Dunk kingsnake.com founder Jeff Barringer! Ends 8/18, 7pm pst

KINGSNAKE.COM holding fundraising dunk tank!

Saturday, August 22nd - 3 TIME SLOTs being auctioned on EBAY 3:30pm, 3:40pm, 3:50pm

If kingsnake.com’s Jeff Barringer doesn’t look happy, its because he knows he is about to get dunked. Cheer up Jeff, it’s all for a good cause!

Three balls, thirty balls, 300 balls — we don’t know how many throws you’ll get in your 10 minutes, but we do know that all the proceeds are going to a good cause, the International Reptile Conservation Foundation (IRCF).

Here’s your chance to give back to the reptile community and take a shot at Jeff Barringer at the same time.

Other Reptile Celebrities have also volunteered to be dunked for a good cause including Wayne Hill, Desiree Wong, Tommy Crutchfield, Kim Bell and more!

READ MORE AT:
http://www.ircf.org/2009/08/dunk-kingsnakecom-founder-jeff-barringer/

June 2009 (v16.2) journal released!

http://www.IRCF.org

Are you on Facebook?

So is IRCF! We are actively posting our activities, as well as references to interesting articles about reptile and amphibian conservation and sciences. Desiree is the current administrator for the IRCF Facebook Fan, Group and Cause activities. You can also find her on facebook as well!

Start with the Fan page! If you have seen us at the shows, please feel free to post your show photos!!!

Be a fan! :)
http://www.facebook.com/IRCF.org

Kicking off the summer!

Summer has started! This past quarter, saw the release of our revamped journal. Under its new title "Reptiles and Amphibian, Conservation and Ecology", the journal debuted in full-color, and feedback to date has been well received. Thank you to all our members; it is your membership that helps the journal thrive.

IRCF was at May's Herp World Expo in San Francisco - John and Sandy Binns, Joel Friesch, Mike Kern, and a handful of additional helpers; of course Izzy, our Cuban rock iguana! We headed into summer with attending the June Reptile Supershow (San Diego, CA) with Desiree Wong and Limey! They are grooming up a new show animal, Xan, a rhinocerous iguana, who made his first appearance in January!

We thank Bob, Brian, Jeff, Ramy, Jim and Mary for their continued support of IRCF! (www.narbc.com, www.kingsnake.com, www.reptilesupershow.com, www.herpworldexpo.com)

Our website has gone through a major redesign. We hope you enjoy its new format.

We also created a new IRCF Facebook Fan Page. We felt this would help keep folks posted a bit better than the groups format. Please consider becoming a fan!

http://www.facebook.com/IRCF.org

For all complete/additional news and details, visit http://www.ircf.org/.

IRCF on Facebook!

We've recently created a Facebook group, with the hope of keeping folks informed about IRCF, as well as encourage participation and interaction!

Stop by and visit! Share your photos and experiences!

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=52461393508&ref=ts

IRCF 2009 First Quarter highlights

Welcome! We kicked off 2009 with attending the Reptile Supershow (Pomona, CA) and NARBC TX (Arlington, TX). In addition, Kingsnake.com provided "My snake is bigger than your snake" t-shirts to help raise funds towards IRCF supported programs. The shows had great attendance; the promotors did a fantastic job! We were able to sign up new members as well as renew exisiting members. We thank Bob, Brian, Jeff and Ramy for their continued support of IRCF! (www.narbc.com, www.kingsnake.com, www.reptilesupershow.com)

Our journal IGUANA is also undergoing change for 2009. Our title will change and new content will be added. In addition, color will be featured throughout the journal so you can fully appreciate the photographs! Please encourage your friends and colleagues to become a member and receive the journal - now in FULL COLOR! https://www.ircf.org/membership.php

Have you seen our new auction page? (http://www.ircf.org/auction). Please visit to bid on items or donate merchandise! An item of interest perhaps? - a set of IGUANA journals from May 1993- December 2008. For book collectors and new members, this is a wonderful way to capture the back issues! There is also a unique 1 oz .999 silver american alligator bar! Thank you to those who donated the above items and more!

For all complete/additional news and details, visit http://www.IRCF.org.

