Silicon V alley Turtle & Tortoise Club - Chapter of the California Turtle & Tortoise Club since 2008 SVTTC NEWS Volume 3, Issue 1 January 2011
Happy New Years ! SVTTC Meeting News
From the Editor
Kevin Norred Email: [email protected] Next Meeting:
Happy New Years! The 2010 season just came and went. The next SVTTC Club meeting will be held on Monday, Before you know it, we will be saying the same about 2011. As January 3rd, 2011. we head into 2011, the SVTTC is looking forward to another
great year. Memberships have grown and lots of new faces are
showing up at meetings and social events. We had a lot of fun Meeting Location: at all the events that included Reptile Shows, the Oakland Zoo Round Table Pizza Presentation on Western Pond Turtles and many other local 14940 Camden Ave events. For 2011, we are planning many more public outreach ( Corner of Union Ave & Camden Ave ) events, more presentations on Conservation and Preservation and some great parties at member’s houses such as celebrating San Jose, CA 95124 another year of Gus the Galapagos Tortoises Hatch Day. (408) 371-9550
With all the new and exciting things being planned, we are reaching out to everyone who would like to help in putting events on or coordinating them with Committee Chairs to make Meeting Agenda and Presentation: the events big and special. The January Presentation will be presented by Steven Si Fuentes on Pancake Tortoises. Unfortunately due to the As many of you read in the December issue, we had the club World Series in November, it was very difficult to hear continued on page 3 Steven so he has offered to come back and do another presentation.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
4 Important Dates & Events for 2011
Turtle Survival Alliance 6 8 Behler Cholonian Center
10 SVTTC Yahoo Groups
SVTTC Officer Reports Photoby Kevin Norred – Sulcata chowing down on a meal. 11 16 Reptile Vet Listing for SF Bay Area, CA
Newsletter 1
2011 SVTTC Officers & General SVTTC News Committee Chairman’s Got Questions or Need Help?
President Elect: Gilbert Castro For general club into or questions concerning the [email protected] SVTTC, please contact Kevin Norred at [email protected] or call Vice President Elect: Johnny Rodriguez (408) 482-5437. Phone calls are generally returned [email protected] within 24 hours and emails are returned regularly.
Secretary Elect: Philip Edholm [email protected] All SVTTC Members
Co-Secretary: JJ Baumann Please make sure your mailing addresses are correct [email protected] with Dorothy Castro if you are a paid member and not receiving your bi-monthly Tortuga Gazette. Treasurer Elect: Dorothy Castro [email protected]
Board of Director: Philip Krotz [email protected]
Board of Director: Hector Si Fuentes [email protected]
Board of Director: Kevin Norred [email protected] (408) 482-5437
Board of Director ( Past President ): Joseph Alvarado [email protected]
Fundraiser Chairman: Lesa Montoya Dorothy may have an incorrect address as there are a [email protected] few issues being returned monthly. The Club is being charged to have the newsletter returned each month. As Event Coordinator Chairman: Open a member, you do not want to miss these professional Position Available as of Jan. 1st, 2011 published newsletters issued by the CTTC. You can contact Dorothy Castro at [email protected] for Librarian: Martha Pugno all inquiries. [email protected] Yahoo Groups Page Show Coordinator Chairman: Gilbert Castro [email protected] Do you have info that you would like to share or ask other club members within the SVTTC? Would You Adoption Chairman: Joseph Alvarado like to stay current on special events and club activities? [email protected] Register today for the SVCTTC Yahoo groups
webpage. Newsletter Editor: Kevin Norred
[email protected] As a security blanket, all messages going in and out are (408) 482-5437 monitored and approved before the public can see so no
spam emails are sent out. Membership Chairman: Dorothy Castro [email protected] Look up “ SVCTTC”
For assistance or help signing up, please email [email protected]
Newsletter 2 continued from page 1 elections so there are many new faces on the Board and look that says” Do you want to go there”! Not a subject that
Committees. We are still looking for a few more individuals I care to push too much if you know what I mean. All to build up the committees so all the weight and work kidding aside, Jessica is my biggest supporter of the Turtles doesn’t lie on one person. If you would like to participate and Tortoises and she knows that I have a love for them like or help out, please contact a club officer or myself and we no one else. I spend countless hours reading books and on will put you in contact with the right person. Also, there is a the internet learning as much as I can on Conservation email list of all the officers and committee members if you News, Species and anything else related to Turtles and would like to contact them directly on page 2. Tortoises.
