Issue 11Issue 8884 --4 MaMaMay - June - July 2020y 111000 11185 - 1868686 NEWNEWNEWSLETTER OF THE BRITISH HERPETOLOLOLOGICOGICOGICAL SOCIETYYY THIS ISSUE PUBLISHED OCTOBER 2020OBER 111000

BHS Funds Belalanda Chameleon Project

Furcifer belalandaensis

In early 2009 the BHS Captive Breeding Committee received a project proposal from Richard K. B. Jenkins and Richard A. Griffiths (Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology [UK] and Madagasikara Voakajy [Madagascar]); the proposal was approved for funding in September and fieldwork is now underway. We hope this study will lead to an effective conservation strategy for this endangered species. (Continued on next page) THE BRITISH HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY 63 Years in Herpetology Registered Charity No. 205666 Website: http://www.thebhs.org BHS Chameleon Project Background There are approximately 74 habitat around Belalanda village is chameleon species that are endemic to degraded gallery forest (Brygoo 1978; Madagascar (Raselimanana & Glaw & Vences 2007; Raxworthy & Rakotomalala 2003; Raxworthy & Nussbaum 2000). Nussbaum 2006) and many of these are Degradation and destruction of restricted to relatively small areas of gallery forest habitat in the Belalanda area remaining native forest. The Durrell is the main threat to this species although Institute of Conservation and Ecology, it has also has been subject to commercial University of Kent, and a Malagasy collection (Raxworthy & Nussbaum 2000). organisation called Madagasikara Project Objectives Voakajy (www.madagasikara- 1. Conduct thorough surveys in the voakajy.org) are engaged in a chameleon vicinity of the Belalanda village to conservation project funded by the map the local distribution of this Darwin Initiative. Madagasikara Voakajy species; (MV) is also preparing species accounts 2. Develop an understanding of its life for the IUCN to be included in Malagasy history and habitat requirements; Reptile Assessment for the Red List of 3. Assess the potential of in situ and ex Threatened Species. Preliminary situ (in country and international) assessments of the Furcifer chameleons conservation action. indicate that Furcifer belalandaensis is Methods a conservation priority. 1. Nocturnal searches of all suitable Furcifer belalandaensis habitats will be conducted to This species is known from a single determine the presence and absence locality, Belalanda, near Toliara in the of F. belalandaensis, as well as any south west (Brygoo 1978; CBSG 2002; congeners present. Glaw & Vences 2007). The last published 2. Information on morphology (snout- sighting of this species was in 1995 vent length, tail length, body mass), (Raxworthy & Nussbaum 2000) but there reproductive biology (sex, signs of have been a number of recent reported breeding), population age structure, observations and herpetologists from habitat use (nocturnal perch height, MV located a single individual in level of forest degradation) and diet September 2008 and 4 more in March (from faecal samples) will be collected. 2009. There are no published data on 3. Stakeholder discussions (primarily the population of F. belalandaensis but with the Regional Director of the it is not thought to exceed 250 individuals Ministry of Environment and Forests, (CBSG 2002). Given that recent surveys WWF and local community leaders) have failed to detect this species to determine: (Andriamandimbiarisoa 2007), its · the distribution of presumed tiny geographic range and F. belalandaensis in relation to dwindling available habitat (Raxworthy a recently proposed protected & Nussbaum 2000), it is unlikely to be area; common anywhere in its range. The · possibilities of providing