John Binns - IRCF - February 1st 6pm PST Kingsnake.com Chat Month

http://www.pethobbyist.com/ChatMonth11.html

"Sunday, February 1 6pm PST....

John Binns : International Reptile Conservation Foundation

Sunday, February 1, at 9 PM Eastern, in the kingsnake.com chat room. Binns, one half of the driving force behind the International Reptile Conservation Foundation, will be joining us to talk on past and current projects, ways you can get involved, ways you can help endangered species and more...."

Iguana Specialist Group Book Auction to Support International Student Travel [some auction items ending soon!]

Please check out the website - there is a nice selection of books. Help support ISG! ~ des

*******

The Iguana Specialists Group is a Species Survival Commission of The World Conservation Union (IUCN). Through partnerships with government agencies, conservation organizations, and research institutions, the IUCN Iguana Specialists Group seeks to help design and implement immediate and effective conservation measures for this magnificent group of lizards. When this group was first established we focused mostly on West Indian Iguanas, of the genus Cyclura. Now, however, we are expanding our focus and working hard to include individuals focusing on all Iguanas throughout the world.

In order to help facilitate this goal, we are holding a book auction to raise money in support of international student travel to meetings and workshops. The website is
http://www.ircf.org/auction/index.php

Stesha Pasachnik
Iguana Specialists Group
spasachn@utk.edu

**********

Information about the auction site: http://www.ircf.org/auction/index.php

Welcome to the IRCF Auction Site. This site has been created to benefit conservation programs and projects approved and/or supported by the IRCF.

The IRCF is a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation. All approved donations to auctions as well as all payments made for winning bids of auctions are tax deductible.

IRCF at NARBC, Texas - February 7-8, 2009

Next stop: TEXAS! :) This is my second time attending this show! Had a great time last year.

Stop by the IRCF table! Always looking forward to seeing friends and meeting new folks!!

Arlington Convention Center
Arlington, TX
http://narbc.com/htm2006/dfw_index.htm
Note: Also plan to stop by the PIJAC auction Saturday evening after the show!

Much thanks to Bob Ashley and Brian Potter for their continued support of IRCF :)

IGUANA journal going full color for 2009

"Become a member of the International Reptile Conservation Foundation and by doing so, support our conservation awareness and educational efforts. You will receive four quarterly issues of the IRCF journal IGUANA, Conservation, Natural History, and Husbandry of Reptiles ..."

For more information: https://www.ircf.org/memberships.php

Visit the IRCF website for latest news and updates!!!
http://www.IRCF.org

2009 Herpetology Opportunities

From PARC listserv, dated 2009-01-05
COURSES OFFERED FOR THOSE WANTING TO QUALIFY FOR SOON-TO-BE-REQUIRED FWC CERTIFICATION

Individuals interested in working with gopher tortoises must demonstrate a certain level of experience, or attend classes, to become an Authorized Gopher Tortoise Agent certified by the Florida Game and Freshwater Fish Commission (FWC). The FWC Gopher Tortoise Management Plan requires individuals working with tortoises, including relocating tortoises and/or their commensals (e.g., gopher frog, indigo snake, pine snake, Florida mouse), to become certified or to work directly under an individual that has certification. For details about when certification is required or to obtain an application go to: http://myfwc.com/permits/Protected-Wildlife/apps/GopherTortoise_PermitRevisedRequirements.pdf

The Ashton Biodiversity Research & Preservation Institute, Inc. (ABRPI) and Wildlands Conservation, Inc., have joined together to offer classes designed to train people to become Authorized Gopher Tortoise Agents in all the required areas. Our new course schedule is now posted: Classes in February and March will be taught at ABRPI, about ½ hour east of Gainesville, FL. We are in the process of scheduling other locations throughout the state over the year. Registration information can be found on the previous site or http://ashtonbiodiversity.org.

Ashton Biodiversity Research & Preservation Institute, Inc. 14260 W Newberry Rd. PMB 331Newberry, FL 32669 www.ashtonbiodiversity.org

********************************************************************************

HerpDigest.org: The Only Free Weekly Electronic Newsletter That Reports on The Latest News on Herpetological Conservation and Science
Volume # 8 Issue #57, Sunday, December 21, 2008
Publisher/Editor- Allen Salzberg

Join the John G. Shedd Aquarium Andros Iguana research expedition from March 20-29, 2009.

