ABSTRACTS FROM THE 24th ANNUAL MEETING OF THE
INTERNATIONAL HERPETOLOGICAL SYMPOSIUM, INC.DAVID G. BARKER Vida Preciosa International, Inc., Pythons, PO. Box 300, Boerne, TX 78006, USA, (830) 537-5000 (tel and fax), vpi@gvtc.com (e-mail), www. vpi.com The development of the oocyte into a fertile egg is illustrated by the dissection of pythons in thevarious stages of reproduction. These stages of development are also illustrated by sonograms of the ovaries and oviducts of living pythons. The reproductive organs of both male and female pythons are illustrated. The mechanics of copulation and fertilization are illustrated and discussed. |
PHILIP J. BERGMANN Vertebrate Morphology Research Group, University of Calgary, 2500 University Dr. N. W., Calgary, Alberta, Canada, T2N 1N4, (403) 220-7638 or (403) 220-7258 (tel), (403) 289-9311 (fax) Hybridization, the production of offspring by interbreeding individuals from genetically distinct populations (regardless of taxonomic status), can either be natural or human-facilitated. Natural hybridization contributes to rapid speciation and radiation of taxa, and can be an important impetus for evolutionary change. Human-facilitated hybridization is often highly detrimental, and can lead to the genetic extinction of taxa. This is a growing concern with respect to captive propagation as well as conservation of species, and is here explored in a herpetocultural/herpetological context. Examples from whiptail lizards, Cnemidophorus, python genus Morelia, Burmese python, Python molurus, the sea turtles, Cheloniidae, and other taxa are utilized to support arguments. In the past, human propagators of various organisms have faced the question of whether or not to hybridize. The herpetocultural community, which is relatively young, is now faced with the same questions. The production of hybrids by humans provides the opportunity to damage natural populations from a genetic standpoint. Hybridization of this sort can act to destroy coadapted gene complexes, resulting in animals poorly adapted to their specific, local environment. Release or reintroduction of such animals threatens both the fitness of wild individuals, and the genetic integrity of their species. This damage is often difficult to identify and therefore quantify, hindering conservation efforts. Hybridization, if used in a highly controlled and well-planned manner, can be helpful in "last resort" conservation efforts. With the exception of these efforts, it is imperative that the products of human-facilitated hybridization be removed from natural situations. Measures should also be taken to ensure that intentional hybridization is done in a responsible and controlled manner, or not at all. |
THOMAS H. BOYER, DVM Pet Hospital of Penasquitos, 9888, Suite F Carmel Mountain Road, San Diego, CA 92129, USA (858) 484-3490 (tel), (858) 484-3499 (fax), terrapins@msn.com (e-mail) Reptiles entering established collections should be sequestered from the main collection for three months for lizards, chelonians and crocodilians and six months for snakes. Quarantine facilities ideally should be physically separated from the collection and serviced after the main collection. There should be no exchange of items between quarantine and the main collection. A separate ventilation system, sink, foot baths, disposable gloves and multiple quarantine rooms are highly recommended. Strict pest control is a must. During quarantine the reptile should gain weight, be tested and/or treated for endoparasites (particularly nematodes and protozoa) and ectoparasites (particularly mites and ticks) and establish a normal feeding routine. Ancillary diagnostics such as a complete blood count, chemistry panel and paramyxovirus HI titer (for viperids) are recommended depending on the species and temperament. Animals that fail to thrive, loose weight or are questionable should not be moved to the main collection. Animals that die should undergo a thorough necropsy, including histology, if an obvious cause of death is not apparent. For chelonians important contagious diseases to detect during quarantine are upper respiratory tract disease and herpesvirus. For snakes contagious infectious diseases include cryptosporidiosis, paramyxovirus, inclusion body disease virus and other viruses. For lizards contagious infectious diseases include adenovirus and potentially paramyxovirus. For crocodilians poxvirus and mycoplasma are concerns. Amoebiasis is a problem for all groups. |
KELLY BRADLEY, Keeper Reptile Department, Fort Worth Zoo, 1989 Colonial Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76110 USA, (817) 871-7000 (tel), (817) 871-7012 (fax) The crocodile monitor, Varanus salvadorii, is an impressive species from the island of New Guinea. This species is considered by many to be the longest lizard in the world. Except for several locality reports, very little information is available concerning the ecology or natural history of this species. Recently, more information dealing with captive husbandry has become available through the zoological community and the private sector. Crocodile monitors are held in relatively few American toes due to its large space demands, and potential to inflict severe injuries to keepers. The Fort Worth Zoo has bred crocodile monitors on two occasions, once in 1997 and again in 1999. A total of ten offspring were successfully hatched from eleven fertile eggs. The Fort Worth Zoo utilized several husbandry techniques to induce successful reproduction. These methods, along with egg incubation techniques and neonate husbandry, will be discussed in detail. |
