Mood: special
Topic: Places to go
"Malformed Frogs and the Collapse of Aquatic Ecosystems"
by Dr. Michael Lannoo, Professor of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Indiana Univ School of Medicine
TUES, MAR 3rd, 3:30pm Dean's Auditorium in Pfendler Hall
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Bullfrog man calls bull on theories about invasive amphibians
Personally, while I love the bullfrog, I am with Stan on this one. I don't see where control measures would keep them under control. I think total eradication is the only way to control these frogs. They lay 5000 eggs at a time, how can just culling the juveniles work?
NEWS RELEASE
The Center for North American Herpetology
Lawrence, Kansas
http://www.cnah.org
24 February 2009
Title: Biological Science Technician
US Geological Survey, Western Ecological Research Center, San Diego Field Station
http://www.werc.usgs.gov/
Locations: San Diego, California and Irvine, California
Five full-time, temporary positions (1 Irvine & 4 San Diego)
GS-0404-5/7
DESCRIPTION: This is a unique opportunity to conduct research on amphibians, reptiles,
fish, small mammals, and terrestrial invertebrates in southern California.
The technician will be a part of a science team conducting research on amphibians, turtles,
reptiles, fish, small mammals, and terrestrial invertebrate species within National Forests,
State Parks, Reserves, and US Military Lands in southern California. Data collection is for
the purpose of understanding diversity, population densities, growth rates, temporal
activity patterns, exotic invasions, genetic relationships at the community and species
level, and the conservation of endangered species.
Field work includes conducting biological wildlife surveys using various methods such as
visual surveys, pitfall trapping, seining, minnow traps, and Sherman traps. The technician
will identify, catch, measure, and mark animals, as well as collect water quality and
environmental data. Previous field experience or general knowledge of amphibians,
turtles, reptiles, small mammals, fish, and terrestrial invertebrate species of southern
California is highly recommended.
The field work is often conducted in densely vegetated terrain under adverse
environmental conditions (extreme temperatures, rain, and poison oak.) The position
sometimes requires long hours in the field working days and nights, hiking, and carrying
heavy equipment. Some overnight travel may be necessary. A current valid driver’s
license is required, as driving 4WD vehicles is often necessary.
Deadline is 27 February 2009. Please apply for the position through the website at
and search under position numbers:
Biological Science Technician (Wildlife)
GS-0404-5/7
Temp/Full Time
WR-2009-0227 (San Diego)
WR-2009-0226 (Irvine)
For more information contact:
Adam Backlin
US Geological Survey, San Diego Field Station
4727 Portola Parkway, Bldg C
Irvine, CA 92620
(714) 508-4702
abacklin@usgs.gov
NEWS RELEASE
The Center for North American Herpetology
Lawrence, Kansas
http://www.cnah.org
25 February 2009
DEAN E. METTER MEMORIAL FUND APPLICATION
Deadline Extended Until 30 March 2009
Dean E. (Doc) Metter (1932-2001) was a long-time member of the biology faculty at the
University of Missouri-Columbia, where he taught zoology, comparative anatomy,
evolution, and herpetology. A believer in putting knowledge to the test in the field, Doc
provided frequent opportunities for students to engage in fieldwork. In addition, he
frequently assisted his graduate students as they ventured out to collect data. Doc was a
co-founder of the Bobby Witcher Society, the legacy of which is a scholarship fund. For
many years, the interest earned served to reward outstanding herpetology students who
intended to continue their education and seek a career in vertebrate biology. That fund
now serves a similar purpose by honoring Doc's memory while helping to fund the SSAR-
administered Dean E. Metter Memorial Award.
PURPOSE
The purpose of the Award is: (1) to honor the memory of Dean E. Metter; (2) to encourage
students to pursue field research in herpetology; and (3) to facilitate field research in
herpetology by providing funds for relevant expenses.
AMOUNT
Grants made from the award will be no less than $300 and no more than $1,000. Efforts
will be made to fund as many eligible proposals as possible.
ELIGIBILITY
Applicants must be currently enrolled as an undergraduate or graduate student in an
accredited college or university and be conducting field-based research in herpetology.
This research may occur anywhere in the world, but priority will be given to research
conducted in the state of Missouri.
ELIGIBLE EXPENSES
Expenses eligible for funding include: (1) travel expenses (e.g., mileage, airfare) associated
with the field research project; and (2) equipment for field-based research (e.g., materials
for drift fences, traps, etc.). Funds may not be used for salaries or any other personnel
expenses, travel to meetings, equipment or supplies for laboratory-based research (even if
applicable to the project), or overhead or indirect costs.
CRITERIA FOR AWARDS
The following criteria will be used to make awards:
A. Scientific merit of the proposed project:
B. Nature of the proposed project; priority will be given, in order, to proposals that fall into
the following categories:
1. Natural history studies (e.g., habitat utilization, life tables, demography, reproductive
strategies, behavior).
2. Functional morphology (i.e., relationships between structure and function, particularly
as these relate to natural history parameters).
3. Biogeographic studies, including elucidation of biodiversity in a given area (e.g.,
regional or national biotic surveys), efforts to determine historical events leading to
current distribution patterns, and effects resulting from introductions of alien species.