Join Shedd biologists on their spring visit to the Bahamas to study the charismatic but endangered Andros Iguana (Cyclura cychlura cychlura). Since 1999, participants in these research excursions have been instrumental in our ability to collect crucial life history data on this endangered species. Participants this year will spend days capturing and tagging iguanas alongside Shedd staff and also potentially witness breeding activity and pre-nesting behavior. After a hard day’s work, we will return to the R/V Coral Reef II, Shedd’s comfortable research vessel, to enjoy a ship-cooked meal, filled with camaraderie and story telling. Besides long days in the field, participants will also have opportunities to snorkel and swim, visit with local people, and travel to cays never before explored. This iguana research expedition is for anyone with a sense of adventure and a desire to make a difference for wildlife conservation. We’ve designed a field experience that is exciting, challenging, and entertaining while also safe, accessible, and meaningful. Shedd provides the expertise and equipment, but the volunteers provide the teamwork that makes the project possible.

For more information, please contact Cecelia Ungari at iguanaresearch@sheddaquarium.org or view a brochure in PDF format at http://www.sheddaquarium.org/rockiguana.html.

KINGSNAKE.COM and the IRCF Trade T-Shirts for Donations at the Reptile Super Show - Pomona, CA January 3/4

"KINGSNAKE.COM and the IRCF Trade T-Shirts for Donations at this Weekend's Reptile Super Show.

KINGSNAKE.COM and the International Reptile Conservation Foundation (IRCF) are partnering for this weekend's Reptile Super Show at the LA County Fairgrounds to raise public awareness of the IRCF Blue Iguana Recovery Program and it's many other conservation efforts. The first 250 people to stop by each day at the Super Show's IRCF booth and donate a dollar ($1.00 or more) toward IRCF conservation programs will get a brand spanking new "My Snake Is Bigger Than Your Snake" T-Shirt from Kingsnake.com........"


To continue reading:
http://www.ircf.org/news_kingsnake123108.php

2008 IRCF Show Schedule

We're steadily working on appearing at the following reptile shows to help bring awareness to endangered reptile conservation. This is a great opportunity for you to meet the faces behind IRCF and learn about how you can make a difference!

Highlights from 2007 shows: http://www.ircf.org/news122507.php

More photos can be seen in the IRCF on the Move section in the IGUANA journal.

Due to logistical constraints, IRCF has been primarily able to attend only West Coast venues. If you wish to help represent IRCF at shows in your area, please contact Sandy Binns at sb [at] ircf.org

To date, these are our planned shows to attend:

August 9-10

San Jose Reptile Show

San Jose, CA

http://www.sanjosereptileshow.com/

IRCF attendees: John & Sandy Binns, Mike Kern

November 8-9

Michigan Society of Herpetologists

Annual Reptile and Amphibian Super Expo 2008/

24th Annual Midwest Herpetological Symposium

Radisson Hotel Detroit-Livonia

Livonia, MI

http://www.michherp.org/24midwest.html

IRCF attendees: Desiree Wong

Planning still in the works:

September 6-7

North American Reptile Breeders Conference

Anaheim Convention Center

Anaheim, CA

http://narbc.com/htm2006/an_index.htm

September 13-14

Sacramento Reptile Show

Sacramento Convention Center

Sacramento, CA

http://upscalereptiles.com/

October 4

Wildlife Conservation Expo Day

Mission Bay Convention Center

San Francisco Bay Area, CA

http://www.wildnet.org/upcoming_events.htm

October 11-12

North American Reptile Breeders Conference

Tinley Park Holiday Inn Select & Convention Center

Tinley Park, IL

http://narbc.com/htm2006/tp_index.htm

November 15-16

North American Reptile Breeders Conference

Chantilly, VA

http://narbc.com/htm2006/va_index.htm

Attended Shows:

February 23-24
North American Reptile Breeders Conference
Arlington Convention Center
Arlington, TX
http://narbc.com/htm2006/dfw_index.htm
IRCF attendees: Desiree Wong, Jen Periat, Jane Billette, Bob MacCarger, Joel and Courtney Ebarb, Susan MuleThank you to our members Jen, Jane and Bob for travelling out to TX, as well as local members Joel, Courtney and Susan to assist with the show! Our show animal will be Kismet, a female cyclura hybrid. Very appreciative "Thank yous!" to the show promoters Bob Ashley and Brian Potter for our donated exhibit space; we appreciate your support! Look for us next to fellow IRCF member Nigel Marven!!!
-------
April 12-13
ReptileFest
University of IllinoisChicago, IL
http://reptilefest.com/
IRCF attendees: Desiree Wong

2008 Herpetology volunteer opportunites

Note, I also post this on my blog on myspace; will try to keep information synchronized as best as possible.

