Photo with 7 notes
(photo by Gary Nafis of Californiaherps.com)
This is my newly decided upon study species for my masters program!
The Panamint alligator lizard (Elgaria panamintina) is a species much neglected by science… with less than 10 total publications (approximately 5-6) with all over 15 years old and most being incidental observations about the species (most of the papers are from the 50s/60s shortly after the species was discovered, and extremely difficult to get access to). Yet, this species is a state species of special concern and is considered sensitive by the federal agencies who have this lizard on their land. No one knows what the status is of this species, its abundance… or really anything about it. Just about everything I find will be new to science.
I had been planning on working with rattlesnakes… but there aren’t really any management questions about them that haven’t been addressed, and I wanted to do useful research which would directly benefit the species in question by helping land managers work to protect them… thus I switched gears to this awesome animal. Plus there’s someone in the lab working with Crotalus… so I’ll probably tag along and still get to help with some rattler work.
I’ll also be working with my local alligator lizards to test techniques and theories… (and get research on them… not much is out there about them either) so expect a whole lot of alligator lizard pictures to pop up on here soon!
Post with 1 note
Misc Updates…
Hello followers!
I realize I haven’t been that active lately (boo), but with the herping field season coming up I’ll be sharing a lot more and posting more pictures/reblogs/etc.
Also, I must admit I’ve been quite distracted as of late… I’ve started gardening to feed my lizards (and me, but mostly them) and I’m finalizing my time here at UC Davis and preparing for grad school.
I’ve started a new tumblr so I can track my gardening adventures:
You should follow it too, because its all about me being crazy trying to grow most of my own food, most of my animal’s food (other than the snakes and dog) while being as eco-conscious as possible. I have no experience with gardening so it’ll be quite the adventure.
Link with 26 notes
Rattlesnake Roundup Poll... →
Bottom left of page. VOTE.
Also I’m very amused at the typo of Rattlesnack… since they do eat them at the “event”. Not so amused at just referring to “animal activists” when EVERY professional herpetologist is against roundups in their traditional form (several have bowed to pressure and switched to humane, educational events with only a handful of captive snakes on display. End result: a better response in both profit and number of attendees)
Photo with 16 notes
The first wild rattlesnake I ever encountered- on a field trip with my herpetology class several years ago. Completely changed my perspective on the world and sent me into the field of herpetology.
Speckled Rattlesnake ( C. mitchellii)
Photo with 14 notes
Arabian sand boa, Eryx jayakari Boulenger, Family: Boidae
2004, in Kuwait, photo by: Jeffery Davis
Link reblogged from with 45 notes
TwinSrpnt: Green Mamba Buttons →
It is believed that meeting a snake is a sign of good fortune. The more venomous the snake, the better the fortune…..well, as long as you don’t get bitten. You should never try to harm or kill the snake and the snake will leave on its own. Fear of snakes? Fear no more, take good fortune everywhere you go by carrying these real green mamba shed skin buttons. Get them HERE
***These came from a licensed, reputable reptile handler who cares for his reptile with an amazing amount of respect, love and care! These are cruelty-free.
I love shed skin products- green mamba? All the better!
Link with 4 notes
Join PARC! →
I successfully convinced a herp rescue owner to join PARC (Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation) today… hopefully I can convince you to join too!
Become a member of Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation!
PARC depends upon the help and support from its volunteer members. PARC’s membership involves all individuals, organizations, and agencies with an interest in amphibian and reptile conservation. Our members represent many different sectors including federal agencies, state agencies, nongovernmental organizations, universities, and industry. We encourage you to attend Regional and National PARC meetings and learn about the issues affecting herp conservation issues in your area.
Why join?
Membership in PARC is completely free. As a member you will be helping to join a network of professionals and others who are interested in reversing the decline of amphibians and reptiles across the country You will receive a quarterly PARC e-newsletter, have access to read and post messages on our national and regional listserve, and be kept up-to-date on important issues affecting herps nationwide.
What they fail to mention (and is really a fringe benefit of joining) is the amazing field trips associated with the meetings- I got not just one lifer, but a handful on my latest PARC meeting field trip… gila monster x3, desert tortoises, tiger rattler, arizona coral snake and more because we had after hours access to a conservation area. Plus, you get to talk with the professionals in the field- its a great way to learn more about what professional herpetologists do/make connections (they’re all super nice).
Hobbyist? Student? Professional? Person just interested in herps/science? JOIN!
Did I mention its free? and the conferences are pretty cheap? because they are.
I’d really like to know how many people I convince to join/get involved… so let me know if you do :)
Link with 21 notes
Feral/Outdoor Cat Fact Sheet →
Both a FAQ and a lovely compilation of a handful of the studies conducted on feral cats and their impact to society. A must read, and worth sharing since feral/outdoor cats are such a huge problem to native fauna worldwide.
Post with 23 notes
why yes… quarantine is absolutely a necessity.
I can’t believe I’m having a debate with a reptile “rescue” over the necessity of quarantine.
I also can’t believe that he’s willing to ignore quarantine just so he can breed a boa (that hes ‘fostering’, he wants the eggs before he has to return the girl) and risk IBD (he posted a picture of his snake stargazing and didn’t realize/care that that was what was happening).
Honestly- people like him are the reason why the reptile community needs to be regulated.
Photo with 22 notes
Have you seen this snake? (South Florida rainbow snake (Farancia erytrogramma seminola))
If so there’s a $500 reward and herpetological fame in store for you.
“Many herpetologists think the snake is still out there, waiting to be rediscovered.
It might not be an easy task, says Cameron Young, founder and executive director of the Center for Snake Conservation. “Rainbow snakes are fully aquatic and active mostly at night,” he adds. “They’re not something people would just come across. You need to go out of your way to find them or just be extremely lucky.”
Source: blogs.scientificamerican.com
Page 1 of 13