2 BHS Chameleon Project increased protection to forests CBSG. 2002. Evaluation et Plans de with F. belalandaensis; Gestion pour la Conservation · discuss options for ecotourism; (CAMP) de la Faune de Madagascar. · discuss whether ex situ Lémuriens, Autres Mammifères, conservation actions are Reptiles et Amphibiens, Poissons needed; d’eau douce et Evaluation de la · the need/feasibility for Viabilité des Populations et des establishing a ‘reserve’ captive Habitats de Hypogeomys antimena breeding population (in country (Vositse). SSC/IUCN, Apple Valley, and/or international). MN. Deliverables Glaw, F., and M. Vences 2007. A 1. Enhanced awareness amongst fieldguide to the amphibians and rep- stakeholders about the perilous tiles of Madagascar. Third Edition. conservation status of Vences & Glaw Verlag, Cologne. F. belalandaensis; Raselimanana, A. P., and D. 2. Article in British Herpetological Rakotomalala. 2003. Society Bulletin or Journal; Chamaeleonidae, Chameleons. 3. Preliminary documented species Pages 961-969 in J. Benstead, editor. conservation strategy for The Natural History of Madagascar. F. belalandaensis for submission to The University of Chicago Press, Malagasy authorities and other Chicago and London. stakeholders; Raxworthy, C. J., and R. A. Nussbaum. 4. Assessment of whether 2000. Extinction and extinction F. belalandaensis is (i) appropriate vulnerability of amphibians and for captive breeding and whether (ii) reptiles in Madagascar. Amphibian it is feasible in the medium term. and Reptile Conservation 2:15-23. Raxworthy, C. J., and R. A. Nussbaum. References 2006. Six new species of occipital- Andriamandimbiarisoa, L. N. 2007. lobed Calumma Chameleons Contribution à l’étude de l’histoire (Squamata: Chamaeleonidae) from naturelle de trois espèces de Montane Regions of Madagascar, caméléons de la région de Toliary, with a new description and revision Furcifer verrucosus (Cuvier, 1829), of Calumma brevicorne. Copeia:711- Furcifer labordi (Grandidier, 1872) 734. et Furcifer antimena (Grandidier, 1872): biologie, ecologie et ethologie Dr Simon Townson de la reproduction. Page 73. Depart- Chairman ment de Biologie Animale. Universite BHS Captive Breeding Committee. d’Antananarivo, Antananarivo. Brygoo, E. R. 1978. Reptiles Sauriens Acknowledgement: Chamaeleonidae. Genre Brookesia The funding of this project was made et complément pour le genre possible thanks to a generous donation Chamaeleo. Faune de Madagascar from the Harriet Rathborne Consultancy. 47:1-173. 3 Evergaldes Invaders Everglades may not be the Evergreen Garden of Eden for Non-Natives he Florida Everglages has Conservation Commission’s exotic species Tbecome the dumping ground for coordinator. “Iguanas definitely. From a many an unwanted pet, especially large collection of observations from people, more reptilians that have out-grown their than 50 percent fatality on green iguanas. families, such as non-native iguanas, Green iguanas really got hit hard. Lots of monitors, pythons and anacondas. freshwater fish died; no way to estimate that.” But it seems the growing population, The cold snap has played into a highly feared to be devasting local wildlife, may not politicised debate over how to prevent non- be having it all their own way. native species from colonizing the United Here are some of the reports coming out of States. Reptile dealers and hobbyists strongly the ’States which may not be to the alien invaders’ oppose a proposal by the U.S. Fish and liking: Wildlife Service to ban the import of and Cold Snap Kills Many Pythons In interstate trade in Burmese pythons and Everglades several other large snakes. They say South Vultures circled over Everglades National Florida’s cold snap shows these species don’t Park’s Anhinga Trail, where thousands of dead threaten to spread north, as some claim, and non-native fish floated in the marshes. a federal crackdown is unnecessary. About half the Burmese pythons found “Pythons are tropical animals,” said in the park recently were dead. Dead iguanas Andrew Wyatt, president of the United States have dropped from trees onto patios across Association of Reptile Keepers. “When South Florida. And in western Miami-Dade temperatures fall below a certain level, they County, three African rock pythons - are unable to survive. It reinforces the idea powerful constrictors that can kill people - that the pythons can’t exist more than a short have turned up dead. period of time north of Lake Okeechobee. Although South Florida’s warm, moist Even the pythons in the Everglades are dying climate has nurtured a vast range of non-native during the cold snap.” plants and animals, a cold snap last month Wyatt said scientists are downplaying the reminded these unwanted guests they’re not effect of cold weather on the pythons because in Burma or Ecuador any more. that would undermine their ability to win Temperatures that dropped into the 30s grants to study a problem that has received (°F) killed Burmese pythons, iguanas and international publicity. other marquee names in the state’s invasive “It’s all about money,” he said. “It’s very species zoo. Although reports so far say the little to do with the truth of fundamental cold has not eliminated any of them, it has problems on the ground.” sharply reduced their numbers, which some But federal and state wildlife officials say say may indicate South Florida is not as the cold weather has not solved the problem. welcoming to invaders as originally thought. Not only did pythons survive, but so did “Anecdotally, we might have lost maybe other invasive species, even if the cold set half of the pythons out there to the cold,” them back a bit. Along the park’s Gulf Coast, said Scott Hardin, the Florida Fish and Wildlife where old-world climbing ferns lay dense mats 4 Evergaldes Invaders over native trees, the cold snap inflicted frost hunts pythons in the Everglades, said on a damage on these invaders from Asia and single day in late January he found seven live Australia, said David Hallac, chief biologist snakes and seven dead ones. at Everglades National Park. But it didn’t “You don’t see dead ones like that for no kill them, he said, and they continue to spread. reason,” he said. “And they were laid out like And although they receive less publicity they were caught by the onslaught of the cold, than pythons, non-native fish have infested the way the carcasses were lined up.” the Everglades. The cold weather apparently BHS Source : Herp Digest. killed them in the thousands, including the Original Source : Sun Sentinel.™ Mayan cichlid, walking catfish and spotfin (By David Fleshler and Lisa J. Huriash) spiny eel, Hallac said. But at the bottom of canals and other water bodies, pockets of Florida Officials Create Season To warm water allowed some of these fish to Hunt Pythons & Other Reptiles survive, he said, giving them a chance to State wildlife officials are offering hunters repopulate the park once the weather warms a special opportunity to capture and remove up. several types of pythons and other reptiles No one knows how many Burmese of concern from state-managed lands near the pythons live in the Everglades, where they Everglades. were released as unwanted pets or where they Folks with hunting licenses and $26 found refuge after hurricanes destroyed their management area permits will be allowed to breeding facilities. But what’s certain is there take the reptiles from March 8 to April 17, are a lot fewer today than there were before according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife the cold spell. Conservation Commission. Greg Graziani, a police officer who owns Reptiles on the list include the Indian a reptile breeding facility, is one of several python, the reticulated python, the northern licensed python hunters who stalk the snakes and southern African rock pythons, the in the Everglades. In four days of snake amethystine or scrub python, the green hunting, he found two dead snakes, two live anaconda and the Nile monitor lizard. They ones, and one snake on the verge of death. can be taken on Everglades and Francis S. “Vultures had pecked through 12 inches Taylor, Holey Land and Rotenberger wildlife by 4 inches down the back of this animal’s management areas. body,” he said. “I thought it was dead and The special season was established by we reached down to pick it up and it was executive order and it follows the end of small very much alive.” game season in the three wildlife management In cold weather, Graziani said, pythons areas. The hunting will be allowed during a go into a catatonic state, and if they don’t period when the snakes, which are non-native make it to a safe place to ride out the weather, species, are likely to be found in those areas, freeze to death. “We’re finding the smaller officials say. pythons are handling it better than the large During cooler weather, the reptiles, which ones - the smaller ones can get into different are cold-blooded, sun themselves on levees, cracks and crevices to maintain the canal banks and roadways in those areas. temperatures they need.” “We are once again engaging our Joe Wasilewski, a wildlife biologist who stakeholders, in this case, the hunting