Starting this year, I am using a new format to do the The past couple months, I have been spending lots of time newsletter to make things easier on me and easier to read. I learning as much as I can on Aquatic turtles. I have had am looking for Articles to publish that are not copyrighted to Aquatic Turtles for about 3 years now and handle the help educate everyone or to bring them current on world Adoptions with Red Ear Sliders and Snappers and my news. I believe it is very important for everyone to know the knowledge has quadrupled. This past year, I fell in love with conservation status on not only our native turtles to a couple different species of Aquatics and now it is my California but all throughout the world. We as Turtle and mission to venture into the breeding aspect of Aquatic Tortoise lovers can help no matter where we are located. If Turtles. In 2011, I will be pursuing my love for North individuals would like to do Species specific articles, maybe American Spotted Turtles, Map Turtles, Musk and Mud
Habitat setups that they have personally done and would like Turtles and Painted Turtles. I will be setting up several to share or anything related to turtles and tortoise’s, please breeding groups for the individual subspecies that reside in fill free to contact me for what is needed. Also, I have each species. Also, I will be working with the Chinese received a lot of positive feedback on our Classifieds section Reeves Turtle and possibly a couple more rare species if over the past two years. The Classifieds has helped funding allows. Doing research has pushed me to realize individuals locate wanted turtles & tortosies, supplies or that as a private individual, if we do not begin small breeding helped sell turtles & tortoises and supplies that they needed programs on some of these beautiful Aquatic Turtles, many to sell. If you have anything you would like to post of them if not already will be endangered in the years to regardless if you are a member of the SVTTC , please send come and the pet trade will be in trouble. We need to stop me an email. I need all the info for Classifieds and Articles pulling animals out of the wild native habitats as the Pet by each month no later than the 15th. If you are in need of Trade and Habitat loss is making these guys disappear. more time, just let me know. Conclusion On a Personal Note I would like to again thank all the volunteers in the SVTTC On a personal note, I would like to thank everyone for all the for all their hard work, I would also like to thank all the wonderful emails, cards and gift cards that Jessica and I volunteers in all the organizations around the world to save received. There are a lot of great people in the Turtle world species from going extinct. Without everyone working and I really enjoy the family feeling when I talk to each and together, we would not have these lovely shelled dinosaurs to every one of you. Baby Oliver is doing great these days. We watch and keep. were able to share our first Christmas together as a family I hope everyone enjoys this issue of the newsletter. I will do with many more to come. I didn’t realize the emotions you everything I can this year not to take a break and skip any get seeing and holding your child every time and it is a great months. Until next month, enjoy. feeling. Those sleepless nights are hard, but in the morning when you pick him up and hold him, you forget about it all. As for the turtles and tortoises at the Norred Home, -Kevin Norred, Editor of the SVTTC everyone is doing really good. Over the summer I downsized a lot with the baby coming and now have figured out that I still do the same amount of work regardless if I have 50 or 150. I keep telling Jess that I should get some more tortoises since I have a lot of open space again, but I get that
Newsletter 3
JUNE 2011
U R T L E O R T O I S E JUNE 6TH SVTTC CLUB MEETING 2011 T & T Photo by Kevin Norred – African Sulcata enjoying a meal JUNE 25TH – 26TH REPTILE SUPER SHOW – E V E N T C ALENDER SAN DIEGO , CA WWW.REPTILESUPERSHOW.COM J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 1 JULY 2011 JULY 11TH SVTTC CLUB MEETING JAN. 3RD SVTTC CLUB MEETING ND TH (2 MONDAY OF THE MONTH) JAN 8 CTTC EXECUTIVE MEETING JULY 16TH CTTC EXECUTIVE MEETING LOS ANGLES COUNTYARBORETUM - ARCADIA, CA LOS ANGLES COUNTYARBORETUM - ARCADIA, CA JAN. 8TH & 9TH REPTILE SUPER SHOW - POMONA , CA JULY 23RD – 24TH HERP WORLD EXPO – SAN JOSE, CA WWW.REPTILESUPERSHOW.COM WWW.HERPWORLDEXPO.COM JAN 26TH BAY AREA AMPHIBIAN & REPTILE
SOCIETY CLUB MEETING – ROOM H-6 AUGUST 2011 FEBRUARY 2011 AUG 1ST SVTTC CLUB MEETING TH TH FEB 7TH SVTTC CLUB MEETING AUG 13 & 14 REPTILE SUPER SHOW - POMONA , CA
TH TH TH WWW.REPTILESUPERSHOW.COM FEB 18 - 20 36 ANNUAL SYMPOSIUM DESERT TH TH TORTOISE COUNCIL - LAS VEGAS, NV AUG 14 -17 TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE TH WWW.DESERTTORTOISE.ORG CONFERENCE – 9 ANNUAL SYMPOSIUM ON THE CONSERVATION AND BIOLOGY MARCH 2011 OF TORTOISES AND FRESHWATER TH TURTLES –ORLANDO, FL MARCH 7 SVTTC CLUB MEETING – “SAVE THE FROGS” PRESENTATION BY MICHAEL G. SEPTEMBER 2011 STARKEY SEPT 12TH SVTTC CLUB MEETING APRIL 2011 (2ND MONDAY OF THE MONTH) APR 4TH SVTTC CLUB MEETING OCTOBER 2011 APR 9TH CTTC EXECUTIVE MEETING OCT 3RD SVTTC CLUB MEETING LOS ANGLES COUNTYARBORETUM - ARCADIA, CA OCT 8TH CTTC EXECUTIVE MEETING LOS ANGLES COUNTYARBORETUM - ARCADIA, CA APR 12TH – 15TH 31ST INTERNATIONAL SEA TURTLE TH TH SYMPOSIUM - SAN DIEGO, CA OCT 29 – 30 KODY’S EXPO OF EXOTIC REPTILE
LONG BEACH, CA HTTP://ICONFERENCES.SEATURTLE.ORG/ APRIL 29TH SAVE THE FROGS DAY – 3RD ANNUAL WWW.KODYSEXPO.COM WWW.SAVETHEFROGS.COM NOVEMBER 2011
MAY 2011 NOV 7TH SVTTC CLUB MEETING MAY 2ND SVTTC CLUB MEETING MAY 14TH – 15TH LAS VEGAS REPTILE SHOW – DECEMBER 2011 LAS VEGAS, NV DEC. 5TH SVTTC CLUB MEETING WWW.GETREPTILES.COM
MAY 23RD WORLD TURTLE DAY
WWW.TORTOISE.COM
Newsletter 4
SF Bay Area & Central W HY SHOULD YOU JOIN T H E S I L I C O N V A L L E Y T U R T L E & Valley Lost and Found
Help relocate lost and found Turtles & Tortoises T ORTOISE C LUB ?
