortoise trail with area experts who will reveal how they capture animals for study. See exhibits including an interactive demonstration by the Gopher Tortoise Council. Children and adults can watch a herp puppet show, participate in the popular frog-calling contest and listen to show-and-tell talks about a variety of herpetological subjects - including invasive and non-native reptiles and amphibians that have moved into Florida.

Native plants and natural history books will be on display and available for sale. Food and drink will be available for purchase from vendors. Teachers can receive in-service credit for attending. Because the area is a wildlife and environmental area, no pets except service dogs are allowed.

To get to Chinsegut Nature Center, travel approximately seven miles north of Brooksville on U.S. 41, turn left on County Road 476 and go one mile to the entrance on the left. For additional information, contact the Chinsegut Nature Center at (352) 754-6722.

For more information on Chinsegut Nature Center, go to MyFWC.com/chinsegut or call Kristin Wood at 352-754-6722.

Exclusive look at the dingo Buffy the toad Buster in action
Mood:  incredulous
Topic: Articles

Here is an exclusive look at Buffy's first bust after an extensive training period. The photos and article were sent to me by Sarah Fyyfe, the dingo trainer that taught Buffy how to be such an asset to the fight against the invasive Cane Toad. The copyrights belong to her and cannot be used without permission.

 

 

 

 

After 10 weeks of training in Perth with frozen toads and toad urine, trainee toad buster, “Buffy” the 4 1/2 month old pure bred dingo well and truly proved herself in the field over the weekend on her first ever real life toad bust.

She ignored the hundreds of native frogs that were jumping around at her feet and using not only her sensitive little nose, but also her alert eyes and ears she tracked the path of toads on the move, bringing us to many tricky hiding places. She also found toads that were in the water and quickly worked out the sound the toads make when moving through the grass.

She proved a great asset following behind the human toad busters, alerting us all to approximately 30 toads that had avoided human capture.

Buffy worked for  three hours straight, intelligently “cat-napping” whenever  we stopped briefly.

Sunday morning she was dually rewarded with a big meal and a swim in the creek. Hopefully before she goes back to Perth next week she will go out again for a daylight bust, and then come up on a monthly basis before moving here permanently early next year.

 

Sarah is doing great work with the dingoes proving what a remarkable animal they are and helping so much with the Cane Toad problem. I was very amazed that Buffy left alone the natives and focused only on the

invasive toad. A big problem I have read about is that many of the human volunteers don't know, or in some cases care about, the difference between the toads and the native frogs. Best of luck to Sarah, Buffy and the rest of Team Dingo in the making the movement of the Toad, implode.

Some Weekend Events you might be interested in
Mood:  a-ok
Topic: Places to go

In Clinton County Indiana:

Splash into Fall Festival: Will include a Snake show from "Snakehead" Ed Ferrer (who is also the president of the Hoosier Herpetological Society), a presentation about the National Wildlife Federation's Backyard Wildlife Habitat program, netting in the creek for macro-invertebrates, fly tying, I will also be there with some amphibians to check out  It is a free event with lunch provided, Its designed for fun for the whole family at beautiful Camp Cullom!

For more info contact the Clinton County Soil and Water Conservation District: 765-659-1223 ext 3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Holiday Inn Hotel and Joliet Convention Center, near Chicago   Midwest Frog Fest 

The show will be held at the: Holiday Inn Hotel and Joliet Convention Center 411 South Larkin Avenue Joliet, IL 60436 815-729-2000   Admission For Saturday Show: Adults: $7.00 Children 5-12: $5.00 Seniors: $5.00 Military: Free (with valid ID) Kids under 5: Free

Come meet and speak with some of the nation's premiere amphibian, Dart and Tree frog breeders. Midwest Frog Fest will also feature a host of vendors involved in the amphibian hobby. There will be a multitude of frogs, and other captive bred amphibians for sale.  In addition to that, there will be many different kinds of plants, feeder insects, and vivarium supplies to choose from.  We are very excited to host this great event. Midwest Frog Fest is providing an excellent vendor setting with an extra room for speakers and workshops. There will be a LIVE auction with all proceeds benefiting the Costa Rican Amphibian Research Center.  We hope to see you there!

In Belfountain Ontario Canada

The Salamander Festival

Salamander Festival arrives

The annual one-and-only Salamander Festival in Belfountain arrives Saturday (Sept. 30), running 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The community welcomes visitors, offering a pancake breakfast, traditional bake table, BBQ lunch, vendors, a mini-market, pet parade, silent auction as well as entertainment by the Allegro Children's Orchestra, and Council Fire First Nation performers. Bring your friends, family and enjoy what the hamlet has to offer. For more, contact Madelon Stevenson at 519-927-9087 or visit belfountain.ca.

The Six Million Dollar Frog
Mood:  vegas lucky
Topic: Articles

Fox and Frog go to Washington

$6.5 million has been alotted for buying habitat to protect the Californian Red-legged frog as well as a few other endangered species. This sounds like a great opportunity for the frog to get a leg up, so to speak.