5 Evergaldes Invaders community, to help us reduce the number of community’s support in order to help make reptiles of concern in the Everglades,” FWC Florida’s residents and wildlife safer. “Get Chairman Rodney Barreto said. “Our behind that effort and say, we understand hunters are on the front lines, and we hope, that people can have them, the ones that are by tapping into their knowledge of the here now, but we really need to close the barn Everglades, we can make significant progress door, stop what’s going on, and ban some of in this effort.” these snakes as personal pets,” says Laura Hunters are getting training on how to Bevan of the Humane Society of the United identify, stalk, capture and remove reptiles States. of concern. FWC officials and reptile Bevan says that these snakes aren’t a industry experts will provide the training. problem until they get too big for people to Reptiles of concern can be taken by all take care of, and they release them into the legal methods used to take game animals. That wild. These snakes don’t have a natural means hunters can use shotguns, rimfire rifles predator in Florida, which is keeping their and pistols. The most commonly used rimfire population alive, and hurting other animals rifle is a .22. Reptiles may not be taken out native to Florida. ™ of the wildlife management areas alive. Their BHS Source : Herp Digest. deaths must be reported to FWC within 36 Original Source : WCTV. hours of being killed. (By Alyssa Orange) The python population in Florida became a particular concern last summer after reports Hunters Learn How To Catch Critters that tens of thousands of the non-native In Everglades reptiles may be thriving in and around the A small army of hunters is ready to hit Everglades. the everglades to kill or capture dangerous The death of a young Sumter County girl, and non-native snakes. who was attacked by a pet Burmese python, Joe Mennine and Ismael Vasquez, co- last summer further focused attention on the workers from Jupiter, were tooling down an snakes. ™ Everglades canal in an airboat when Vasquez BHS Source : Herp Digest. saw a distinctive black-blotched snake, about Original Source : Orlando Sentinel. five feet long, on the levee. (By Anthony Colarossi) Having completed a “Pythons 101” crash course given by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Constrictor Snakes Bill In Senate Conservation Commission less than an hour Florida’s recent snake problem is making earlier, Vasquez recognised it as a Burmese its way to the state Senate. python. He pointed it out to Mennine, who Florida Legislators are trying to pass a jumped out and grabbed it. bill that would prohibit importation, breeding, “It tried to bite me, but it bit itself,” sale and possession of Burmese pythons and Mennine said. “I grabbed it by its head and other dangerous large constrictor snakes as threw it in a bag.” The two returned to the pets. boat ramp and turned the snake over to their However, anyone who already owns one FWC instructors. won’t be affected. “I can’t wait to do it again,” a breathless Activists say they are asking for the Vasquez said. “I’m a newbie — my very first