Last year, we started doing the Lost & Found and were able The biggest question I get is, “Why Should I join the through emails, reports and Lost/Found ads posted on SVTTC”? The answer is to be part of the fastest growing Craigslist relocated several lost and found turtles and and soon to be largest turtle & tortoise club in the USA. tortoises. If you know of someone or see info about The SVTTC is host to many social activities and events for someone finding or losing their pet, please email us to have a members only. Also part of the $25 membership fee goes to private ad posted. Please send all inquiries to a bi-monthly professionally published Tortuga Gazette that [email protected] is distributed by the CTTC. Also, memberships help Education, Preservation and Conservation of native and Photo by JJ non-native Turtles, Tortoises & Terrapins. When it applies, Baumann special offers/discounts are passed onto members from “Doc” the Sulcata
Manufacturer’s, Vendors at shows, Vet Offices, Retail Stores Tortoise is one spoiled tortoise. and Breeders Also, the SVTTC helps fund care and husbandry for
Rescued Turtles and Tortoises through its Adoption
Program. For more information, please visit www.tortoise.org/siliconvalley
K EVIN ’ S FAVORITE WEBSITES
F ORUMS - WWW . KINGSNAKE . COM
WWW . TORTOISEFORUM . COM WWW . FAUNACLASSIFIEDS . COM
WWW . TURTLETIMES . COM WWW . TURTLESURVIVAL . ORG
WWW . AUSTINSTURTLEPAGE . COM WWW . TORTOISE . ORG
I NFORMATIONAL W EBSITES WWW . TURTLEBUNKER . COM
WWW . TORTOISETRUST . ORG WWW . REDEARSLIDER . COM
WWW . RUSSIANTORTOISE . ORG WWW . SULCATA - STATION . ORG
Newsletter 5
Turtle Survival Alliance www.turtlesurvival.org All info reprinted with the written permission of the TSA
within the Lower Pascagoula River were The soccer tournament was the center piece of studied by Bob Jones (Mississippi Museum of Playing Soccer for the event and the winning teams in six Natural Science, MMNS) and by researchers categories were presented with a very special out of Southeastern Louisiana, including the Endangered Tortoises soccer ball that featured a radiated tortoise master’s thesis work of Brian Horne (TSA by TSA Admin on December 17, 2010 design. The group Tsiliva among many other Advisory Committee). Studies found that famous Malagasy artists like Jean Emilien and turtles had complex seasonal movements and Gothlieb made appearances on the second day restricted home ranges, as well as extremely TSA Madagascar recently participated in a of the event. Overall, the event seems to have low reproductive output and high rates of nest very special event to raise awareness for the been a great success, receiving significant predation/mortality. This species is threatened endangered radiated tortoise. A soccer coverage in the local media. This media primarily by destruction/modification to tournament was organized and sponsored in coverage has lead many local people to contact riverine habitat, but other threats include Antananarivo on December 11-12 by Eco-Sys Herilala at the TSA office, several of which humans shooting turtles as ‘target practice,’ Actions and Salamandra Nature (conservation have mentioned that they have a radiated collisions with boats, collection for the pet NGOs) and their partners. The main objective tortoise at home that they would be willing to trade, by-catch by fishermen, and the of the event, held at Alarobia Stadium, was to donate to an organized conservation program. destruction of nests on sandbars by raise public awareness by using soccer - a very The tournament, which was so successful in recreational ATV riding. popular sport in Madagascar. Antananarivo, will be repeated in Toliara on December 18-19. Over the last 4 years, funding has been The Henry Doorly Zoo’s Madagascar awarded to conduct research on Graptemys Biodiversity Partnership (MBP), Conservation flavimaculata by the Mississippi Department Fusion, Conservation International and the of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP); TSA shared a booth at the event to raise U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS); and awareness of their work in the region. Children the Chelonian Research Foundation’s had the opportunity to play games at the booth Linnaeus Fund. This funding has gone to which boosted their knowledge of radiated research a variety of topics of this imperiled tortoises (known locally as the “sokake”) and turtle: assessing populations post-Hurricane their highly endangered status in the wild. Katrina, determining the impact of recreational
They were also invited to trace their hands boating on basking behavior and physiology, onto a large piece of paper to signify their understanding the distribution/abundance commitment to tortoise conservation. Many throughout the Pascagoula River system, and children seemed to really enjoy this activity Ecology and conducting research on the conservation and were very proud to point out their hand genetics of this species. Lower Pascagoula and name on the paper to friends and family Conservation of the River populations were found to be negatively throughout the day. impacted following Hurricane Katrina Yellow-blotched (declines of ~50%), but no impact was observed with upstream populations. Sawback, an Endemic Distribution surveys indicated no range contraction and these surveys also documented River Turtle of the populations in new river/creek systems. Results from other topics are forthcoming. Pascagoula River Currently, the TSA and the Batchelor System Foundation have provided funding to continue the conservation genetics work and to establish a public outreach initiative for this species. by TSA Admin on August 01, 2009 This year, sampling for the conservation
genetics project (i.e. tissue collection) was Each child was given a paper tortoise and The conservation of quality habitat worldwide completed at multiple sites throughout the many painted their tortoise while visiting the is regarded as one of the most important Pascagoula River system of southeastern booth. Older children were asked to draw their aspects for species conservation. To this end, Mississippi, including the Chickasawhay, own tortoise on a blank piece of paper, using the Pascagoula River system of southeastern Leaf, Pascagoula, and Escatawpa rivers. The the many photos on display as their Mississippi is considered one of the most latter site contains a geographically isolated inspiration. pristine and the least impacted major river population that was first documented in the system of the Lower 48 United States. 1990’s by Pete Floyd and Tom Mann Herilala Randriamahazo, the TSA’s Malagasy (MMNS). Along with documenting the Tortoise Conservation Coordinator gave a talk This river system is also the habitat for an presence of this population, they reported to the public present in the stadium explaining endemic river turtle, the yellow-blotched unique pleural scute patterning with the main reason behind the soccer tournament sawback (Graptemys flavimaculata). individuals exhibiting a high level of rings and its relation with biodiversity conservation. Observed population declines in the 1980’s led which is unusual for this species. Genetic The conservation message written in three this species to be listed as Federally analysis is ongoing and should be completed languages Malagasy, French and English was Threatened in 1991 and Endangered in by the end of 2009. simple: "help protect Madagascar’s tortoises." Mississippi. Following listing, populations continued on page 7
SVTTC NEWS- JANUARY 6 continued on page 6
Another goal of this project is to design public Holiday Party outreach materials outlining turtle conservation in cooperation with MDWFP and Pictures USFWS. These materials will provide general information regarding turtle conservation, as well as outline proper recreational policies on Photos by Kevin Norred,Jessica Norred and Jennette Petrak protected nesting sandbars on Ward Bayou Wildlife Management Area (Jackson County, MS). The results from our work will add to the knowledge of this species, as well as provide informative material to educate the public. Hopefully this will ensure sound conservation decisions that will allow wild populations to persist within the Pascagoula River system.
