Mood:  energetic

CNAH RESEARCH REQUEST Number 161
The Center for North American Herpetology
Lawrence, Kansas
http://www.cnah.org
19 February 2009

RESEARCH REQUEST ABOUT RADIANT AMPHIBIANS

Dr. Purnima Govindarajulu is seeking information from researchers who have studied (or
are studying) the effects of electromagnetic radiation from power lines, or other sources,
on amphibians, especially on developing embryos at breeding sites. Please send your
published works or any information about ongoing research to Dr. Purnima Govindarajulu
at

purnima.govindarajulu@gov.bc.ca

Thanks in advance for any information you can provide.

I have read a study about the effects on birds, Kestrels I believe it was, should be interesting to see what they find.

Posted by wendellsfrogblog at 2:39 PM EST

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Mood:  sharp

NEWS RELEASE
The Center for North American Herpetology
Lawrence, Kansas
http://www.cnah.org
17 February 2009

Job Announcement

BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE TECHNICIAN (AMPHIBIANS)
GS-0404-08 USGS
PATUXENT WILDLIFE RESEARCH CENTER

The USGS Amphibian Research and Monitoring Initiative Northeast program will be hiring a
full time biological science technician to support research in amphibian populations in the
northeastern United States.

This is a term position: to be filled for one year, renewable for up to three years. The
technician will be a member of a science team conducting amphibian surveys at National
Parks and National Wildlife Refuges in Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia (e.g.
C&O Canal National Historic Park, Patuxent Research Refuge, Prince William Forest Park,
Rock Creek Park, and Shenandoah National Park).

Field work involves identifying, catching, measuring, and marking amphibians, and
collecting water quality and environmental data. The technician will be required to conduct
field surveys using techniques including visual encounter surveys, dip netting, stream
transect searches, temporary removal sampling, and conducting a mark-recapture study
using visual implant elastomer. All fieldwork will be conducted as part of teams of 2-3
people, so a demonstrated ability and desire to work effectively with a group is imperative.
In addition, the technician provides support for the ARMI lead researcher by completing
data processing (data entry and quality control). The technician creates summaries, and
conducts preliminary analyses as directed by supervisory researchers. The technician also
completes graphical presentations of field and laboratory data as needed for publication
and other presentations. The position also requires database and website management.
Previous field experience with amphibians common in the northeastern US is highly
recommended. The position requires the use of GPS units, digital cameras, and computer
software for data entry and presentation (e.g. Microsoft Excel, Access). The successful
applicant may also be asked to mark amphibians with injectable florescent elastomer.

Most of the work is outdoors, sometimes under harsh or hot conditions or in rain. The
position requires good physical condition, as the job requires long hours in the field
(including some night-time surveys) and hiking with up to 25 pounds of equipment. Some
overnight travel may be required.

The position will be located at the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center in Laurel, Maryland,
and will be advertised at the GS-08 level.

Please apply for the position through the

usajobs.gov website

and search under position # ER-2009-0132.

For more information contact:

Evan Grant
USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center
12100 Beech Forest Road
Laurel, Maryland 20708-4038
ehgrant@usgs.gov (preferred)

Posted by wendellsfrogblog at 9:02 AM EST

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Mood:  a-ok

Tyrone Hayes on frog health and human health

If you can't get to see Dr. Tyrone Hayes, this is the next best thing. Check it out!

Posted by wendellsfrogblog at 7:19 AM EST

Updated: Tuesday, 17 February 2009 7:58 AM EST

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Mood:  surprised

While I don't think these are really articles that I should have lumped together, but I did and they sort of are related.

Toads the latest enemy in Iran's war on drugs

I wonder if they mean they are drying the venom? I have never heard of drying the whole skin. I don't know what species they are refering, but if its a true toad, Bufonidae, then it would be a waste to dry anything but the excretions from the paratoid glad.

Forget It, Senator. It's Chinatown.

Apparantly new Senator, Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), in her studies of Chinese culture abroad at one point "sucked down toad venom to counteract poisonous crabs from Beidaihe beach (about 180 miles east of Beijing)"

Posted by wendellsfrogblog at 7:01 AM EST

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Mood:  special

Save The Frogs Day - April 28th, 2009

http://savethefrogs.com/day/index.html

In an effort to raise awareness of the plight of amphibians, the
herpetological community has declared the last Tuesday of every April
'Save The Frogs Day'. On this day we encourage the appreciation and
celebration of amphibians by people from all walks of life.

Please get involved and help spread the word! Remember that only a
small proportion of our public is aware that frogs are disappearing,
and that amphibian conservation efforts will not be successful until
amphibian declines are common knowledge: think of how long it has
taken for any political action on global warming to occur! Politicians
rarely act until the public demands action. Our goal is to make the
amphibian extinction crisis common knowledge by 2013: help make it
happen!

Save The Frogs Day is a perfect time for teachers and students to
focus on amphibian conservation, learn about amphibian extinctions,
and discuss ways that we can all contribute to amphibian conservation
efforts.