4. Evolutionary studies (establishing phylogenies based on morphological or genetic
criteria)
5. Other.
C. Relevance of the field component to the overall execution of the proposed project.
APPLICATIONS AND AWARDS
In keeping with the Society's goal of encouraging participation by the broadest possible
community, preference may be given to individuals who might not have access to other
funding sources. All applicants must be members of the SSAR. Past recipients of an SSAR
GIH award in any category are not eligible for this award. Each proposal must include the
following:
(A) TITLE PAGE giving the title of the project, the name, mailing address, office and home
telephone numbers and, if possible, fax number and e-mail address of the applicant. The
title page should include a statement indicating that applicants "will comply with all
applicable permit regulations, and adhere to all appropriate animal care guidelines in the
course of conducting funded projects."
(B) BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES of the proposed project.
(C) METHODS for carrying out the project.
(D) COMPLETE PROJECT BUDGET (indicating for which expenses support is being solicited),
including a listing of all current and pending support for the project.
(E) BRIEF RESUME of the applicant.
(F) LETTER OF SUPPORT from the research advisor, which also will serve to confirm
enrollment at an accredited institution. The proposal must be typed, double spaced, and
must not exceed 1,200 words, excluding title page, literature cited, CV (resume), and
budget. Proposals should be submitted electronically as email attachments. Submit
proposals or questions regarding application procedures to the Chair of the Metter Award
Committee, Joseph J. Beatty, at
beattyj@science.oregonstate.edu
NOTE
All proposals must be submitted no later than 30 March to be considered; SSAR dues must
be paid by the preceding 31 December. Failure to meet these guidelines may result in
elimination of a proposal from consideration. Awards will be announced on or around 15
April. Successful applicants are encouraged to submit the results of their research for
publication in the Journal of Herpetology or Herpetological Review, or to present their
findings at the annual meeting of the SSAR.
A great review of a salamander program put on the 21st at the North Carolina Botanical Garden Kudos to the presenters, it sounds like you did a wonderful job, and possibly inspired a budding herpetologist!
Scientists have accused successive governments of failing to stop the spread of cane toads.
Sure, if you throw enough money at something you can accomplish anything, but weighing how much to spend on this and how much on other important things, whose to say. I do agree that if was priority number 1, there would be no toads in Australia, but what would have to be sacrificed to make that happen?
Volunteers needed for frog survey | ||
Orientation Feb. 27 | ||
The sound of frogs calling in the night is more than just a sign of spring’s arrival. Frog calls can also be an important way to determine where different species live and how populations are doing over time - and many scientists now believe keeping track of these small amphibians can provide valuable information about our natural world. “Frogs, toads and other amphibians have received more attention over the last few years as scientists and the public have become increasingly alarmed over amphibian declines and deformities. Because amphibians are aquatic for at least part of their life cycle, they can serve as important indicators of water quality and other aspects of environmental health,” said Holly Niederriter, a wildlife biologist with the Delaware Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program. This spring DAMP is seeking volunteers to conduct surveys of calling frogs around the state. Volunteers with DAMP are assigned a route in one portion of the state, and they conduct surveys by listening for calling frogs at stops along the route, where they record the species they hear and general number of frogs calling. A number of routes have yet to be assigned in Delaware, particularly in Sussex and Kent counties. Potential volunteers need to have a car, access to the internet and be willing to conduct surveys along a roadside at night. An orientation meeting on Friday, Feb. 27, training CD and other information will be provided. After volunteers familiarize themselves with the calls of Delaware’s 16 frog species, they conduct three nighttime surveys between February and July each year. Each survey takes between two to three hours, not including drive time to the start point. This is a long-term project and is best suited for volunteers who are able to commit to conducting surveys for at least a few years. To find out more about volunteering for DAMP, contact Vickie Henderson, Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife, at 302-943-9660 or email Vickie.Henderson@state.de.us or visit the national project website at www.pwrc.usgs.gov/naamp |
I have just listened to the DAMP CD, it is fantastic! Lang Elliot has did another wonderful job.
Google Earth new tool to save amphibians in England
Campaigners nail amphibians to Google Earth
Spring Forward Fun And Activities At Franklin Park Zoo
By Jillian Kuzyk
Boston, MA - Year of the Frog may be over, but the amphibian crisis is not. Turn your clock ahead and come learn how you can be a friend to frogs through fun games and activities. At Franklin Park Zoo, celebrate our amphibian friends, as well as the start of spring, with some froggy fun in a special education program! The Leap into Spring program will be held from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. for children ages 3 to 4, and from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. for children ages 8 to 10. The additional cost for this event is $8 for members and $10 for non-members (cost includes adult/child pair for the early class). To register, call 617-989-3742. At Stone Zoo, stop by the Animal Discovery Center between 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. to learn about amphibians. There is no cost for the Stone Zoo program.
Sing-a-Longs with Su Eaton!