6 Evergaldes Invaders time. The training definitely helped me know Heflick said the best time to hunt snakes what to look out for.” is during the cooler months, when the cold- The two hunters were among about 50 blooded reptiles sun themselves and ambush who gathered at the Everglades and Francis prey — such as rabbits and rats — along S. Taylor Wildlife Management Area off the canal levees, in tree islands and in brush and Tamiami Trail for the FWC announcement of debris piles. a special hunting season for reptiles of concern He said they are not aggressive, but will on state lands. defend themselves if threatened. “You don’t From March 8 through April 17, anyone want to end up with a Burmese necktie,” he with a hunting license and a $26 management said, only half-jokingly. area permit may kill exotic, invasive snakes Cole was adamant that snakes be an lizards. dispatched humanely. “The quickest and Exotic snakes — especially the Burmese easiest way to euthanise them is with a sharp python — have become a big problem in the instrument like a machete,” Cole said. “The Everglades. Growing up to 26 feet long, the veterinary association recommends swift Burmese is a constrictor that preys on native decapitation or a bullet. Don’t try to club Florida mammals, birds and reptiles, including these snakes to death.” the endangered Key Largo wood rat. No one Hunters learned there are some financial knows how many live in the Glades, but more incentives to harvesting pythons. Brian than 300 were removed from Everglades Wood, operator of All American Gators in National Park in 2008 alone. From the park, Hallandale Beach - a reptile processor - said the snakes have spread north to the Big he would pay $5 per foot for a whole snake. Cypress National Preserve and south to Key He showed off a pair of jumbo snakeskin Largo. trousers valued at $900 and touted the flavour Hunters said they would be happy to of snake meat, although tests on samples from help stop the spread. “We feel we have the the Everglades show it’s high in mercury. knowledge, responsibility and technical “The meat is very excellent,” Wood said. ability to take care of this problem,” said “It’s like chicken, but it does taste like snake.” Bishop Wright Jr., president of the Florida Several of the hunters couldn’t wait to Airboat Association. “We are the best tool in get started. Said Rich Andrews of Pompano the toolbox in this situation.” Beach: “We’ll take care of the problem here To give hunters their best shot, the FWC for sure. We truly care about the brought in some of its own officers, plus local environment. It’s our playground. If the snake breeders and trappers, for the conference and problem is as bad as they make it out to be, training session. Biologist Shawn Heflick and who better to be out there than us?” ™ reptile breeder Michael Cole provided a BHS Source : Herp Digest. rundown on the reptiles’ biology, behavior, Original Source : Miami Herald. diet and habitat. (By Susan Cocking) They even brought along two “demo” snakes — a large, pet male named Fluffy and . . . and so it seems any wild-roaming a smaller, rambunctious wild python caught reptile not native to the south-eastern state of recently in the Everglades — for lessons in America had better be on its gaurd - and wrap safe handling and capture. up warm for the “winter” - Ed. . 7 . . Costa Rican Ransacking What Chance the Turururtles?tles?tles?

hese disturbing pictures were just two of a dozen similar images received by T the editor by email recently. Callous locals are collecting turtles eggs even as they are being laid. An entire generation of Olive Ridleys are wiped out as the eggs are collected by the sack full and removed from this nesting beach in Costa Rica, destined for markets and sale as food. How often do we blame global warming for declines in endangered species? Are we getting too complacent, thinking we’ve rid the world of all the obvious problems faced by these and other animals? It seems we still have to address the fundamentals if we are serious about saving such creatures from extinction.