Find out how you can get involved:
http://savethefrogs.com/day/index.html

Posted by wendellsfrogblog at 10:55 AM EST

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Mood:  a-ok

Democratic frogs?

ST. CHARLES – Wood frogs are the first to trill high-pitched chuckling notes in March, followed in April by the ticking sounds of Western chorus frogs and spring peepers with their high-pitched, bell-like tones.

In June and July, the large green frogs and even larger bullfrogs let loose their distinctive deep-throated bellows, a gulp-gulp-gulp like a loose banjo string for the green frog and vrum-vrum-vrum like a dying goose for the bullfrog.

About 70 people attended a workshop Saturday to learn how to be a frog monitor as part of the Chicago Wilderness Habitat Project, in cooperation with the Chicago region of the National Audubon Society. Frog Calling Survey volunteers agree to monitor specific areas in Kane County and report their sightings and what they hear. Their work helps scientists and naturalists develop a regional profile of frog and toad species and their distribution.

Pam Otto, Kane County coordinator for the Habitat Project and manager of nature programs for the St. Charles Park District, ran the workshop where about 70 people packed into a room at the Pottawatomi Community Center.

Some were just starting out, others, such as Julie Long of St. Charles, has been a volunteer frog monitor for 12 years.

"I started when my daughter – who is now 29 – was a freshman in high school. She had a frog project for her science class. We started at Ferson Creek Fen," Long said. "We actually found spring peepers which had never been reported in Kane County before, so she was quite excited. Now the frog monitoring project has started, more people are finding them."

Finding that peeper with the high-pitched song is a good sign, Long said.

"It means the environment is good because they are usually only in areas that have cleaner water," Long said. "Toads can be in a tire, or chorus frogs can be almost in any puddle, too. So you're only going to find spring peepers in better habitats."

For Sophie Bordenave, 5, and her grandfather, Steve Keefe, both of St. Charles, learning to monitor frogs will be a project they can do together.

"We are in training right now," Keefe said. "She raised tadpoles last year and has three leopard frogs at home, and it is something we could do that would be good for the environment. It's our way to volunteer and help out."

Judy Boehmer of Elgin is the frog data entry coordinator for Kane County, attending with her monitoring partner, Melody Crowe, 7, a friend of Sophie's.

"We monitor in the Sleepy Hollow area," Boehmer said. "We call it meeting our old friends."

Mary and Rick Sturm of Geneva reported they heard Democratic frogs last summer in a pond they monitor in North Aurora.

Democratic frogs?

"They said, 'Bar-rack! Bar-rack!"

They still have a few other training workshops coming up. See previous post for places, dates and times https://wendellsfrogblog.tripod.com/index.blog/1881748/chicago-area-frog-training-workshops/

Posted by wendellsfrogblog at 10:24 AM EST

Updated: Monday, 16 February 2009 10:31 AM EST

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Mood:  sharp

Nashville Zoo Has Some Special Frog Events To Spring Ahead On March 8th

By Jim Bartoo 

Nashville, TN - Nashville Zoo is springing forward with some frog activities to mark the start of daylight-saving time on March 8. Activities and docent presentations will be from 10 a.m. – noon and 3 – 4 p.m. in the Unseen New World, home to some of the wildest things never seen, like poison arrow frogs, hellbender salamanders and a giant anaconda.

As amphibians disappear at an alarming rate, Earth is facing the largest mass extinction since the disappearance of the dinosaurs. During this event, guests can delve into the endangered world of amphibians and discover ways to prevent these small creatures’ permanent disappearance. Visitors can also test their knowledge of frogs in general and try their ears at identifying native frog calls.

Nashville Zoo opened six new frog exhibits in 2008 as part of a global effort to save amphibians. The new exhibits showcase the endangered golden frog and Puerto Rican crested toad. Nashville Zoo is helping sustain the golden frog species in captivity until fatal threats in its natural habitat can be mitigated. Puerto Rican crested toads are being bred for reintroduction into Puerto Rico.

Nashville Zoo is accredited by the prestigious Association of Zoos and Aquariums, assuring the highest standards of animal care and husbandry. The Zoo is a non-profit organization located at 3777 Nolensville Road and is open every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. The mission of the Nashville Zoo is to inspire a culture of understanding and discovery of our natural world through conservation, innovation and leadership. For more information about Nashville Zoo, call 615-833-1534 or visit www.nashvillezoo.org.
 

Posted by wendellsfrogblog at 10:16 AM EST

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Mood:  not sure

 Cane toad hunt looms

 Jeff Thomas, from the Department of Environment and Climate Change, will present a toad seminar, to explain where the pest is in the region and what is being done to get rid of the toads. The talk will go ahead on level three, 49 Victoria Street, from noon to 1pm and all are welcome.

To find out about other toad hunts and to see how many have been collected in the Valley visit www.cvcia.org.au

For more information on the toad round up call 6641 1500.

TOAD HUNT

WHAT: Cane toad round-up.

WHERE: Yamba Golf and Country Club, River Street.

WHEN: Sunday, February 22.

WHO: All are welcome.

RAIN: Call NPWS on 0427 484 336 or 0428 965 525.