I thought I'd share these this year; will update as I learn of new opportunities.

***********************************************************
http://www.ircf.org/volunteer.php

Andros Iguana Research Expedition, Bahamas
March 22-30, 2008. Days will be spent carefully capturing iguanas for data gathering and translocation. Field work on the islands will be completed throughout the morning and afternoons.

Blue Iguana Captive Facility, Grand Cayman
May through July, 2008, Opportunities for those interested in caring for the captive Blue Iguanas and their offspring, monitoring nesting in the QE II Botanic Park, and other related activities.

Blue Iguana Field Activities, Grand Cayman
February through April 2008, and August through December 2008. Fieldwork opportunities to assist with population monitoring, trail network expansion and mapping, setting up iguana retreats, release in the wild and more.

Continue to check the IRCF website for upcoming field events and activities.

***********************************************************
From: PARC Announcement
Sent: Saturday, March 01, 2008 7:09 AM
Student and Volunteer Research on Mexican Reptiles and Amphibians

Applications to participate in our Sierra San Luis, Mexico Herpetofauana Research Project are now being accepted. This project takes us to one of the most remote "sky island" mountains along the borderlands of Arizona, New Mexico and Mexico. The sky islands are home to some of North America's most unique herpetofauna, including New Mexico Ridge-nosed Rattlesnakes, Crotalus willardi obscurus, a focus of our work. We will be elucidating the effects of fire and cattle grazing on the abundance and distribution of reptiles and amphibians, and giving insights into how best to make land-management decisions.

Students and volunteers from a wide variety of backgrounds may participate in this unique research and hands-on learning experience. Participants will take part in visual-encounter surveys and trap techniques, while assisting with animal handling of some species and laboratory procedures.

Visit www.ReptileResearch.org for application materials and details on this and other opportunities to work with reptiles and amphibians in Latin America. Contact apply@reptileresearch.org for inquiries.

***********************************************************
HerpDigest: The Only Free Weekly Electronic Newsletter That Reports on The Latest News on Herpetological Conservation, Science
Volume #8 Issue #8, Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Publisher/Editor- Allen Salzberg

4) Amphibian Doctoral Graduate Fellowship Available For Fall 2008

Influence of climate change on the distribution and ecological roles of terrestrial amphibians

One Ph.D. fellowship is available in the IGERT Ecosystem Informatics Program within the Department of Forest Science at Oregon State University starting in October 2008. The focus of this study is to develop species distribution models for terrestrial SALAMANDERS in Oregon and New Hampshire. Also, experimental field research and and mathematical modeling will be focused on the role of salamanders in the forest floor food web in relation to a changing climate. Field research will be based at H.J.Andrews and Hubbard Brook Experimental Forests. The fellowship includes $60,000 over 4 years, tuition and fees for 2 years, and a research allowance. We seek applications from individuals with the following qualifications: (1) a Masters degree in forest ecology, wildlife ecology, entomology, soil ecology, or related disciplines, (2) evidence of strong quantitative skills, (3) an excellent academic background (see IGERT requirements) and (4) field experience.

Application information for the IGERT Ecosystem Informatics program can be found at:http://ecoinformatics.oregonstate.edu/new/apply.html

Preference will be given to applications received by 1 March 2008.