8 Chopped Lizard Lounging Lizard gets the Chop fter clipping A many thou- sands of sheep from the North Tyne fells over the years, Tarset sherpherdess Helen Brown is used to find- ing the odd creepy- crawlie amongst the wool. But this season's shearing session was Photograph  CN Group unique in even her long The not-so-common lizard among the fleece experience. For nestling in the fleece of one sheep and the little critter crept into the wool to was - a six-inch common lizard! keep warm. What amazed me the most Unfortunately for the sorry saurian, was the fact that these sheep had been Helen did not discover its presence until gathered that morning off the hill - a two she had sliced it into four pieces with her hour gather - followed by going through clippers. the sheep pens to have their lambs run Helen said: "Finding the lizard was off. The ewe had been in the clipping totally alien to me. "I hadn't seen hide shed for a good hour before it was her nor hair if it until its dismembered body turn to be shorn, and this creature had rose to the surface, so it must have been somehow managed to remain hidden un- right up against the sheep's skin." til it was accidentally chopped up." ™ She went on: "My take on it is that it BHS Source: Hexham Courant, 10 Sep 2010. had been a cool night the previous night Contributed by David Brownlee

When is a Sanctuary not a Sanctuary? When it’it’When s a Zoo say the Authorities he Tortoise Garden at Sticker the .public are permitted access to the T in Cornwall may have to close sanctuary, which Cornwall Council have its doors if local authorities get their way deemed falls within the scope of the Zoo and enforce legislation under the Zoo Licensing Act. Licensing Act. In order to comply with the Act, The The Tortoise Garden offers sanctuary Tortoise Garden would need to apply for to animals in need, often through the necessary license and upgrade the unfortunate circumstances such as death premises accordingly, which could run or ill-health of owners. Problems for the into thousands of pounds. If the owners establishment have now arisen because are unable to meet these requirements or

9 Santuary or Zoo are.. unable to afford the additional costs International Trade in Endangered associated with the license, closing the Species) requires that certain species sanctuary may be the only option. (including tortoises) need permits if they Mr. Lance Kennedy, Cabinet are to be displayed to the public. This Member of Cornwall Council said “I would be enforced by DEFRA but failure have ensured that Cornwall Council to comply can result in the seizure of staff explored every option to keep The animals. The Council has made every Tortoise Garden open, it has however effort to help The Tortoise Garden and proven impossible under current will continue to do so,” said Mr. legislation to avoid registration as a Kennedy. zoo.” Chris Newman, Chairman of the “Following an extended process that Federation of British Herpetologists, said some might argue has gone beyond “The difficulties faced at The Tortoise what might be reasonably expected from Garden are not unique, indeed other a Local Authority there remain no such sanctuaries dealing with other further options. Officers have worked species have been snared by Draconian tirelessly to try and find a solution to interpretation of both the Zoo Licensing the issue of licensing The Tortoise Act [ZLA] and the Control of Trade in Garden in Sticker. The bottom line is Endangers Species legislation [COTES]. that, while we all recognise the good It appears today the ‘common sense’ work carried out at The Tortoise Garden approach to interpreting legislation has and are not asking it to close, The been abandoned by both national and Tortoise Garden clearly falls within the local government, in favour of an definition of a zoo, as published by approach that is supportive of animal DEFRA, and requires a licence,” said rights, but detrimental to animal welfare, Mr. Kennedy. which is deeply regrettable.” Under the Zoo Licensing Act, a zoo He continued “Here perhaps one is defined as an establishment where has to look at the function of a ‘zoo’ as wild animals (animals not normally opposed to a ‘sanctuary’. A zoo is a domesticated in Great Britain) are kept business whose principle activity is for exhibition to the public with or displaying animals to the public, whilst without charge for seven or more days the principle activity of a sanctuary is a year. affording a permanent home for animals Mr. Kennedy said, “The Council is in need. The principle activity of The not in the position to be able to pick Tortoise Garden is clearly not displaying and choose which establishments we animals to the public, but offering a place apply the Zoo Licensing Act to - we of sanctuary for animals in need, often must be open, transparent and fair to through unfortunate circumstances such all.” as death or ill-health of owners. I would “There are other issues outside of suggest that again the licensing body is the control of the Council that affect entitled to interpret the definition of the the viability of The Tortoise Garden. Act and its application to The Tortoise Compliance with CITES (Convention of Garden as it sees fit as scant guidance is

