SWCHR BULLETIN Volume 4, Issue 3 Fall 2014

ISSN 2330-6025

Conservation – Preservation – Education – Public Information Research – Field Studies – Captive Propagation

The SWCHR BULLETIN is published quarterly by the SOUTHWESTERN CENTER FOR HERPETOLOGICAL RESEARCH PO Box 624, Seguin TX 78156 www.southwesternherp.com email: [email protected] ISSN 2330-6025

OFFICERS 2013-2014 COMMITTEE CHAIRS

PRESIDENT AWARDS AND GRANTS COMMITTEE Toby Brock Gerald Keown

VICE PRESIDENT COMMUNICATIONS COMMITEE Gerry Salmon Gerald Keown

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS COMMITTEE Gerald Keown Toby Brock

BOARD MEMBERS AT LARGE NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE John Lassiter Gerald Keown Orion McElroy D. Craig McIntyre MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE Toby Brock BULLETIN EDITOR Chris McMartin CONSERVATION COMMITTEE Robert Twombley

ABOUT SWCHR

Originally founded by Gerald Keown in 2007, SWCHR is a

501(c)(3) non-profit association, governed by a board of directors and dedicated to promoting education of the Association’s members and the general public relating to the natural history, biology, taxonomy, conservation and preservation needs, field studies, and captive propagation of the herpetofauna indigenous to the American Southwest.

THE SWCHR LOGO JOINING SWCHR There are several versions of the SWCHR logo, all featuring the For information on becoming a member please visit the Gray-Banded (Lampropeltis alterna), a widely-recognized membership page of the SWCHR web site at native to the Trans-Pecos region of Texas as well as http://www.southwesternherp.com/join.html. adjacent Mexico and New Mexico.

ON THE COVER: Banded Rock Rattlesnake, Crotalus lepidus klauberi, Hidalgo County, NM (Travis Dimler). This photograph is from a portfolio that won Travis ©2014 Southwestern Center for Herpetological Research. The SWCHR the SWCHR’s 2013 H. F. Koenig Award for Excellence in Herpetological Photography. Bulletin may not be reproduced in whole or in part on any web site or in any other

publication without the prior explicit written consent of the Southwestern Center BACKGROUND IMAGE: Elephant Tusk, Big Bend National Park, TX (Chris for Herpetological Research and of the respective author(s) and photographer(s). McMartin)

SWCHR Bulletin 27 Fall 2014

TABLE OF CONTENTS

A Message from the President, Toby Brock 28

Highlights from the NAFHA 2014 Field Meeting, Mike Pingleton 29

An Observation of Coachwhip (Coluber flagellum) Predation of a Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix) in Texas (Serpentes: ), David Kneer 30

Musings of a Desert Tortoise Naturalist, Hanna Strauss 31

Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox) Use of Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus sp.) Root Structures as Refugia (Serpentes: Viperidae), Terry Cox 35

A Series of Unfortunate Escapes: Jumping/Climbing Ability of Two U.S. Coleonyx Species (Lacertilia: Eublepharidae), Chris McMartin 37

Comments on the Recent Proposed Revision of the Milk (Lampropeltis triangulum) Complex (Serpentes: Colubridae), Tom Lott 39

Book Review: The Invisible Ark: In Defense of Captivity, by Dave and Tracy Barker, Robert Twombley 42

A CALL FOR PAPERS

Are you a field herpetologist or a herpetoculturist working with species native to the American Southwest? Do you have a paper or an article you have written for which you would like to find a permanent repository? Want to be assured you will always be able to share it with the world? Submit it to the SWCHR Bulletin for possible publication. Submitted manuscripts from SWCHR members, as well as non- members, will be considered.

To be accepted for publication, submissions must deal with herpetological species native to the American Southwest. Such topics as field notes, county checklists, range extensions, taxonomy, reproduction and breeding, diseases, snake bite and venom research, captive breeding and maintenance, conservation issues, legal issues, etc. are all acceptable. For assistance with formatting manuscripts, search ‘scientific journal article format’ on the internet and tailor the resultant guidance to suit.