- Will Selman, University of Southern Mississippi
The TSA provided partial support for this project with funds from the 2007 Batchelor Foundation grant.
Yellow-blotched sawback (Graptemys flavimaculata)
To learn more how you can help save turtles and tortoises around the world, please visit www.turtlesurvival.org
SVTTC NEWS- JANUARY 7 Help Support Turtle & Tortoise Conservation! Surplus for Sale:
The Behler Chelonian Center (BCC), established in 2005, is a non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation and research of freshwater turtles and tortoises whose wild populations are under pressure. Our work includes conservation projects where turtles are threatened in the wild, protection of habitat, conservation education, and field based research of endangered turtle biology.
The BCC’s mission to ensure the survival of turtle and tortoise species in the wild will be achieved through conservation and education. Towards this end, the Center cares for an assurance colony of threatened animals, and maintains a captive reproduction program of endangered species. The BCC houses nearly 500 turtles and tortoises, representing 26 taxa, and has successfully bred 15 threatened and endangered species.
Currently, the BCC is offering a limited quantity of captive hatched surplus animals for sale to experienced keepers. 100% of the income generated from the sale of these animals will go towards turtle and tortoise conservation. Purchasing captive hatched animals from the BCC directly supports our conservation initiatives and reduces the demand for wild caught animals.
Prices will vary according to size, age, color, sex and quantity:
• Indian Spotted Pond Turtle (Geoclemys hamiltonii): $200 – 300
• Indian Star Tortoise (Geochelone elegans): $500 – 800
• Radiated Tortoise (Astrochelys radiata): $800 – 1500 (sexed hatchlings and yearlings available)
• Burmese Star Tortoise (Geochelone platynota): $800 – 1500 (sexed hatchlings and yearlings available)
• Spider Tortoise (Pyxis arachnoides arachnoides): $350 – 1200
• Burmese Black Mountain Tortoise (Manouria emys phayrei): $250
All animals have photographs and are inspected by a veterinarian before they are delivered. Each individual comes with health records, including hatch date, age, weights, and sex (through endoscopy if available). Sales of A. radiata and G. hamiltonii are to CA residents or those with CBW permits ONLY. Animals under 4” are for educational or research purposes. An application must be submitted to begin the process. The application can be found at: http://chelonianconservation.org/our-work/surplus-sales
Please submit completed applications to the following (email is preferred): [email protected]
Behler Chelonian Center P.O. Box 1289 Ojai, CA 93024
SVTTC NEWS- JANUARY 8
Silicon Valley Turtle and Tortoise Club Fundraiser
Please join us to help raise funds for the Silicon Valley Turtle and Tortoise Club while we have a great time. Come help us out, and help you to the freshest, best-tasting pizza in town.
Just bring this flyer with you on the date below and give it to the order taker before you order. We’ll give 15% of your order (excluding sales tax) to the Silicon Valley Turtle and Tortoise Club.
Date: Monday January 3rd (Call in your order early to avoid delay)
Time: 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Meeting starts at 7pm
Location: 14940 Camden Avenue San Jose, CA 95124 (408) 371-9550
SVTTC NEWS- JANUARY 9
The Silicon Valley Turtle
& Tortoise Club
Yahoo Groups Page
This page is for up to date info about Club activities, Adoptions and Current Events. Sign up Today!!! Don’t miss out on Current Turtles and Tortoises for Adoption or Current events. All animals coming up for adoption will be advertised on this page.
Silicon Valley Branch of The California Turtle and Tortoise Club
Look for “SVCTTC “
For help on joining, please contact Kevin at: [email protected]
SVTTC NEWS- JANUARY 10 International Affairs If anyone is interested in helping out SVTTC President ’s Chelonian Research Foundation Turtle by watching the booth and answering Conservation Fund AZA Chelonian Taxonomic Advisory questions, please email me for more Report Group details. By Gilbert Castro SUNY ESF Virginia Herpetological Society Thanks Happy New Year SVTTC. ... and the list keeps growing! Gilbert
Just wanted to pass this info on to Bookmark www.yearoftheturtle.org, our club: and check it often for more
information on how YOU can get Vice President’s 2011 Year of the Turtle involved! Sign up for our monthly
newsletters, containing: Report Turtle conservation groups in By Johnny Rodriguez partnership with PARC (Partners in Amphibian and Reptile • A downloadable turtle photo calendar for each month, including a We are putting together another Conservation) are designating 2011 photo contest - YOUR photo could wonderful year of presentations. Steven as the Year of the Turtle be in the calendar Si Fuentes will be starting off the year • Information about turtle conservation introducing all of us to the Pancake Why Turtles, and Why Now? efforts and groups -- we could print Tortoise and a brief overview of the YOUR story here species. We are still in the works for • Interviews with turtle experts, and February and March we have a nice Turtles are disappearing from the answers to selected questions that presentation on “Save the Frogs” by planet faster than birds, mammals, YOU send us Michael Starkey. and even amphibians. Today, over • Information on how YOU can help spread the word about turtles 40% of turtle species are identified as We are looking for more presentations • - Educational materials -- how YOU from April on. If you would like to threatened with extinction; the can teach about turtles personally or know of someone who primary threats are human-caused. • Featured turtle artwork, poetry, and would like to do a presentation on However, it's not too late for our cultural information that YOU send anything related to turtles or tortoises, us turtle heritage to be salvaged. The please contact me to set up a meeting United States has more endemic date. We are looking for people to do ... and much, MUCH, more! Aquatics, Box