Interested persons should contact:
Matthew G. Betts, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Forest Wildlife Landscape Ecology
Department of Forest Science
Oregon State University
Corvallis, Oregon 97331 USA
541-737-3841
matthew.betts@oregonstate.edu
http://www.forestry.oregonstate.edu/cof/fs/people/faculty/betts.php

***********************************************************
HerpDigest: The Only Free Weekly Electronic Newsletter That Reports on The Latest News on Herpetological Conservation and Science Jobs, Seminars and Bibliographies –
HerpDigest Volume #8 Issue #6, Monday, February 4, 2008
_______________________________________________________________
3) Research Technicians Position Announcement – The Terrapin Project

We seek to fill 4 research positions assisting on a population study of diamondback terrapins on the Georgia coast. The positions are full-time, in residence positions from April 1-June 30, 2008 [start dates are negotiable] and pay a monthly stipend of $1500 plus free lodging. Work occurs at variable hours, weekdays and weekends, is physically demanding [see description below], and involves work from small boats and in the water.

Stipend: $1500/mos for 3 months plus free lodging.

Amenities: Free lodging will be available at a GDNR owned facility in Darien, GA. Rooms will be shared by two people, and house includes full kitchen, 2 full baths, living area, and computer with high-speed internet access. Residents must bring their own linens and are responsible for their own food.

Typical Work Day: Because work depends on tidal cycles, work times are variable and begin between 5:00 AM and 10:00 AM. Work begins by packing gear, loading truck, and tending to the boat. Travel to sites varies from 30 minutes to 2 hours by car and additional time by boat. Boat travel is generally calm, but can involve travel through choppy water (3 to 4 foot waves). Each day, 1-2 tidal creeks are seined for turtles by wading up to 1 km up and back through shallow water and muck dragging a 36 ft seine. Turtles captured are then measured and marked on the boat before release, which typically takes 1-4 hours. The work day ends after arriving back at the house, and all equipment is unloaded and cleaned.

Qualifications: This job is physically demanding. You must be comfortable and able to travel by small boat and wade in knee deep mud and swim across deep pools while pulling a 36-foot seine. Applicants must also be comfortable with outdoor work including biting insects, heat, and regular encounters with other wildlife including crabs, sharks, alligators, dolphins, and stingrays. This job also requires persons capable of working and living in a small group for extended periods. Finally, while not required, applicants with a demonstrated ability to show care and respect for field research are highly desirable.

Still interested: Though it involves physically demanding, this job is very rewarding and enjoyable. You get to live and work on the coast, and will see diverse wildlife and environments. This is an ideal opportunity for students interested in research experience or simply looking for a great life experience.

Please submit letter of interest and a resume to:
Dr. John Maerz
c/o: Mr. Andrew Grosse
Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources
grossea@warnell.uga.edu
_________________________________________________________________________
4) Research Assistantship Available For Studies On The Conservation Ecology Of Eastern Box Turtles

Funding is available to support a combined research/teaching assistantship on the success
of mitigation methods used to reduce the impacts of major highway construction on
Eastern Box Turtles in central Maryland. Specifically, the project will help determine
whether on-site relocations and wildlife corridors are beneficial to Eastern Box Turtle
populations adjacent to a new interstate highway. Students would be expected to use data
generated from their studies for a Master's thesis at Towson University. The stipend is
currently $12,000/year, plus a full tuition waiver, per diem, and travel costs. The
assistantship will begin in May 2008. Deadline for applications is 15 March 2008, but early applications are encouraged.

The ideal student for this position is self-motivated, works well independently, and has a
strong interest in conservation biology of amphibians, turtles, and reptiles. The position
will require long hours in the field under moderate conditions (often alone) and exposure
to many hungry ticks. Prior research experience with radiotelemetry is helpful (but not
required), as is experience with data management.

Towson University is located just a mile north of the vibrant city of Baltimore, Maryland.
TU's Department of Biology offers outstanding opportunities for graduate students in
several areas including ecology, conservation biology, molecular ecology and
conservation, and animal behavior. Towson University has three active herpetologists on
the faculty and many graduate and undergraduate students working on herps. Previous
graduate students have gone on to Ph.D. programs at a number of major institutions or
have found employment with state or federal management agencies. A complete list of
departmental facilities, our current Graduate Faculty, and their teaching and research
interests is available on our web site at:

http://wwwnew.towson.edu/biologicalsciences/graduate_program.html

For additional information, contact:
Richard A. Seigel
Dept. of Biological Sciences
Towson University
Towson, Maryland 21252
410-704-3123
rseigel@towson.edu
_______________________________________________________________________
5) The Oceanic Society is searching for a student/intern to do research in their leatherback nesting beach in Galibi, Suriname (this is not the previous email I sent announcing a biologist position in Belize).