While I would love to attend the lecture and go out catching toads, it is still a bit sad. I wonder if some of the labs that sell frogs for disection could capitalize on this and sell collected pests rather than the leopard frogs.

Posted by wendellsfrogblog at 10:03 AM EST

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Mood:  sharp

CNAH RESEARCH REQUEST Number 160
The Center for North American Herpetology
Lawrence, Kansas
http://www.cnah.org
16 February 2009

Long-toed Salamander Locality Information Needed

As a side project during my PhD, I am leading an effort to build a comprehensive, cross-
border map of the distribution of the Long-toed Salamander (Ambystoma macrodactylum).
We are looking for any GPS locality points that people may have in their field notes for any
of the subspecies
of A. macrodactylum. GPS coordinates are required information. Additional/optional useful
information that we request:

1) Year of observation
2) Elevation
3) Approximate number of individuals observed and life history stage (adult, larvae etc)
4) Prominent landmarks that can be used to verify GPS location
5) Observers name and contact
6) a photo voucher (if possible)

If you have more than one observation, we appreciate the attachment of data as a
spreadsheet.

Please send locality information to:

salamander@zoology.ubc.ca

Thank you for your time and help with this matter. This information will be compiled and
made available to researchers and students upon request.

Julie Lee-Yaw
Graduate Student
University of British Columbia

Posted by wendellsfrogblog at 9:46 AM EST

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Mood:  sharp

Dear Friend,

The spring season is rapidly approaching and we know that you're busily booking your volunteer events and outreach. As you finalize your activities, remember to save the date to celebrate National Wildlife Week, March 16-20, 2009.

Participate in three ways:

1. Personally: Take time to appreciate the wildlife in your community. The National Wildlife Week website offers downloads of free activities and service project ideas to do with kids and teens, Wildlife Watch lists of local plants and animals, and fact sheets about the benefits of playing outside.

2. In your community: Organize a time for your friends and neighbors to participate in a wildlife habitat project or to watch for wildlife.

3. Spread the word: Forward this email to others, including educators, parents, and kids so they can get involved during National Wildlife Week.

Since 1938, National Wildlife Week has been increasing awareness about wildlife conservation and the benefits of spending time outdoors. Research shows that a daily Green Hour® (playing outside) improves one's physical, mental and emotional well-being. Be out there.

Starting March 1, visit www.nwf.org/wildlifeweek for more info!

Sincerely,

The Volunteer Team

P.S. Did you know that celebrities such as Shirley Temple, Robert Redford, and Walt Disney have all commemorated this special event? Watch Walt Disney's special message: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=in0ZPNR2JDo

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Inspiring Americans to Protect Wildlife for our Children's Future.

National Wildlife Federation
11100 Wildlife Center Drive
Reston, VA 20190

Posted by wendellsfrogblog at 11:34 AM EST

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Mood:  a-ok

Flatwoods salamander listed as endangered species

Reticulated Salamander Moves to Endangered Status

Bypassing 98 — and the salamanders

Looks like they split the Flatwoods into two species, the Frosted and the Reticulated, and are protecting both of them and their habitats. Great News!

Posted by wendellsfrogblog at 1:46 PM EST

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Mood:  sharp

NEWS RELEASE
The Center for North American Herpetology
Lawrence, Kansas
http://www.cnah.org
14 February 2009

EMYDOIDEA EMPLOYMENT

Wildlife Biologist Intern
Temporary Position: Up to 6 months
Location: Grayslake, Illinois
Wage: $9.00 - 13.00/hr

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 head-starting efforts and predator surveys such as locating
nests and eggs, transporting eggs to the head-start 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

http://www.lcfpd.org

or

Lake County Forest Preserve District
Human Resources Department
2000 North Milwaukee Avenue
Libertyville, Illinois 60048
(847-367-6640).

LAKE COUNTY FOREST PRESERVE DISTRICT GENERAL INFORMATION: The Lake County
Forest Preserve District was created in 1958 and provides over 26,000-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.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: 7 MARCH 2009

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER

Gary Glowacki
Wildlife Biologist
Lake County Forest Preserves
32492 North Almond Road
Grayslake, Illinois 60030
Office (847) 968-3264
Fax (847) 968-5062
Cell (847) 276-1454
gglowacki@lcfpd.org

Posted by wendellsfrogblog at 1:01 PM EST

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Mood:  special

‘Amazing Amphibians’ get a leg up with local educational exhibit

Check out the very cool video on this link along with comments from the Chicago Herp Society's president. This is also where the Chicago Herp Society holds their monthly meetings, plan a trip for Feb 25 and stick around to see the speaker (see previos post).

Posted by wendellsfrogblog at 12:43 PM EST

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Mood:  sharp

  Chicago Herpetological Society

Next Speaker :

02/25/09

Discovered in 1996 during the construction of a hydroelectric facility in Tanzania, one of the world's only live-bearing frogs was extinct in the wild by the end of 2003. Successful captive assurance colonies at the Toledo and Bronx Zoos provide the only hope of survival for this highly endemic amphibian.

Posted by wendellsfrogblog at 12:36 PM EST

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