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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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
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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.

Sign the Petition: Cockpit Country, Jamaica

From the petition website:
"Cockpit Country is a mountainous, forested area of western Jamaica, rich in biodiversity and home to the Leeward Maroons of Jamaica. Its landscape of steep-sided hills and deep, round valleys eroded from the limestone bedrock is an outstanding example of karst topography. The wet limestone forest of Cockpit Country is Jamaica’s largest remaining primary forest and a refuge for rare Jamaican animals such as the Black-billed parrot and the Giant Swallow-tail butterfly, and more than 60 endemic plants. While the Land of Look Behind is famous in Jamaican history, each scientific expedition reveals more natural wonders of this ‘biodiversity hotspot’ and secrets of its Taino and Maroon heritage. A renewed interest in prospecting for bauxite and limestone in the Cockpit Country has sparked a campaign led by a wide cross-section of local and overseas Jamaicans – the Cockpit Country Stakeholders’ Group – to protect this unique area. Mining in Cockpit Country would destroy the natural, cultural and archaeological resources of Cockpit Country that are virtually untapped as a source of sustainable livelihoods, especially eco- and heritage tourism, for many rural communities of Jamaica.Cockpit Country is a mountainous, forested area of western Jamaica, rich in biodiversity and home to the Leeward Maroons of Jamaica. Its landscape of steep-sided hills and deep, round valleys eroded from the limestone bedrock is an outstanding example of karst topography. The wet limestone forest of Cockpit Country is Jamaica’s largest remaining primary forest and a refuge for rare Jamaican animals such as the Black-billed parrot and the Giant Swallow-tail butterfly, and more than 60 endemic plants. While the Land of Look Behind is famous in Jamaican history, each scientific expedition reveals more natural wonders of this ‘biodiversity hotspot’ and secrets of its Taino and Maroon heritage. A renewed interest in prospecting for bauxite and limestone in the Cockpit Country has sparked a campaign led by a wide cross-section of local and overseas Jamaicans – the Cockpit Country Stakeholders’ Group – to protect this unique area. Mining in Cockpit Country would destroy the natural, cultural and archaeological resources of Cockpit Country that are virtually untapped as a source of sustainable livelihoods, especially eco- and heritage tourism, for many rural communities of Jamaica.

Fire near the QE II Botantic Park (Grand Cayman)

This is so sad, as arson is suspected! Last year, there was a fire which destroyed Salina Reserve land, home to the released Blue Iguanas, criticially endangered reptiles.

"A wildfire has broken out close to the west of the QE II Botanic Park. In a pattern reminiscent of last year's extensive fire which affected part of the Salina Reserve, this new fire was started, possibly maliciously, on the verges of the road approaching the Park. It crept north and entered a pristine Thatch-Mahogany-Agave forest, growing on thick leaf litter and shallow soil. This is an area the Park's Blue Iguanas sometimes roam, especially when the trees are fruiting... "

Please visit http://www.blueiguana.ky/ for continued reading about the fire and to learn more about the Blue Iguanas.

Please also feel free to forward this information to bring attention to the plight of the Blue Iguanas.

*Picture of a alpha male that I took in 2004 while assisting with the Blue Iguana Recovery Program.

Crayon Conservation - Guatemalan Beaded Lizard

I am extremely pleased to see someone come up with a creative way to raise awareness and funds for endangered reptiles conservation.

Coloring Competition:Project Heloderma (April 1 - July 1, 2007)http://www.geocities.com/crayon_conservationist/

To learn more about IRCF and Project Heloderma:http://www.ircf.org/projectheloderma

Please forward this information through your network to bring awareness to this individual's efforts to help endangered reptiles.

*Photo: Copyright 2007 IRCF

MySpace code for IRCF banner now available!

Rich of HerpCenter.com has created a webpage from which you can retrieve MySpace code to add an IRCF banner! If you want to spread the word about IRCF, please add the banner code to your MySpace Profile - it's really easy!

IRCF is a member-based organization; I would like to encourage you to visit the site and consider membership. The IGUANA journal is very professionally put together, containing fantastic photos and well-written articles that cover ranges of conservation, species focus, husbandry, book reviews, etc.

I would love to see the organization grow with a proactive membership who certainly can make a difference in making one less reptile extinct! Everyone's efforts contribute to the greater whole - preserving endangered reptiles and their ecosystems.

Please do leave me a comment upon the add; I'd like to make certain that your profile is added to my network.