Turtles and Tortoises, turtle species than anywhere on Vendor presentations or event Medical Earth; a turtle biodiversity hotspot. Please contact us at from Veterinarians. Our careful stewardship can preserve the rare species and keep 'common [email protected] if Thanks species common.' you would like to help to promote or Johnny contribute materials to 2011 Year of Throughout the year, we will be the Turtle. raising awareness of the issues Treasurer’s Report surrounding turtles through press Keep watching, we'll be announcing By Dorothy Castro releases, newsletters, photo contests, our turtle calendar photo contest very and related events. It is our hope that soon. Not much to report this month. We citizens, natural resource managers, have had a lot of expenses this month scientists, and the pet and food and Conclusion including the Tortuga gazette, related industries will work together Adoptions and Holiday Party. If to address issues and to help ensure On January 30th, The SVTTC will be you have a membership that is due or long-term survival of turtle species setting up a display to promote the going to becoming expired soon, and populations. club and turtle/tortoises at the San please make sure you renew your Jose Bird Mart at the Santa Clara membership soon. To check your Supporting Partners (to date) include County Fairgrounds. There are a lot date of expirtation, look at your (and will not be limited to): of people who have exotic birds Tortuga Gazette . On the mailing Turtle Conservancy whom have reptiles, turtles and label on the top right corner is the Turtle Survival Alliance tortoises so this is another great date your membership will expire. IUCN Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle opportunity to reach out to the public There is an application at the end of Survival Group this newsletter. Just fill it out and US Fish & Wildlife Service and help educate everyone. mark “Renew” on top and mail it in. -Dorothy
SVTTC NEWS- JANUARY 11
SVTTC Fundraiser Event Coordinator’s Adoption Report By Joseph Alvarado Report Report By Lesa Montoya By – Jennette Petrak Hello Everyone:
Hello everyone! It’s that time of On December 18th from 3:00pm I wanted to remind everyone that I year again when Santa makes his until 7:00pm we celebrated our 2nd have been appointed the new presence known. Well, all I can tell annual holiday potluck party. A Adoption Chairman’s position. I you is our club officers and members wonderful time was had by all. A big will be taking in and adopting out all made our Xmas party extra special. thank you goes out to all the people the Turtles and Tortoises that come The raffle table was full of items who helped our party to be the to the SVTTC. I will also be getting galore, from a gigantic Ninja Turtle successful fun time it was. That help from committee members; Pez to plants, books, jewelry, being, well everyone! Special thanks Kevin Norred, Hector Si Fuentes and calendars, ornaments, homemade to Paul for once again for scoring Steven Si Fuentes. Kevin will still tamales and more. Special thanks to such a great location. We were able be available for pickups and drop Gilbert and Dorothy who did the to enjoy SCC Horseman’s offs in San Jose for those that cannot raffle shopping. Double thanks to all Association for a second time. Thank wait till the meetings or bring them the club members who made raffle you Martha for all your help setting to me in Hollister. donations. Raffle donations are up tables and chairs. Thank you always welcome any time of the Dorothy and Gilbert for fresh brewed Not much going on for Adoptions year. The East Bay Vivarium in coffee, beautiful décor and raffle right now. We had plenty of Berkeley made a donation for the prizes decorated with holiday cheer. Sulcata’s and Desert Tortoises at the raffle. John, the owner of East Bay Thanks to Lesa and Johnny for last meeting. Since then, all have Vivarium, will give our club adding many more prizes to our been adopted out. We do have members a 10% discount toward in raffle. Thanks to the Si Fuentes several Red Ear Sliders of all sizes store purchases. I am working on family for the wonderful table and both Male and Female. some new fundraising ideas/events decorations! Kevin, you ran the for 2011 and will give more white elephant gift exchange with I am refreshing the rescue and information later in the year. both humor and military precision, adoption process this year. This not allowing any rule to be broken. includes a new dedicated email As most of us know, Jennette is Everyone seemed to enjoy the address: stepping down as the Event socialization game I created called [email protected] Coordinator. She did a fantastic job “Guess Who” and the delicious food this past year. I will be filling in for brought by all. Martha played I am also updating our list of her. It will be hard to follow in her beautiful holiday music on her adoption applicants and ask everyone footsteps. Any and all help and/ or mandolin. Thank you Number 8 and to submit an updated application if suggestions would be appreciated. Taz for socially representing the you have one on file already. At the December meeting I passed torts. Although I will be unable to Adoption applications can be mailed around a sign-up sheet for continue as event planner into the to the club’s post office box, sent by Presentations/Speakers for 2011. coming New Year I have truly email to the address above or handed March has been filled. All other enjoyed being involved with such to me or a committee member. A months are still available. Please wonderful caring people. I do hope PDF version of the application can contact me as soon as possible if you to continue to assist whoever takes be found at: want to sign up for a spot. my place in 2011. That being said http://tortoise.org/siliconvalley/CTT thank you to all. Merry Christmas, Cadoptionform-1.pdf My wish for everyone and your Happy New Year and to all a good families is to have a Wonderful night! My family and I wish you and yours, Xmas and New Year. Be safe and included family members with shells, take care. Jennette Petrak a very MerryChristmas.