Although the Oceanic Society has specific beach/population monitoring goals, they are willing to consider different research projects as long as the main question fits into the Oceanic Society's aim to protect the leatherback nesting beach at Galibi.

This position is from April until August and includes housing, meals and airfare. It is a great opportunity for graduate students starting their research projects because there is a
strong probability of continued funding.

If this interests you and you would like more information contact
Mario J. Mota at chelonia@ufl.edu
___________________________________________________________________________
6) Sea Turtle Technician Partnership
Dewees Island and Cape Island, South Carolina

BACKGROUND
Cape Island, SC is an undeveloped remote barrier island in the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge which averages well over 1,000 loggerhead sea turtle nests each season. Sea turtle activity accounts for almost 1/3 of all nests in South Carolina. The lack of access to the remote island makes it challenging for federal biologists and volunteers to do beach patrols, nest relocation, nursery maintenance, predator removal, nest inventories, and nesting turtle research. Early morning small boat access and kayaking during extreme tides are required during the summer nesting season.

Dewees Island is a privately developed ferry access barrier island south of the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge and north of Charleston, SC. The Dewees community has a strong environmental focus, with approximately 60 homes, native landscaping, sand roads, and golf cart transportation. There are no commercial interests such as stores or restaurants on this isolated barrier island. Dewees averages 10 – 15 sea turtle nests per season, but allows for easier community access and educational opportunities through beach patrols, nest relocation, nest inventories, stranding coverage and educational nature center exhibits and presentations. The Dewees Environmental Program staff oversees and organizes these nesting and hatchling efforts with community volunteers.

OVERVIEW
A sea turtle technician position funded by The Deedee Paschal Barrier Island Trust helps meet the needs of both islands. Three days per week of man power for Cape Island with dormitory housing on the mainland (Awendaw, SC). Boat access to Cape Island with Refuge Biologist and seasonal staff is provided. Two days per week on Dewees Island is required to cover morning nest patrols and appropriate relocations and inventories. The remainder of the day on Dewees will require working in the Nature Center and Wet Lab to cover community educational opportunities, fieldtrips and animal husbandry. Ferry access, dormitory housing, and golf cart transportation will be provided for the remainder of the week by Dewees Island.

The intern shall report directly to both the US Fish and Wildlife Chief Biologist on Cape Island and the Environmental Program staff on Dewees Island.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:
1. Minimum three years undergraduate work in marine biology, ecology or related science.
2. Outgoing and independent personality; strong communication and leadership skills required.
3. Prior sea turtle nesting management experience preferred (additional training provided).
4. Ability to work a non-standard work day, including weekends, holidays and night shifts.
5. Ability to endure extreme summer and outdoor conditions (heat, bugs, salt, sand, etc.)
6. Ability to carry heavy equipment (up to 50 lbs.)
7. Ability to operate an ATV vehicle (training provided).
8. Ability to work and live independently in an extremely remote island lifestyle.
9. Boating experience preferred.


RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Conduct early morning or late evening beach patrols on assigned day in order to identify sea turtle nests and/or stranded sea turtles.
2. Assist as needed with Dewees Island’s various educational and research projects.
3. Conduct educational programs for nature-related groups, and assist in facilitation of research projects by visiting scientists as directed by the Refuge Biologist or Dewees Environmental Program staff.
4. Promote and practice stewardship of the all barrier island facilities, properties, and research equipment.
5. Understand and agree to dormitory and housing regulations. Both dormitories are a shared living space and personal effects are NOT provided (linens, toiletries, etc.).
6. Ability to provide your own transportation between Awendaw, SC and the Dewees Island Ferry Landing on Isle of Palms (approximately 20 miles).


STIPEND
A 3 month stipend of $3,000 plus housing will be provided for 40 hours/week of work starting mid-May through mid-August (turtle nesting season). An additional 3 month stipend from mid-August through mid- November (hatching season and research) of $1,500 plus housing as needed is available with a required college credit independent study. The Trust requires a strong research or education project that will be in association with college course credit. At a minimum, these results will be shared at a regional professional meeting and on the Trust’s website.