JOHN CANN 26 Yarr Rd., Phillip Bay, New South Wales, 2036 Australia Research into Australian freshwater turtles has greatly advanced during the last decade. Numerous new forms have been formerly described, and many papers describing turtles have been submitted or are in their final stages of preparation. This new work has been driven by extensive surveys for new forms, to which I am pleased to have contributed substantially, renewed interest in turtle taxonomy by some bright students, and the introduction of some modern molecular techniques to the problem of defining species boundaries objectively. This work has confirmed many ideas on new species, as outlined in the literature, but it has also yielded some surprises. The cryptic species pair of saw-shell turtles, Elseya georgesi, from the Bellinger and Elseya purvesi from the Manning, is one example. Three instances of hybridization among the snake-necked turtles, Chelodina provide other examples. Chelodina novaeguineae is hybridizing with Chelodina longicollis where their ranges meet in central Queensland, and C. novaeguineae is hybridizing with C. rugosa in the Gulf country, despite their distant relationship. Back-crossed individuals have been found, providing a real challenge to our ideas of what a Chelodina species is. Whatever the final figure is for the number of Australian freshwater turtle species, this critical information is coming to light at a time when many populations of turtle are in decline as human and aquatic wildlife populations compete for a very limited resource in Australia - water. This fundamental taxonomic work is critical if we are to balance conservation concerns with development. |
JOHN F. COVER, Curator of Rain Forest Exhibits National Aquarium in Baltimore, 501 East Pratt Street, Pier 1, Baltimore, Maryland 21202 USA (410) 576-3800 (tel), (410) 576-8238 (fax) Zoo and aquarium exhibits have changed drastically from the Victorian style of the past, when "stampbook" collections of animals were displayed in stark, barren enclosures. In the 1960's a revolution in zoo/aquarium displays began as efforts shifted towards naturalistic habitat recreations, and the first visitor immersion exhibits were created. This effort continues to evolve and improve as new materials, techniques, and technologies are utilized. Another exhibit concept, long used by art museums and gaining popularity in the zoo/aquarium industry, is the creation of a changing exhibit space. These exhibits are temporary and typically changed on a one- to two-year cycle. Changing exhibits present the opportunity to explore various topics in detail and to create displays presenting new information. New exhibits are a tremendous aid in stimulating repeat visitation. The National Aquarium in Baltimore (NAIB) is committed to displaying animals in naturalistic environments and to cutting-edge exhibitry. The lecture will discuss the exhibit design and creation process at NAIB, focusing on our Rain Forest exhibits, the newly opened Amazon River Forest exhibit and our last changing exhibit Venom: Striking Beauties. The true beauty and display value of reptiles and amphibians is sometimes lost due to poor lighting and poorly designed exhibits. Naturalistic habitats can not only enhance specimen beauty but can also stimulate natural behaviors such as foraging and breeding behaviors. Such activity makes the exhibit more interesting to visitors. The same techniques can be utilized by home hobbyists to stimulate natural behaviors of their captives. |
CAPTAIN AL CRUZ Miami-Dade Fire Rescue, Florida Antivenin Bank, Special Operations Division, (786) 331-5000 Non emergency, fdvenom@aol.com (e-mail) Miami-Dade County is the largest importer of exotic venomous snakes in the United States, and possibly the world, importing more than 1,500 snakes annually. From 1946 through 1988, the Miami Serpentarium handled the needs for antivenin throughout the state of Florida. Due to the closure of the facility in 1988, South Florida had no access to antivenin with a 250 mile radius and there has been an alarming increase of envenomations (venomous snakebites) and subsequent need for antivenin, Shortly after the closing of Miami Serpentarium, an adult male was bitten by a cobra, and it took 17 public and private agencies to bring this individual back to life. To date, the State of Florida has issued approximately 100 venomous reptile licenses to residents in Miami-Dade county, and an additional 400 permits have been issued throughout the entire state. According to the Florida Fresh Water & Game Commission, 3 to 5 times more people are keeping venomous snakes without acquiring permits. Venomous snakebite incidents continue to occur at an average rate of 300 per year in the state of Florida and at the rate of 8,000 nationally. According to the Florida Poison Control Center, Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties average 150 snakebites a year, 40 percent of which are poisonous. However, there is a drastic reduction in the stocking of antivenin serum, and most hospitals are at a disadvantage when confronted with an envenomation incident. Until the creation of the Antivenin Bank, many local hospitals were not stocking proper quantities of antivenin to treat envenomations, In the past, foreign antivenin had been maintained exclusively in toes, where the sera was not readily available in cases of snakebites. Recognizing the gap in emergency medical service for snakebite victims, the Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Department created the Florida Antivenin Bank to treat incidents involving venomous snakes. The department's Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Division created its own antivenin bank (the Florida Antivenin Bank) in June of 1998. By October, a local fire station was stocked with antivenin serum, and the bank was fully operational to supply antivenom for the majority of venomous snakes maintained in captivity. Its resources are available