-Lesa Happy Turtling, Joseph Alvarado
SVTTC NEWS- JANUARY 12 SVTTC January SVTTC Items SVTTC Helper’s
Meeting Agenda Wanted List 2010 By Gilbert Castro ( Donations are tax deductible ) By Kevin Norred
Meeting Agenda: January We are always looking for the I would personally like to thanks following items at a discount or to be each and every person that helped in 1. Membership Introductions donated to the club. 2010. It is always the case in every 2. Officer’s Reports club and non-profit that there is • President’s Report Projector for presentations always just a group of people who • Vice President’s are always the ones who dedicate Report Projection Screen 60” X 60” or ??? their time and effort to make things • Secretary’s Report better for the balance of the • Treasurer’s Report Turtle and Tortoise Books membership. In 2010, we started to • Board of Director’s keep track so we could reward those Reports Turtle and Tortoise Videos that have helped. At the January 3. Committee Reports Meeting, we will enter everyone’s • Librarian Report Turtle Pellets for Aquatic Red Ear name into a drawing that helped this Sliders ( Adoptions ) year for some great prizes. We will • Fundraiser’s continue on in 2011 so hopefully we Report Terrariums will see some new faces. • Event
Coordinator’s Screen Tops A big thanks goes to the following Report people: • Membership Pond Liners Report Names # of events • Adoption’s Report Pond Pumps & Filters Martha Pugno 4 • Newsletter Report JJ Bauman 4 4. General Announcements Please Contact Kevin Norred for Jessica Norred 1 • CTTC Executive more info Gilbert Castro 8 Meetings th Kevin Norred 3 Ø January 8 [email protected] th Phillip Edholm 4 Ø April 9 (408)482-5437 th Wendy Petrak 3 Ø July 16 th Jennette Petrak 3 Ø October 8 Dorothy Castro 6 5. Other Announcements Lesa Montoya 4 • Open Floor Joseph Alvarado 3 Hector Si Fuentes 2 ***Stretch Break *** Steve Si Fuentes 2 Rebecca Castro 1 6. Presentation – Pancake Anna Si Fuentes 1 Tortoises 7. Adjourn
The next meeting is Monday, February 7th 2010 at 7:00 pm, same location.
Raffle Table at Holiday Party – Photo by Kevin Norred
SVTTC NEWS- JANUARY 13
rd th Jul. 23 -24 , 2011 - SAN JOSE
Santa Clara Fairgrounds, Pavilion Hall 344 Tully Road, San Jose, CA 95011
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SVTTC NEWS- JANUARY 14 Membership Report Snapper Rescue Sacramento Turtle
By Dorothy Castro By Kevin Norred & Tortoise Club Starting in 2011 , the CTTC and By Felice Rood Hello Membership chapters will no longer be accepting Restricted Species including President: Felice Rood I would like everyone to make sure Snapping Turtles, Western Pond Website: www.turtlebunker.com your email address, physical mailing Turtles and other species of turtles addresses and phone numbers are up and/or tortoises that fall within these 2011 Meeting Dates: to date and current. We have had restrictions of the Department of Fish several people move or change email and Game. Winter Meeting: addresses and not update them with January 22, 2011 the membership of the SVTTC. It is For all future surrenders of Western 1:30pm to 4pm very important that you receive all Pond Turtles and Snapping turtles Pizza Party ( weather permitting) the current events info and your bi- that are confiscated or freely monthly Tortuga Gazette . surrendered, with the permission of Spring Meeting: th the California Department of Fish & April 16 , 2011 Also, please make sure your Game, I will personally be working 1:30pm to 4pm th membership dues are current and not privately to accept them to help 30 Anniversary past due. If you have any questions relocate and rehabilitate them for as to when it will expire, please release if native or ship out of the All meetings are held at: email me. Don’t miss out on any state. special events Belle Cooledge Library I have several sources out of state in 5600 South Land Park Drive 95802 Please refer all membership /renew sanctuaries and breeding programs questions to my and no other that are willing to accept Common officers. and Alligator Snapping Turtles. Adoptions: Lot of Red Ear Sliders and Sulcata Tortoises- Please inquire Thanks For those that do not know the Dorothy California Laws regarding the For more information about the [email protected] Snapping turtles, Snappers are a Sacramento Turtle and Tortoise restricted species therefore they are Club, please contact Felice at illegal to possess without written [email protected] authorization by the CDFG.
For those that do have them, the Merced Turtle & CDFG and I have been working Tortoise Club together with a few other individuals By Any Wong to allow people to surrender snappers with no questions asked so they are Contact Info: not released into our natural [email protected] waterways where they can cause Photos by Kevin Norred – Above harm not only on our wildlife but Common Snapper surrendered. Below: Website: Western Pond Turtle potential harm to private individuals www.tortoise.org/merced who do not know how to properly handle them. Monthly meetings are hold at Forte Frozen Yogurt in downtown Merced For more information, you can – 319 W. Main Street on the 3rd contact Kevin at Wednesday of the month. [email protected] President: Alex Lu-pon
SVTTC NEWS- JANUARY 15 Canyon Veterinary Hospital Dr. R. Barrett, DVM Reptile Vets Castro Valley, CA (510) 582-6704 SVTTC members and non-members have recommended the following names and Veterinarian offices. These Santa Clara Pet Hospital listings are for reference only. Dr. Kent Littlehale, DVM San Jose, CA (408) 227-9110 VCA Orchard Plaza Animal Hospital Dr. Jennifer Star Seward, DVM Castro Valley Companion Animal Hospital Dr. Ian Stone, DVM Rene Gandolfi, DVM San Jose, CA Castro Valley, CA (408) 227-9110 (510) 582-6311
Felton Veterinary Hospital Kirkwood Animal Hospital Dr. Cathy Calvert, DVM Dr. Garrett Okumara, DVM Felton, CA Campbell, CA (831) 335-3466 (408) 374-5850
Sunnyvale Veterinary Clinic Sequoia Valley Veterinary Hospital Dr. Raj Singh, DVM Dr. Randall Popkin, DVM Sunnyvale, CA Santa Rosa, CA (408) 736-8929 (707) 545-7387
Avian & Exotic Clinic of Monterey Exotic Services Veterinarians U.C. Davis –Small Dr. Shannon Thomas, DVM Animal Hospital Dr. Amy Wells, DVM Davis, CA Monterey, CA (530) 752-0186 (831) 647-1147 Emergency (530) 752-0186
Valley Animal Hospital If you have a vet that you have used for your reptiles, Dr. Christine McFadden turtles and/or tortoises and would like to add him/her to Merced, CA this list, please let me know. Also if you are a Vet and (209) 384-7387 would like to be added to this list, let me know.