10 Santuary or Zoo provided.. by central government”. from the ZLA is clearly within the remit Mr. Newman summarised: “The of Cornwall Council, either through situation regarding The Tortoise Garden accepting that tortoises are domestic is confusing and complex and animals (some of these individuals have clarification of existing legislation is been pets for close on 100 years!) or by urgently needed to alleviate serious acknowledging that the principle animal welfare issues that have arisen in function of The Tortoise Garden is not recent times by Draconian enforcement displaying animals. In both cases they of legislation such as ZLA and COTES have simply chosen not to adopt the regulations. The statement by Mr common-sense option but to use the Kennedy on behalf of Cornwall Council unclear definitions of the regulations to that they have done all they can to assist obstruct moves to keep this important The Tortoise Garden is somewhat facility open”. disingenuous as the Council have chosen The future of The Tortoise Garden to interpret the regulations in such a way hangs in the balance. We hope to follow as to leave closure the only option. The this story and report the outcome as it power to exempt The Tortoise Garden unfolds. CCClassifielassifielassifiedsdsds Salmonella Leaflet BOOKS FOR SALE Salmonella has been in the news BIOLOGY OF THE VIPERS again recently due to a contaminated edited by Schuett, Hoggren, Douglas batch of frozen rodents in circulation. and Greene. 580 pages, 16 colour We are distributing the Health plates, black & white photos and Protection Agency’s latest information numerous charts and diagrams. In leaflet on salmonella and reducing the superb, 'as new' condition - £45.00. risk of infection. Heed the advice and pass it on to friends and family. SNAKES OF THE AGKISTRODON The leaflet can also be COMPLEX downloaded from www.hpa.org.uk by Gloyd & Conant. 616 pages, 52 colour and black & white plates, and numerous maps and diagrams. In Please send your herpetological items, cuttings, excellent condition - £45.00. reports, stories, photos, letters, comments and A REVISION OF THE WORM SNAKES classified items for The NatterJack to Trevor OF SOUTH-EASTERN AFRICA Rose at the following address: (Serpentes: Leptotyphlopidae) 11 Strathmore Place, Montrose, by Broadley & Watson, 48 pages, line Angus, DD10 8LQ drawings and charts - £7.00. or e-mail: [email protected] Registered headquarters: All prices include packing and postage The British Herpetological Society, to UK destinations. Email Dave at c/o The Zoological Society of London, [email protected] Regents Park, London, NW1 4RY.