CONTACT INFORMATION
To inquire about the sea turtle intern position or to submit your resume, please contact:

Sarah Dawsey
Refuge Biologist
US Fish & Wildlife Service
5801 Highway 17 North
Awendaw, SC 29429
(843) 928 – 3264
Sarah_Dawsey@fws.gov

DEADLINE
Deadline for application is March 21, 2008 for mid-May start-up.

***********************************************************
HerpDigest: The Only Free Weekly Electronic Newsletter That Reports on The Latest News on Herpetological Conservation, Science
Volume #8 Issue #1, Monday, January 7, 2008
Publisher/Editor- Allen Salzberg

2) Looking For M.S. Students Interested In Herpetological Research For The Fall Of 2008.

From John S. Plyacyk of the University of Texas at Tyler

I am looking for Master’s students to populate my new and very empty lab in the Department of Biology at the University of Texas at Tyler. I am interested in two main types of students: 1) those interested in herpetological research, and 2) those interested in conservation genetics, molecular ecology, phylogenetics and systematics, chemical ecology, and behavioral biology. The latter need not specifically be interested in herps. Examples of current lab projects include conservation genetics of Butler’s gartersnake, Texas horned lizards, salamanders, and turtles, phylogenetics of gartersnakes, horned lizards, and box turtles, and geographic variation in morphology, behavior, and life-history traits and the influence of plasticity and genetics on that variation. If you would like more information, please contact Dr. John Placyk at jplacyk@uttyler.edu.

John S. Placyk, Jr., Ph.D., AssistantProfessor/Department of Biology/University of Texas at Tyler/3900 University Blvd./Tyler, Texas 75799/Office: 903-566-7147
***********************************************************
HerpDigest: The Only Free Weekly Electronic Newsletter That Reports on The Latest News on Herpetological Conservation, Science
Volume 1 Issue 84, Sunday, December 30, 2007
Publisher/Editor- Allen Salzberg

2) Summer Field Course In Conservation Biology, With An Emphasis On Amphibians, Turtles, And Reptiles
A field course in Conservation Biology will be offered at the Lakeside Laboratory from June 2nd to June 27th 2008. Lakeside Lab is located in Northwestern Iowa, along the intersection, from east to west, between the Eastern Deciduous Forest and Great Plains, and along the intersection, from north to south, between the recently glaciated Lakes Region and the older, better drained, and more variable stream systems associated with Missouri and Mississippi River uplands.

A combination laboratory and field course, Conservation Biology examines the history of the Upper Midwest from the retreat of the latest glaciers to the present day. Northwest Iowa is a landscape of lakes, wetlands, prairie, and oak savannah; it is also a place of intense agriculture, an area of concentrated summer tourism, and it hosts a wind farm. In this context, native ecosystems will be compared against altered ecosystems, and the processes of restoration will be measured against these extremes. Students will participate in a habitat restoration and should bring rugged clothing, sturdy boots, heavy canvas gloves, and a hard hat.

The herpetofauna of this area is well known. Highlights include the turn-of the-century (19th to 20th) commercial collections of 20 million leopard frogs/yr, the pioneering surveys of Frank Blanchard in the 1920s, and more recent findings that bear on the global problems of amphibian malformations and declines. We will visit the only known Prairie Rattlesnake populations in Iowa.

For information about Lakeside Lab (soon to be updated for 2008) see:
Iowa Lakeside Laboratory

For more information about the course, contact Mike Lannoo at:
Michael J. Lannoo/Professor, Anatomy and Cell Biology/Indiana University School of Medicine/Holmstedt Hall, Room 135/Terre Haute Indiana 47809 mlannoo@iupui.edu

3) Undergraduate Research And Training In Reptile Ecology In Spring 2008

There are openings for two undergraduate researchers to participate in field based research in lizard ecology. Field work will take place in Santa Rosa National Park, Costa Rica (15 to 29 March 2008).

All travel and living expenses are covered, and a generous stipend is provided.

In addition to field work, students will receive a broad introduction to reptile ecology and field methods. I can work with students to try arranging credit with their home institutions. In previous years, students were able earn 2-3 credits for participation.

The research team will consist of six Native American and Pacific Islander students. Funding constraints limit participation to Native American and Pacific Islander students.