Previously published articles or papers are acceptable, provided you still hold the copyright to the work and have the right to re-publish it. If we accept your paper or article for publication, you will still continue to be the copyright holder. If your submission has been previously published, please provide the name of the publication in which it appeared along with the date of publication. All submissions should be manually proofed in addition to being spell checked and should be submitted by email as either Microsoft Word or text documents.

Send submissions to [email protected].

SWCHR Bulletin 28 Fall 2014

A Message from the President

It is fall again, which means “back to school” for many people, of all ages—and on that subject, I would like to remind everyone that we are sending the SWCHR Bulletin to various universities, and it can be easily accessed by the students and faculty of these institutions. I would also like to speak to any students of these universities who may be reading this, and let you know that we are always looking for articles, papers, and natural history notes—you don’t have to be a member to submit and have your work published here. Though the SWCHR Bulletin is not currently a peer-reviewed publication, it fills a needed niche as a good home for amateur works (as well as those of degreed biologists) which may inspire further research. Although you do not have to be a member to submit articles or papers, we hope that you will have a look around the website, check out our other Bulletin issues, and consider joining us a member—Student (under 18) and Collegiate (any age) memberships are available at discounted rates.

In this issue of the Bulletin, we have some very interesting observations and articles to offer. Tom Lott offers some comments about the recent proposed revision of the Lampropeltis triangulum complex. Our editor, Chris McMartin, details his experiences with escapes of captive specimens of two species of Coleonyx. Mike Pingleton gives us his account of the recent NAFHA meet in eastern and western New Mexico, which several SWCHR members attended. Terry Cox tells us about a Crotalus atrox residing on his property in southern Arizona, and its interesting choice of refuge. Robert Twombley reviews The Invisible Ark by Dave and Tracy Barker. Hannah Strauss gives a nice account of being onsite naturalist at the Desert Tortoise Research natural Area. David Kneer notes an interesting field observation of a Coachwhip preying on a Copperhead.

Much of the southwest has recently been experiencing excess precipitation, and hopefully this will work to the good for the herpetofauna and other wildlife of the region. This is often the time of year during which I see the most herps of the year here in south Texas—this being the wettest part of the year, on average, in this area. I often think of the fall as “rat snake season”, as I usually see lots of our two species of out and about during daylight, as temps begin to cool down. I hope it is a great fall season for herps all across the southwest!

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Highlights from the NAFHA 2014 If NAFHA meetings and field trips were simply about padding Field Meeting one’s life list and other selfish pleasures, there would be little point in writing up reports like this one. Data collection in the by Mike Pingleton field is an established element of recreational field herping, and NAFHA members are very good at recording photo vouchers Over the Labor Day long weekend, field herpers from all points and locality data for herpetofauna encountered in the field. of the compass converged on the southern borderlands of Dave Weber (AZ) and Tim Warfel (CO) were instrumental in Arizona and New Mexico. The occasion was the annual field obtaining scientific permits from Arizona and New Mexico that meeting of the North American Field Herping Association covered data collection activities for the assembled group. The (NAFHA). The meeting location changes each year; the 2012 permits allowed attendees to detain for photographs, meeting was held at the famous “Snake Road” in southern and to record localities and physical data, before releasing the Illinois, and in 2013, the coastal pine forests of North Carolina herps at their point of capture. Arizona herps found “Dead On played host. It was time for a swing out west, so this year the Road” (DOR) were handed in to Dave Weber, who turned them meeting was held on the eastern slope of the Chiricahua over to the fish and game folks. In the first two weeks since the Mountains, with activities centering around Portal, Arizona, and meeting ended, several hundred data records have been entered nearby Rodeo, New Mexico. Many of the attendees booked in the Herp Education and Research Project (www.naherp.com) rooms in the lodge at Portal, or camped nearby in the ‘Cheery and HerpMapper (www.herpmapper.org) databases, with more Cows,’ as the mountains are sometimes called. The very fine to follow (as per usual, I am behind everyone else in this regard). Chiricahua Desert Museum in Rodeo was another focal point for visiting herpers.