11 Council Matters Council Matters

The NatterJack Status The NatterJack Newsletter Editor It won’t have escaped your notice that it 3 year term. Responsible for the regular production of the monthly newsletter. has been some time since the last NatterJackNatterJackNatterJack was published. We had hoped to bring your Collation and procurement of material from newsletter back on track over the summer, various sources, researching articles, editing, but unfortunately things haven’t gone to plan. layout and production of print-ready artwork. However, here we are back again, and the next Previous experience of page-making software issue (to be headed 187-188-189) will be out would be preferred, as would access to suitable soon. After that, we hope to have plans in hardware (Adobe PM or Indesign software can be provided). This is a demanding role requiring place to bring you The NatterJack on a more regular basis. a high level of attention to detail, as well as We would be very pleased to hear from contact on a regular basis with the membership. anyone who can help with the production of Trade Officer the newsletter, either in a publishing and/or 3 year term. Would suit a person with an editorial role. See Council Vacancies below interest in government legislation, and/or with for more details. contacts in the trade of reptiles and amphibians. Council Vacancies Could involve attendance at SUN meetings and liaison with government departments to There are several vacant posts on BHS represent the views of the BHS, although this Council which we would like to fill as soon as role is open to further development by the possible. The posts of The NatterJack successful candidate. Editor and Trade Officer remain open; a brief description of duties can be found below. Meetings Organiser BHS Council are also considering the 3 year term. This is a new post which is proposal of a new post, Meetings Organiser. currently being given consideration by Council. Again, details can be found below, but please The successful applicant will be responsible note at present this is an idea in progress, not for the planning, organisation and coordination an official post and will only become one if of an annual programme of meetings in addition and when an incumbent comes forward to to those regularly presented by BHS (CBC at take on the role. Amersham, Joint Scientific meeting at At the 2011 AGM, one post of Ordinary Bournemouth, AGM). The lack of regular Member will be vacant, so we are looking for meetings is high on the agenda of many nominations now in order to ensure the members and is a cause of concern. However, position is filled in March next year. such meetings require a considerable amount Finally, we would like to recruit an of effort to organise so following discussions Auditor to confirm the BHS accounts at the at the previous two Council meetings, we seek end of each fiscal year. Although this is not a to recruit an enthusiastic member to take on Council (Trustee) post, the area of expertise this interesting and demanding role. The full and the remit is very specific, and we would remit is open for development under the like to recruit a BHS member with the relevant direction of Council. qualifications to undertake this task and join Ordinary Member our band of volunteers. 3 Year Term. Required to attend Council All Council posts are voluntary, require meetings to represent the views of the general the incumbent to report to Council, and attend membership. Occasional other duties as quarterly meetings usually held in London assigned and specified as a result of meeting (excluding the Auditor). actions. 12 Council Matters Auditor (Term does not apply) Subscription Increase The Auditor acts as an independent As previously advised, it will be necessary examiner and holds the Society’s Trustees to to raise the cost of Print subscriptions for account, ensuring honest and respon- 2011. It is now time to prepare for the change, sible stewardship of the Society’s finances by and for those who pay by Standing Order, performing an examination of the Society’s annual submit a new instruction to either your Bank accounts. Please note, this is a non-Council, non- or the BHS Secretary. Trustee post and is exempt from the usual With this newsletter you have received a responsibilities of Council. letter advising your current membership type To be eligible for this position, you must: and previous payment method. For those 1. be independent of the Trustees - this whose membership expires at the end of 2010, excludes the Trustees and relatives of you should act now and submit either your Trustees, but members of the Society are new Bank Order mandate or subscription fee not excluded in time for the New Year. 2. have a practical understanding of Bank/Standing Order payers: Please be accounting methods aware it is your responsibility to update your The Society prepares simple “receipts and mandate; BHS are unable to update the amount payments” accounts, so the independent examiner for you as this is not a Direct Debit service. If does not need the same in-depth knowledge of you fail to submit a new mandate, BHS will accountancy as, for instance, the auditor of a receive the old fee and your membership will commercial company. Examples of people who not be automatically renewed. We will require might be suitable for the role include bank managers, the balance to be paid before publication local authority treasurers and tax inspectors; mailings can be re-started. Your attention to financial awareness and numeracy skills are the this matter is required, please act now! key requirements for an Independent Examiner. The new rates for 2011 Print The Treasurer and other members of the subscriptions are as follows: Council will provide support and assistance to the new Auditor as they get to grips with the role. Full membership £40 The Society will also pay an Horourarium of up Ordinary £28 to £350 for each annual audit. Family £50 Overseas £45 Members interested in any of the above posts Associate £70 should write to the Secretary at 11 Strathmore Place, Montrose, Angus, DD10 8LQ or email Please note, these changes do affect either [email protected] for more information or “Online” or YHC subscriptions, which remain telephone 07778 830192. unchanged. Interested parties must be current BHS members, and require two nominations, also from Gift Aid current BHS members. To make this procedure BHS are taking this opportunity to remind easier, the Secretary can provide a pre-printed letter members that the Society can claim Gift Aid to be signed by the relevant parties. All on subscriptions received from UK Tax payers. nominations received will be advertised ahead of Please remember to sign the appropriate part the AGM in March 2011, and if more than one of the form and return to the Secretary when nomination is recieved for any post, the successful submitting your new Bank Order and/or applicant will be decided by ballot. renewal form. It would be helpful to us if you If you enjoy a challenge, and want to be more could do this even if you have sent a gift Aid involved in herpetology and influence the running form previously. of the BHS, come and join the BHS Council! 13 BHS Meetings

Upcoming BHS Meetings

BRITISH HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY AND THAMES & CHILTERN HERPETOLOGICAL GROUP Joint meeting Sunday 28th November, 3.00 – 7.00 pm Drake Hall, Amersham Community Centre, Chiltern Ave, Amersham, Bucks, HP6 5AH Speakers include: Dr Ian Stephen (Curator of Herpetology, Zoological Society of London, London Zoo): ‘Amphibian Conservation at ZSL’ Matthew Rendle (Veterinary Nurse, Zoological Society of London, London Zoo): ‘Problems of Komodo Dragons in Captivity’ John Berry: ‘The Good, the Bad and the Ugly – Morphs, Mutations and Hybrids of Captive Bred Snakes’ 6.00pm -7.00pm : Refreshments and an Open and Informal Session for members – Exhibition of captive bred animals and items/posters of herpetological interest (including science, books, art, photography). See enclosed flier for further information. Amersham is easy to get to via J18 of the M25 or by tube/rail to Amersham station.