Every Saturday in March, 11:00 a.m. – Noon
Franklin Park Zoo
Escape the winter chill and bring your little ones down to the always-balmy Tropical Forest for family entertainment provided by our professional children’s entertainer during our Saturday Sing-a-Longs! Wildly popular children’s entertainer, Su Eaton, will perform every Saturday in March. These events will be held in the Hippo Theater at Franklin Park Zoo and are free with general Zoo admission. Saturday Sing-a-Longs will be held March 7, 14, 21 and 28. This event is free with general admission.
General Admission: Adults: $12.00
Senior Admission (62+): $10.00
Child Admission (ages 2-12): $7.00
Children under 2: Free
Members: Free
NEWS RELEASE
The Center for North American Herpetology
Lawrence, Kansas
http://www.cnah.org
20 February 2009
NORTH CAROLINA HERPETOFAUNAL FIELD TRIP
The 2009 Spring meeting of the North Carolina Herpetological Society will be held
Saturday, April 25 at Morrow Mountain State Park. Morrow Mountain is in the Uwharrie
Region of North Carolina, about 45 miles east of Charlotte. The Uwharrie Mountains are
among the oldest mountains in North America, having formed about 500 million years
ago. This region also harbors an interesting mixture of Mountain, Piedmont, and Coastal
Plain flora and fauna because of its geology, topography, and location.
In addition to the meeting on Saturday, field trips on Friday and Sunday will be organized
as “herp-blitzes” of nearby public and private lands to increase our knowledge of local
amphibian, turtle, and reptile distribution and abundance. Additional meeting details will
be sent out soon.
We are soliciting presentations from anyone interested in sharing information about
research, conservation, education, or related topics about NC’s herpetofauna, especially
topics about Uwharrie Region herps. Talks should be about 20-30 minutes long.
If you are interested in speaking, please send an email to me with your ideas.
Jeff Humphries
Piedmont Wildlife Diversity Biologist
North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission
404 Barclay Rd.
Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27516
Work (cell): 919-928-4071
Home (cell): 919-428-8724
jeff.humphries@earthlink.net
12:58pm Thursday 19th February 2009
WILTSHIRE Wildlife Trust is looking for volunteers living near Alderbury to join the toad patrol.
Every year, the common toad makes a hazardous - journey from hibernation sites to breeding ponds and they do this at a painstakingly slow crawl under darkness following centuries-old routes.
Many of these ancient routes now cross busy roads so their mission is especially perilous.
Every year, villagers in Alderbury have turned out to save thousands of toads from an untimely death by picking them up and carrying them to safety. However, the patrol is in need of help.
The group would welcome help from anyone with time to spare between 6pm and 10pm some evenings between February and April.
Volunteers will be provided with high visibility jackets, torches, gloves and buckets.
To find out more, contact Nicky Warden at Wiltshire Wildlife Trust on 01722 792015, or e-mail nicolaw@wiltshirewildlife.org.
Robot Salamander Helps Unlock Evolution Mysteries
Probably not something you'll find at Radio Shack for the holiday season, but very cool none the less. Robots in evolution research, who would have thunk?
The Caudata.org Grant
in association with the Amphibian Ark
Caudata.org is an online community of caudate enthusiasts to promote learning and accurate
information exchange about this taxon. The Caudata.org grant is an annual award utilizing funds
raised by the group to support conservation of caudates. There is a strong preference for supporting
projects that involve biologists from the species’ native country. Grant amounts vary annually based
on the year’s fundraising success.
2009 grant amount: $1000
2009 grant application deadline: 1 March
2009 grant award date: 1 April
Application requirements:
1. Name and institutional affiliation of applicant(s) and principal investigator(s)
2. Title of project
3. Salamander species involved
4. 1-2 paragraphs (<300 words) project overview including brief background, methods, and
anticipated outcomes, with emphasis on actions utilizing these funds
5. Budget overview (in US$) with what our money covers and where the rest is coming from
6. Timeline of work and dissemination of results
Total application not to exceed 1 page, submitted in English as Microsoft Word doc or pdf to
KevinZ@AmphibianArk.org. Progress reports must be submitted every year on award date untilcompletion of the project.
Atelopus Conservation Trust
MISSION:
Due to the spread of the chytrid fungus, Panamanian golden frogs(Atelopus zeteki) are facing extinction in the wild.
Project Golden Frog/Atelopus Conservation Trust (PGF/ACT) wants to continue to support the research and conservation of these and other harlequin frogs via funding.
GOALS:
The PGF/ACT Grant, newly established in 2007, supports conservation programs that seek to increase our basis of knowledge or continue to protect the endangered Panamanian golden frog and other Atelopus species throughout their range and in captivity.
WHO CAN APPLY:
Field studies and other projects that demonstrate a multidisciplinary approach to Atelopus zeteki receive highest funding priority, although projects involving ex situ conservation of other Atelopus species will be considered.
Research and projects that involve range-country collaborators are encouraged. Environmental education programs, development of techniques that can be used in a natural environment and captive propagation programs that stress an integrative approach to conservation are also appropriate.
Projects must directly affect biological conservation.
HOW CAN YOU APPLY:
Please download, by right clicking, or print the following grant application form:
(For more information, please contact us at goldenfrog@denverzoo.org)