The Orianne Society’s Dirk Stevenson presenting on some of the organization’s current projects. Photo by the author. A Chiricahua Mountains vista, Cochise County, Arizona. Photo by the author. NAFHA meetings also feature one or more presentations related More than seventy people attended this year’s event. NAFHA to field herpetology. Speaking at the community center in meetings draw a fair amount of local and regional herpers, but Rodeo, guest speaker Dirk Stevenson described the projects and license plates on rental cars can be deceiving—herpers came activities of the Orianne Society. Orianne describes its mission from all over the United States, and from Ontario as well. For as “science-fueled, boots-on-the-ground conservation;” some of some, it was their first taste of the Sonoran life zone and its rich its species-based projects include Appalachian Timber herpetofauna. Moving the meeting puts a fresh carrot on the Rattlesnakes (Crotalus horridus) and Costa Rican Bushmasters stick each year, but it isn’t the only reason people attend; anyone (Lachesis sp.). Dirk has been a conservation scientist with can visit Arizona during the monsoon season. Within the loose Orianne for more than seven years, and has been studying and distributed structure of NAFHA, field herpers are a friendly Eastern Indigo (Drymarchon couperi) and Gopher Tortoises and gregarious lot, and the annual meeting is an opportunity to (Gopherus polyphemus) for many more. The ecology of gopher meet old friends (some for the first time in the flesh) and to tortoise burrows and the organisms that rely on them figured make new ones. And so the Floridians rub elbows with the pack prominently in his presentation, as well as citizen science from the Pacific Northwest, the Canadians go road-cruising with opportunities within the organization. Herp conservation, the Boys from Illinois, and everyone generally has a good time. citizen science…what’s not to like? I was also impressed by the

SWCHR Bulletin 30 Fall 2014 way Dirk connected with some of the kids in the audience, and it Rock Rattlesnake (Crotalus lepidus klauberi), found by Andy was easy to see he regarded them as just as important as anyone O’Connor on our trek up a mountainside in New Mexico. else in the room, if not more. Other notable finds included several Mountain (Lampropeltis pyromelana), Mexican Hog-nosed Snakes (Heterodon kennerlyi), and a handful of Gila Monsters (Heloderma suspectum). By the meeting’s end, the species and subspecies total for amphibians and was at an even 50. On Sunday afternoon, the Chiricahua Desert Museum hosted a barbecue get-together on the museum premises; our thanks to owners Bob and Sheri Ashley for their support and participation.

I’ve attended NAFHA meetings and field trips since 2007, and I’m always impressed by the attendees. Some are field biologists, some work in conservation and education, but many come from other walks of life. It is not just an interest in herps or field herping that draws them to the meetings and field trips; they are committed to the broad pursuits of science and natural history, conservation and education, and they want to participate in the process. I’m also appreciative of the folks who brought their A Green Toad (Anaxyrus debilis) was one of eight toad species recorded during the event. Photo by the author. kids to the meeting; their unabashed enthusiasm, and their sense of awe and wonder about everything was both infectious and The format for the rest of the meeting was simple: spend the invigorating. Keep up the good work! Next year’s meeting daylight hours hiking around in search of herps, take meals location? I haven’t heard anything about it yet, but I’m quite together, and then road-cruise far into the night. Road cruising sure it will be a fascinating place to visit. is not always a productive pursuit in other regions, and some folks who were new to the experience had a whale of a time. Diamond-backed Rattlesnakes (Crotalus atrox) and Mohave Rattlesnakes (C. scutullatus) turned up in good numbers, and at An Observation of Coachwhip (Coluber least one Desert Massasauga (Sistrus catenatus edwardsii) was found flagellum) Predation of a Copperhead crossing a highway. Eight species of toads were present, usually around ditches and low places along the roads, where the (Agkistrodon contortrix) in Texas monsoon rains collect. (Serpentes: Colubridae)