Wildwood Animal Hospital Thanks Dr. Chris Sanders, DVM Dr. Tina Peak, DVM -Kevin Portola Valley, CA (650) 851-9453
Wildwood Animal Hospital Dr. Diana Welsh, DVM San Jose, CA (408) 265-8811
Berkeley Dog and Cat Hospital Dr. Kenneth Harkewicz, DVM Berkeley, CA (510) 848-5041
SVTTC NEWS- JANUARY 16 Turtle & Tortoise Classifieds
Supplies for Sale Turtles/Tortoise Leopard Tortoise – K & H Heat Pads - -Reeves Turtles Hatchlings $25ea Female -European Pond Turtles $75ea Indoor/Outdoor Heat Pads – For CTTC or at least 5" -Leopard Tortoises $75ea SVTTC Members Only High blond banding visible -Herman’s Tortoises $75ea California hatched & raised -Elongated Tortoises $75ea Small 12.5” X 18.5” $45.00ea $299 + Shipping -Red Footed Tortoises $75ea Medium 16.5” X 22.5” $55.00ea Contact: Vincent Velci -Star Tortoises $250ea Large 22.5” X 28.5” $65.00ea Tomorrow’s Reptile Sanctuary Prices are for CTTC and SVTTC Members Contact Gilbert Castro [email protected] only [email protected] (562) 245-7357 Contact Bob or Judy Thomas
(805) 481-5222
Turtle & Tortoise [email protected] Novelties Turtles/Tortoise All turtles/tortoises are 2010 captive bred Posters $5.00ea Aldabra Tortoises babies Coffee Mugs $8.00 -4-5” $1600ea -Ibera Greek Tortoises Hatchlings $100ea Contact Gilbert Castro -9-10” $2300ea -Loggerhead Musk Turtles $75ea [email protected] Payment plans available for SVTTC -Mexican Giant Musk $125ea members -Concentric Diamondback Terrapins Contact: Vincent Velci $100ea Tomorrow’s Reptile Sanctuary Mazuri Tortoise Chow [email protected] 2lb $10.00ea Pictures available upon request (562-245-7357 5lb $16.00ea
Contact Kevin Norred Contact Don Do [email protected] Fly River Turtle [email protected] (408) 482-5437 -7-8” $699ea www.Donsturtles.com Payment plans available for SVTTC Reptaid members Contact: Vincent Velci All Natural Health Remedy Red Ear SLiders Tomorrow’s Reptile Sanctuary www.reptaid.com I have several Red Ear Slider Turtles [email protected] 1oz Bottle Reptaid (1-250grms) $24.99 looking to be adopted by homes that have (562) 245-7357 1oz Bottle Reptaid XL (250grms) $31.99 outdoor habitats. These sliders are all
Contact Kevin Norred adults and come from homes that could [email protected] Leopard Tortoises no longer provide for them. If you have (408) 482-5437 (10) Baby Leopard tortoises a outdoor pond and would like to add Discount for multiple purchases some turtles to your pond, these are the Contact: Jimmy Chu perfect guys. Red Ear Sliders are very Turtles/Tortoises [email protected] social and are always active sunbathing for Sale For more information, please contact the Turtles/Tortoises following people:
1yr old Box Turtles $45ea Map Turtles Greek Hatchlings $85ea Kevin Norred (408) 482-5437 -False Map Turtles (Graptemeys Sulcata Hatchlings $75ea [email protected] psuedogeographica) $25ea Contact: Gary & Ginger Wilfong (510) 677-5552 Joseph Alvarado -Ouachita Map Turltle (Graptemys [email protected] ouachitensis ouachitensis) $20ea Galapagos Tortoise
-Mississippi Map Turtle Juvenile Pair
(Graptemys kohnii) $15ea 12” - 13”
All are captive bred hatchlings $25,000 + Shipping
1-1/2” to 2-1/4” Contact: Vincent Velci
Contact Kevin Norred Tomorrow’s Reptile Sanctuary
[email protected] [email protected] (408)482-5437 (562) 245-7357 continued on page 18
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continued from page 17 Commercial Retailer ‘s Manufacturer’s The following retailers are SVTTC Wanted sponsors. These retailers have Are you interested in advertising in established discounts for all SVTTC Map Turtles Wanted one of the leading turtle and tortoise members only. You must show a Looking for Adult/Semi Adult Map Turtles newsletters in California and the USA? membership card or SVTTC initialed If you would like your logo or of all subspecies Business Card. Contact Kevin Norred business card inserted in one of the [email protected] below boxes and to reach out to over (408)482-5437 1400+ people and growing, please The East Bay Vivarium contact Kevin at 10% Discount Elongated Tortoise [email protected] www.eastbayvivarium.com 1827-C 5th Street Females Wanted SVTTC Sponsoring vendors are Berkeley, CA USA Looking for Adult/Semi Adult Female waived any fees. Non Sponsoring 94710 Elongated Tortoises Contact Kevin Norred vendors are charged a $5 donation per [email protected] month. (510) 841-1400 (business) (408)482-5437 (510) 841-7102 (fax) Red Foot Tortoise
Female Wanted Looking for Adult/Semi Adult Female Red Foot Tortoises Contact Philip Krotz [email protected] Turtle & Tortoise
Novelties Razorback Musk Posters $5.00ea Coffee Mugs $8.00 Turtles Wanted Contact Gilbert Castro Looking for Adult/Semi Adult Razorback [email protected] Turtles Contact Kevin Norred [email protected] (408)482-5437
N.A. Wood Turtles Wanted Contact John Nickols [email protected]
N.A. Wood Turtles Wanted Contact Phili[p Edholm
www.thewormdude.com
SVTTC NEWS- JANUARY 18 10 Common Turtle Myths
Myth 1: Turtles are easy to care for – just buy a nice tank. False: Turtles are wild animals. They have territories that can be many miles wide. Putting them in a tank is cruelty. All they do is pace all day long like a caged beast. Think of it this way: it’s like you and me spending the rest of our lives in the bathtub. A turtle needs a large habitat or a pond to approximate nature not a tank.