The IRCF March Journal has hit the mailboxes

The journal has arrived, with a stunning cover and first-time color centerfold inset, highlighting the endangered gharial. Inside, you'll find a number of articles, including coverage of the Texas Horned Lizard population study (I found it quite cute to see little lizards affixed with collars of transmittors!) , the plight of the gharial, and aspects of lighting and reptilian immunity.

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.

In memory of Vega$ Iguana

My female green iguana Vega$ passed away this morning. She had been a part of her family nearly 11 years and has touched many folks' lives in person and on the net. We miss her terribly and have posted a blog of her last few days on MySpace account at http://www.myspace.com/vegasiguana

For those who dont' have myspace, please feel free to express your condolences on this blogger. If you have any fond memories of her or how she made a difference in your life, please do share them, whether in this blogger or at Myspace. I can also be reached at des[at]IRCF.org

If you wish to do something in her memory, please donate to IRCF in her name. If it wasn't for her, my life's path would not have led me have so many friends in the reptile world and become involved with reptile conservation.

I appreciate everyone's thoughts and well wishes.

des

Exciting news at the IRCF

IRCF has been quite busy this Spring. Our website has been continually updated, now including information about three additional Programs that we now support - Project Palearis, Argentine Sand Dune Lizard, and Gharial Multi Task Force.

We attended the NARBC Arlington, Texas show; again many thanks for the support from Bob Ashley and Brian Potter with providing us a table.

Michael Kern and John Binns co-authored an article "Herp Conservation Organizations - How you can contribute to reptile & amphibian conservation" in Reptiles Magzine's March conservation focused issue. With reptiles and amphibians facing constant threats of extinction, this is a great read if you want to learn of ways to help.

The March IGUANA journal, with the focus article on the plight of the ghairal, will be quite fantastic. A first-time color centerfold will be included, which highlights various photos of the gharial.

Join the IRCF and receive this journal as part of your membership! For information about membership and the IGUANA, please visit http://www.IRCF.org.

Team Blue 2006 Web Logs

Time allowing, the team has been providing work activities logs with photos. Check out http://www.blueiguana.ky to see the progress of Team Blue!

Happy Holidays!

Wishing you all a very happy holiday and a Happy New Year!

Thank you for all your continued support!

From all of us at IRCF!

IRCF at the shows!

IRCF has been able to attend more shows this year, thanks to additional volunteers!

September found IRCF being a portable booth at the North American Reptile Breeders Conference and Trade Show (NARBC) in Anaheim, California. While John Binns was in Guatemela for Project Heloderma, I carried a messenger bag and my camera, roaming the show floor. It was great to see old friends and make new ones! We welcome five new members!

This weekend November 4-5th, IRCF member Joe Ehrenberger manned the IRCF booth at the Indy Reptile Expo in Indianapolis, Indiana. This is IRCF's first appearance at the show and with one of our new show banners! A stunning slide show was run continuously on the laptop. Joe also was assisted by his wife Kacie, and recently joined IRCF member Dee Asbury. 15 new members have joined our organization.

Next weekend November 11-12th, IRCF has a booth at the San Jose Reptile Show in San Jose, California. This will be a great opportunity to get to know John and Sandy Binns, Michael Kern, and Joel Friesch. You will get some first hand information about the conservation efforts that IRCF has been and will be involved with in the near future.

Novi, Michigan is IRCF's next stop. This is also a first time appearance for IRCF at the American's Family Pet Expo. Stop by and visit with IRCF members Jane Billette and Stephanie Beiser; you may get a chance to meet various iguanids - Azul, a Blue Iguana (Cyclura lewisi) hybrid; Rhino Iguanas (Cyclura cornuta) and spiny-tailed iguanas (Ctenosaur pectinata)

Thank you to everyone for their efforts at the shows and welcome to all the new members!

Going, going, gone....

No...IRCF isn't going anywhere!!

But IRCF is mentioned within the book entitled:
"Going, Going, Gone: Animals on the Brink of Extinction and How to Turn the Tide" by Think Books

"The clock is ticking: Can it be stopped? Many scientists believe that we are on the brink of a new mass extinction, with at least one million species in danger of not surviving to the end of the century. But there is still an opportunity to turn the tide, to change the way we live and give these creatures a chance. In the very first book of its kind, 100 conservation organizations from around the world each nominate a species—animal or plant—that it believes is most threatened. Every one selected receives a two-page spread, with magnificent photography, fascinating facts, details on why it is endangered, and information on how we can save it. Plus: complete contact details for the featured organizations."

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