statewide, nationwide and worldwide, if requested. An extension of the Florida Antivenin Bank was initially established at Winter Park Fire and Rescue in central Florida to expedite availability of serum to all residents of the state of Florida. This site guarantees deployment of antivenin within the timeframe of one hour to urban communities and two hours to rural communities. The Florida Antivenin Bank works closely with hospitals in the state and with the Florida Poison Control Center. In an agreement with Miami-Dade Fire Rescue's EMS Division, ten local area hospitals maintain an in-house stock of antivenin to treat native venomous snakebites. The Florida Antivenin Bank trains hospital personnel in the latest snakebite treatment modalities and the identification of native and commonly kept exotic venomous snakes. The maintenance of this antivenin bank greatly improves the quality of care provided to our citizens. The Antivenin Bank is available on a 24-hour basis to render assistance with venom-related emergency calls involving requests for antivenin serum in and outside Miami-Dade County. Some of the antivenin available through the bank is the only one of its kind in the southeastern United States. The bank can be reached through the Miami-Dade Communications Center by dialing 911. Since the implementaion of the Florida Antivenin Bank, no fatalities have occurred within the State of Florida. The program itself has proven successful, providing antivenin or expertise in 37 incidents, even when activated to assist on a national and international level. |
PAUL FREED, Senior Keeper Reptile Department, Houston Zoo, 1513 N. MacGregor, Houston, TX 77030 USA, (713) 284-1300 (tel), (713) 284-1329 (fax) Located along southeastern Africa, Tanzania boasts an impressive diversity of approximately 375 species of reptiles and amphibians. Due to the numerous isolated mountains founds throughout the country, many of the herp species are endemic. This includes over 50 species of reptiles and nearly an equal number of amphibians that are found only in these remote and often inaccessible mountain ranges. With the assistance of an in-country guide, several weeks were spent collecting herpetological specimens in northern Tanzania as well as the Usambara Mountains. The Usambaras are home to many endemic species, including caecilians, frogs, toads and half a dozen varieties of chameleons. Tanzania has over 30 taxa of chameleons, many of which were found in the Usambaras. Unfortunately, even in protected areas such as the Usambaras, much of the habitat is being cut down and degraded for agricultural use and for the timber industry. During the brief time we spent in these mountains, we could clearly see the destructive impact the local people have inflicted on this once pristine region. At this accelerated rate of deforestation, it won't take long before most of Tanzania's treasures are lost forever. |
GREGORY GEORGE Petraworks-Concrete Sculpture and Casting, 4407 North Fairmount Road, Signal Mountain, TN 37377 USA 423-886-7870 Many reptile and amphibian collections across the country are housed in older facilities built during an era which emphasized a diversity of specimens. These buildings, designed by "collectors," characteristically present cubicle exhibits in a formal, linear arrangement. In today's toes and aquariums the emphasis has changed to more complex, mixed species exhibits portraying a section of a particular environment. Interpretive graphics and educational messages relating to adaptation, behavior and reproductive strategies of the exhibited species as well as physical characteristics of their environment are becoming more popular. The primary goals in exhibit design are to elicit natural behavior from the species while accommodating the needs of the keeper, maximizing space, minimizing animal stress, and incorporating feeding stations, life support systems and natural planting. "Concrete Solutions to Exhibit Problems" addresses these challenges inherent to exhibit design and construction while demonstrating practical and affordable materials and methods necessary to implement positive changes in reptile and amphibian exhibits. |
CRAIG HOOVER, TRAFFIC North America c/o World Wildlife Fund, 1250 24th Street, NW Washington, DC 20037 USA, (202) 293-4800 (tel), (202) 775-8287 (fax) The two most significant players in the global turtle trade may very well be the United States and China. Though the United States serves largely as a supplier, it is also a significant consumer of native and exotic species, both as pets and for food. China, though a producer of significant numbers of turtles, is currently consuming turtles at a rate that threatens not only the more than 80 species in Asia, but turtle species throughout the world. By far the largest group of reptile species exported from the United States is our native turtles, and this trade has expanded rapidly over the last decade. Approximately 10 million hatchling red-eared slider turtles, Chrysemys scripta elegans, and quantities exceeding 200,000 of more than a dozen other species are exported from the United States each year to supply pet and food trades around the world. Rising demand for freshwater turtles and tortoises in China has provoked serious concern that many Asian species are in serious decline and facing extinction in the wild. This enormous demand for turtles, which are primarily consumed as food and medicine, is fueled mainly by China's South and Southeast Asian neighbors, which continue to send tons of live turtles to China. In this presentation, we will compare and contrast the turtle trades in the United States and China, and assess the impacts that these two nations are having on wild turtle populations. |
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