Canada's new stamp series is "Blotched"
Mood:  a-ok
Topic: Articles

Canada Post: Species at risk found on new stamps

The Blotched Tiger Salamander is to be one of four new stamps featuring "Species at Risk" in Canada. The other three in the set will in be the the Blue Racer, the Swift Fox and the Newfoundland Marten. A water creature set will follow in 2007 and air creatures in 2008. If you collect herp stamps, I would jump on this before they are gone.

Georgia updates its Protected Species list
Mood:  a-ok
Topic: Articles

New list of Georgia's protected species gives snapshot of how critters are doing

While the cougar was removed from the list, not because its populations are better, but because of extirpation, many species are being looked at carefully so they don't have the same misfortune. Several herps have been added or status changed including the striped newt, flatwoods salamander, gopher frog and the hognose snake. This seems like a positive move in the right direction to helping these animals regain their healthy population status.

Frog Profile of the Gray Treefrog
Mood:  lyrical
Topic: Frog Profiles

SPOT IT GRAY TREE FROGS

Here is a good article explaining the natural history of the gray treefrog in Minnesota. Something it doesn't mention is that there are two species of Gray treefrogs through much of the range, including Minnesota. The two are identical in appearance but have unique calls. One also has twice the chromosomes as the other. The two species are:

 Cope's Gray Treefrog
Hyla chrysoscelis

Gray Treefrog
Hyla versicolor

If you find a gray treefrog, be sure to see which species, if not both species is in your area.

Fall Herping at Bryan's Woods
Mood:  happy
Topic: Out in the Field

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Another beautiful herping day in Clinton County. The temp was between 67 and 69 and it was partly cloudy with eminent rain waiting, just the way I like it! We spent the afternoon hiking and herping at Bryan Woods Nature Preserve, Clinton County's only State Preserve looking for herps, but particularly the marbled salamander. We started off finding a shrew or vole under a log, I was excited abut the prospects of seeing a snake by this, I know they are there, but I have yet to see any reptile there. We found a toad right off. A handsome little fellow. It was a hybrid, mostly americanus, but some spots looked fowleri. We went to where the large vernal pool is located. There was no standing water. Here we have found what I thought were smallmouth salamanders, later to discover after showing the photos, they were most likely a hybrid of some sort. JJL maybe? I have also seen salamander egg masses at this spot in the spring as well. It is kind of strange looking around at all the vegetation and the fallen trees remembering how I walked out on those to look into the water just a few months ago. Here we found our first salamander of the day. I think it was a smallmouth (A. texanum), but I can't say for sure. We then found another toad, this one full B. americanus. Both toads seemed to be a few years old by their size. I was a bit surprised we didn't find any metamorphs this time. Then our big find was under a large log about 4 feet long and maybe 24" in diameter. Three sallies all under the same log! They were very pretty. If we lived farther north, I would be sure they were blue-spotted salamanders, but given our location is in the hybrid zone, your guess is as good as mine. I wish there was a noninvasive, inexpensive method to swap them and check them. These seem very similar to the ones we found earlier in the year that I have received different ideas from different experts. The bottom line seems to be that it is impossible to tell for sure from a photo, the chromosomes need to be checked. This leaves some questions about protection here in Indiana. The ones at Bryan Woods are protected no matter what they are because it is a State Preserve, but what if they are found nearby at a construction site. The blue-spotted (A. laterale) is a species of special concern, but if it gets changed to endangered, this could be a big problem. Are hybrids protected, are they truly hybrids? There are many questions about this species complex, even the name is a misconception. Most refer to it as the jeffersonium complex, but there have been members without the J chromosome. The laterale seems to be the only one that is always there, so it would make a better name. I'm getting away from the point here. It started to cloud over a little more so we pressed on rather quickly. We found one more that looked very similar to the other three. The camera was being fussy so the photos of the last one didn't turn out very well. The rain started just as we made it back to the car. I used my Furmont "Stump Ripper" and this is the first time I can remember that my back doesn't hurt after flipping logs. We saw no reptiles or marbled salamanders, but it was a wonderful afternoon, all five of us had a herp find, I believe this is the first time that has ever happened. My kids are getting very good at this, they are much more excited about it when they make a find. Another oddity I noticed is that all five of the salamanders had a SVL of 57mm. I expected it with the three that were together, but the other two surprised me a bit.

Hoot in Review
Mood:  a-ok
Topic: Media
This is a great movie! I have been planning to see it for a while, but I went to visit my mother-in-law yesterday and she had rented it for the kids. Hoot has a great line up of familiar actors and many new ones that are sure to become familiar. The conservation message was that anyone can make a difference, even children! I have never read the book, but I plan to seek it out. Why couldn't Jimmy Buffet have been my middle school teacher? The basic synopsis is three middle school kids fight to protect a nesting site for burrowing owls. Several herps were also included in the movie, though no amphibians. There were alligators, banded watersnakes/(cottonmouths) and an iguana in some of the special features. The movie was made in partnership with the National Wildlife Federation. While the movie was unbelievable, the special features were even better. There was the normal bloopers and deleted scenes, as well as meet the actors and animal trainers, but there was also one about Backyard Wildlife Habitats and ways that you can help nature. I didn't get a chance to check out the CDrom features, but I'm guessing that is is just as awesome as the rest. If you have kids that like wildlife, they will love this movie. If you know anyone that cares about nature, they will love this movie. I would recommend this for any and everyone on your Christmas list.

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.