Amphibian and Reptile Conservation & British Herpetological Society JOINT SCIENTIFIC MEETING 2010 Amphibian and Reptile Biology and Conservation Sunday 5th December 2010, 9.30am-5.00pm Lecture Hall, Bournemouth Natural Science Society, 39 Christchurch Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH1 3NS

Provisional Speaker Programme: Liam Russell – Sand lizards Katy Upton – Frog diversity in Amazonian Peru Darryn Nash – Stripy grass snakes!? Peter Minting – Natterjacks and chytrid Vicky Ogilvy – Five-a-day for frogs! John Baker – Pool frog re-introduction: update James Stroud – Spatial ecology of adders (TBC) Freya Smith – Chytrid surveying Axel Barlow – Bitis! Registration by 19th November is essential - please refer to enclosed flier for registration details 14 Diary Dates

BHS Sunday Conservation Tasks

7th November 2010 Luscombe ( B of P) - Main gate Shore Road SZ 044 890 - Gorse/Bramble 21st November 2010 Gore Heath boundary with ARC reserve (F.C.) - Lawson clump car park SY 922 909 - Pine/Birch 5th December 2010 Rempstone tramway (F.C.) - F.C. Gate SY 994 840 - Gorse/ Pine 9th January 2011 Luscombe (B of P) - Main gate Shore Road SZ 044 890 - Gorse/Bramble 23rd January 2011 Blackheath (F.C.) - Stroud bridge car park SY 889 916 - Pine 6th February 2011 Canford Cliffs (ARC/B of Poole) - Branksome chine car park SZ 065 896 - Pine, Gorse, Hottentot Fig 20th February 2011 Trigon (ARC) - F.C. Car park Stroud Bridge SY 889 916 then Gate SY 882 911 - Rhododendron/Pine 6th March 2011 Pallington Clump (F.C.) - Affpuddle Car park SY 804 923 - Pine/Birch 20th March 2011 Northport Pit to Northport heath ( F.C.) - F.C.Office SY 905 894 - Pine/Gorse 3rd April 2011 To be confirmed 17th April 2011 To be confirmed

All tasks meet at 10.00am. Please contact Dave Bird on 01258 857869 or 0776 551 2056 if you plan to join a task.

Other Herpetological Dates

8th-9th April 2011 British Herpetological Symposium - Bangor 2011 Hosted by Bangor University Herpetological Society. Researchers from around the UK will present their work. Free to attend. More details from: [email protected]

23rd-27th May 2011 Second Mediterranean Congress of Herpetology To be held in Marrakech, Morocco. For details go to www.ucam.ac.ma/cmh2

8th-14th August 2012 7th World Congress of Herpetology Vancouver, Canada. Call for symposium papers. For further details go to http://wch2012vancouver.com/

15 Reptile Habitat Management Handbook Paul Edgar, Jim Foster and John Baker (2010). Amphibian and Reptile Conservation, Bournemouth. ISBN 978-0-9566717-0-7.

This handbook is the first attempt to bring be harmful to them. The handbook reviews together habitat management advice for all habitat management practices and makes native UK reptiles. The half dozen species recommendations as to how they can be here have experienced population declines, and applied, or modified, to benefit reptiles. are now all Biodiversity Action Plan priorities. This publication benefits from over The handbook is aimed at site managers, and twenty years of Amphibian and Reptile those who advise on management. It gives Conservation’s experience of managing habitat advice for a range of settings, from dedicated for rare reptiles. It also draws on the collective nature reserves to farmland and includes a experience of the UK herpetofauna useful appendix of Environmental Stewardship conservation community, including options. Amphibian and Reptile Our native reptiles Groups, site managers and include two rarities, the sand dedicated individuals. lizard and smooth snake, both The Reptile Habitat of which have very specific Management Handbook was habitat requirements – part-funded by Natural lowland heath and, in the case England and produced in of the sand lizard, coastal conjunction with Amphibian dune. The handbook advises and Reptile Conservation’s on the specific management Widespread Species Project, measures needed for the funded by The Esmée precious few sites Fairbairn Foundation. supporting these species. Copies of the handbook The other four reptiles, are available from Amphibian viviparous lizard, slow- and Reptile Conservation, worm, grass snake and adder, 655A Christchurch Road, are widespread, occurring in a range of habitats Boscombe, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH1 4AP, that provide a combination of open areas and 01202 391919 (£3.00 to cover postage and cover. These species have a patchy distribution handling, bulk orders to be negotiated within their ranges, but nevertheless are likely [email protected]). to occur in many habitats managed for nature The handbook is also available to conservation. download in PDF format at: www.arc- The authors stress the importance of trust.org. ARC and Natural England will be considering reptiles in site management plans. sending copies to the main habitat management Experience has shown that simply ‘taking care organisations in October, and a series of of the habitat’ does not always favour reptiles, training courses is being organised for winter and some management approaches can actually to promote the handbook’s main messages.

The Editor wishes to stress that the views expressed in this publication are those of the recognised source and not those of the British Herpetological Society. Copyright: Bodies are encouraged to reprint and advertise the contents of this publication, acknowledging the source, The Natterjack, Newsletter of the British Herpetological Society. 16