Myth 2: Turtles usually live about five years. False. In captivity, a well- cared for turtle can live 25, 50 or more. These animals have been on the earth for 200 million years or more, longer than dinosaurs. They will have to be in your will and your children’s will and then some.
Myth 3: Turtles do not need veterinary care like dogs and cats. False! The problem with turtles is because of their very slow metabolism, they do not show the signs that they are sick until the illness has progressed very far. The signs and symptoms you should be very aware of include: Closed and swollen eyes, loss of appetite, sitting in one place, daily pattern changes, and runny nose and eyes. If any of these are observed, you need a vet!
Myth 4: It is best to buy turtles and tortoises at a pet store. Absolutely false. Pet stores should sell pet supplies not pets. Pet stores can be unscrupulous buying their animals from cruel trappers. About 90 percent die in transit. Get your turtle the same as a dog or cat. Go to the nearest animal shelter or find a reptile or turtle rescue online.
Myth 5: Turtles hide under plants to hibernate. Some do, like box turtles. Some hibernate under water like red eared sliders and cooters. Each species has its own habits. Whichever it is, your turtle should be healthy and heavy before it is allowed to go to sleep for the winter.
Myth 6: Turtles hiss like snakes when they are mad. While it is true that the sound a turtle makes sounds like it is hissing, it is not. When a turtle is afraid or picked up quickly, it pulls its head in really quickly and this action forces the air out. It is biological, not deliberate.
Myth 7: Turtles can eat just about anything. False. Turtles are carnivores that must eat live food like snails, fish and worms. They should not be fed hot dogs, raw hamburger and food that they would not normally find in the wild. Water turtles can only eat under water.
Myth 8: Tiny water turtles stay that size. False! Those small green water turtles that you see in plastic containers with fake palm trees are hatchlings that will grow up to be anywhere from six to 12 inches. It is illegal to buy or sell them in the US until they are four inches.
Myth 9: Washing a turtle gets rid of salmonella. False. Assume that every turtle no matter how clean is carrying salmonella. It is critically important to wash your hands, keep turtle things away from the kitchen and keep turtles out of homes where children under six live.
Myth 10: Turtles can live happily with artificial light. False. Turtles need real sunlight to be able to grow normally and to have strong bones. Turtles deprived of sun get a condition known as metabolic bone disease where their bones disintegrate. A basking turtle in the sun is a happy and healthy turtle.
For more information, visit www.tortoise.com
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Contact: Susan Tellem [email protected] 310-613-3504
American Tortoise Rescue Celebrates World Turtle Day May 23rd
California Sanctuary Sponsors Day To Honor One of the World’s Oldest Creatures
Malibu, Calif. – December 5, 2010 – American Tortoise Rescue (http://www.tortoise.com), a nonprofit organization established in 1990 for the protection of all species of tortoise and turtle, is sponsoring its 11th annual World Turtle Day on May 23rd. Featured in Chase’s Book of Annual Events, the day was created as an annual observance to help people celebrate and protect turtles and tortoises and their disappearing habitats around the world. Susan Tellem and Marshall Thompson, founders of ATR, advocate humane treatment of all animals, including reptiles. Since 1990, ATR has placed about 3,000 tortoises and turtles in caring homes. ATR assists law enforcement when undersize or endangered turtles are confiscated and provides helpful information and referrals to persons with sick, neglected or abandoned turtles.
“World Turtle Day was started to increase respect and knowledge for the world’s oldest creatures. These gentle animals have been around for about 200 million years, yet they are rapidly disappearing as a result of the exotic food industry, habitat destruction and the cruel pet trade,” says Tellem. “We are seeing smaller turtles coming into the rescue meaning that older adults are disappearing from the wild, and the breeding stock is drastically reduced. It is a very sad time for turtles and tortoises of the world.” She added that many sea turtles lost their lives in 2010 thanks to BP’s uncontrolled oil spill off the coast of Louisiana. “It’s a tragic example of putting profits before preserving our environment,” Tellem said.
Tellem and Thompson note that experts predict the complete disappearance of one of the world’s oldest creatures within the next 50 years. They recommend that adults and children do a few small things that can help to save turtles and tortoises for the next generation. • Never buy a turtle or tortoise from a pet shop as it increases demand from the wild. • Never remove turtles or tortoises from the wild unless they are sick or injured. • If a tortoise is crossing a busy street, pick it up and send it in the same direction it was going – if you try to make it go back, it will turn right around again. • Write letters to legislators asking them to keep sensitive habitat preserved or closed to off road vehicles, and to prevent off shore drilling that can lead to more endangered sea turtle deaths. • Report cruelty or illegal sales of turtles and tortoises to your local animal control shelter. • Report the sale of any turtle or tortoise of any kind less than four inches. This is illegal everywhere in the U.S.
“Outlaw vendors at downtown Mercados and Asian live food markets throughout the U.S. are a major problem for turtles, especially the ‘red eared slider’ water turtle. These poor creatures have an almost 100 percent mortality rate due to ignorance about their care,” Tellem says. She added that tiny turtles need to be kept in warm water, and must eat under water to survive.
“Our ultimate goal is to stop the illegal trade in turtles and tortoises around the world. Our first priority here in the U.S. is to stop pet stores and reptile shows from selling illegal hatchling tortoises and turtles,” says Thompson. “We also need to educate people who are unfamiliar with their proper care about the real risk of contracting salmonella from turtles. Schools and county fairs are no place for turtles. Wash your hands thoroughly every time you touch a turtle or its water, and do not bring turtles into homes where children are under the age of 12.”
For answers to questions and other information visit American Tortoise Rescue online at www.tortoise.com or send e-mail to [email protected]; on Twitter @tortoiserescue; or become a friend at American Tortoise Rescue at Facebook.
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For the Silicon Valley Turtle & Tortoise Club
Mail applications to:
SVTTC Attn: Membership P.O. Box 64135 Sunnyvale, CA 94088-4135
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