Interested students who qualify can contact:
Doug Eifler/Erell Institute/Haskell Indian Nations University/Box 5018/155 Indian Avenue/Lawrence, Kansas 66046 deifler@erellinstitute.org 785-424-3397

Still time to get your IRCF December 2007 IGUANA journal!

It's not too late to receive the latest journal! The cover features a young Lesser Antillean Iguana (Iguana Delicatissima). Learn about the Amethystine Python (Morelia kinghorni) the Puerto Rican Ground Lizard (Ameiva exsul), and more! See what IRCF members have been up to in the IRCF on the Move section. For the downloadable table of contents, please refer to http://www.ircf.org/iguana/toc.html

Thanks to IRCF Membership promotion support from Blue Iguana Products (a division of Carib Sea), new members can receive shipped a 10 quart bag of CoCo Soft substrate through February 29th.

The promotion code can be found in the downloadable ad at http://www.ircf.org/news122507_1.php

To subscribe, visit http://www.IRCF.org and select The Journal. Don't forget to enter your promotion code!

By being involved with IRCF, you can help raise awareness and save endangered reptiles! Your part can make a difference!

IRCF webpage updated & Dec 2007 IGUANA available!.

Sorry for the delay in updates! But.....

Hello all!

IRCF has been busy this month! Our website's front page has received a major update.

Stop by and take a visit to see what conservation gifts and donations you can make for 2007 and for next year!

Also, some photos are uploaded from previous shows that IRCF has attended.

The December journal is out! Sign up today to receive your copy!

http://www.ircf.org/

Hope to see some of you in February at the NARBC Texas show!

des

Have you received your June IGUANA issue?

The tiny lizard dominating IGUANA's cover is a St. Vincent Dwarf Gecko (Sphaerodactylus vincenti). The journal highlights such topics as the conservation of green anacondas, sand dune lizards and Boelen's Python, as well as a profile on Glenn Gerber. Check out the IRCF on the Move section to see how our IRCF members supported IRCF at Chicago's ReptileFest. There's quite of lot of information and interests in nearly 80 pages!

How do you get this issue? Simply join the IRCF You'll receive 4 quarterly professionally put-together issues. You will not be disappointed! By joining, you are contributing to IRCF's efforts with assisting endangered reptiles.

IRCF September show schedule

IRCF will be attending the following shows:

September 8-9:
North American Reptile Breeder's Conference and Trade Show (NARBC)
Anaheim Convention Center
Anaheim, CA
http://www.narbc.com/

September 29-30th
The Sacramento Reptile Show
Sacramento Convention Center
Sacramento, CA
http://www.upscalereptiles.com/

Reggie the Alligator

2005.05.18: I have been visiting Lake Machado (Harbor City, CA) to photograph Reggie the Alligator; you can see photos in my MySpace blog.

Update: Sadly, Reggie has been captured and now resides at the Los Angeles Zoo. He certainly brought character to the Lake.

Volunteers needed for Blue Iguana Recovery Program from May through December 2007

It's Team Blue 2007! The Blue Iguana Recovery Program is now actively seeking volunteers, especially during the months of June and July; these months are critical to the success of the program, as major tasks are observing nesting iguanas and gathering of selective eggs for incubation. I have to say volunteering to help the most endangered iguanas in the world on a lovely Carribean island is an experience one will not soon forget or have abundant opportunities to do so!

IRCF has released an online registration program that gives you details of the volunteer positions available and easy to fill forms.

Volunteer website: http://www.IRCF.org/volunteer.html

My second trip to Grand Cayman was during June 2005. I had a great time volunteering. I helped out at the BIRP facility, taking care of the captive blue iguanas, ranging from yearlings to adults. At the time, we were doing observations of wild iguanas spotted in the East End; I spent a few days tracking and observing them. Finally, I spent time observing nesting iguanas in the Botanical Park, as well as digging up a nest in the middle of a morning thunderstorm!

Websites:

Blue Iguana Recovery Program http://www.blueiguana.ky
International Reptile Conservation Foundation http://www.IRCF.org

Please feel free to pass this information on through your network! You can make a difference in saving this incredible species!

des

I took this photo of Slugger (RIP 2006) in December of 2004. He was one of my favorite iguanas to photograph.