by David Kneer

The following is an account of an observation I made of a Coachwhip (Coluber flagellum) preying on a Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix) in Bosque County, Texas. I took these pictures while hunting on May 20, 2011 at 2:15 p.m. I recall the temperature being warm, probably mid to upper 80s Fahrenheit, on a clear and cloudless day with little wind. The location was on a private ranch 1 mile ESE from Brazos Point and was approximately 500 yards from the Brazos River.

I was out bowhunting for wild pigs (but, more accurately, scouting the area to see what and where the animals were). I came upon a dried-out creek bed and saw the snakes from about

A handsome Black-tailed Rattlesnake (Crotalus molossus). Photo by the author. 100 yards away. I wasn’t sure what it was, but I did see movement, so I slowly walked up to them. As the pictures My favorite road-cruising find was a 13.5-inch Plains Black- indicate the coachwhip had the copperhead in a death grip. I headed Snake (Tantilla nigriceps), the biggest I’ve seen of that watched for about five minutes and took these pictures. The genus. For daytime herps, my vote goes to a stunning Banded closest I got was about 10 feet. They were really straining

SWCHR Bulletin 31 Fall 2014 against each other, not thrashing but straining. The coachwhip bitten at least once by the rattlesnake as evidenced in the photos (reference would position its body over the copperhead like it was trying to www.facebook.com/texasparksandwildlife/posts/453507501367285). pin it down. It was quite the struggle and really interesting. Mr. Kneer’s account is the first documentation I could find, in a cursory After about five minutes I could tell the coachwhip was getting search of sources readily available to me, of a coachwhip eating a copperhead. nervous from my presence, as it slowly started backing into Though many sources list snakes in general as prey items, none mentioned some bushes, dragging the copperhead with it. I didn’t want to copperheads specifically. bother or interrupt anything so after it backed into the bushes I went on about my business.

The coachwhip slowly backed into the vegetation to finish its meal. The coachwhip never attempted to orient the copperhead head-first for easier swallowing, instead opting to “fold it” by swallowing it beginning about one third of the way down from the head. Photo by the author. Coachwhip (Coluber flagellum) in the early stages of consuming a Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix), as found in Bosque County, TX. Photo by the author.

Musings of a Desert Tortoise Naturalist

by Hannah Strauss

For the past two Spring seasons I have served as the Onsite Naturalist at the Desert Tortoise Research Natural Area (DTRNA) located in Kern County, California. I really enjoyed living in a protected area of the Mojave Desert and being immersed 24/7 in its beauty and natural history. The major drawback was experiencing this section of the Northwestern Mojave Desert during two drought seasons. The usual abundance of spring flowers was not present, which made desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) activity above the ground infrequent. This also affected the number of visitors (who like to take photos of tortoises happily munching on spring flowers) coming The copperhead appears significantly smaller than the coachwhip, so the to the Preserve. As a result, I had to endure a lot of downtime. predator should have little problem swallowing the prey. Photo by the author. My report is to give the reader some idea of what it is like to be a

DTRNA Naturalist and what to expect in case they would like to

consider applying for this position in the future. I highly EDITOR’S NOTE: Coachwhips have previously been documented recommend it if you love the desert and don’t mind being alone preying on venomous snakes in Texas. Texas Parks and Wildlife posted a for extended periods of time. staff photo to their Facebook Page October 5th, 2012 showing a coachwhip eating a Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox) near the headquarters building of Guadalupe River State Park (Comal County, TX). The coachwhip reportedly suffered no ill effect, despite having been

SWCHR Bulletin 32 Fall 2014

This meant no running water for bathing or toilet use. Sometimes I had to use the latrine in the middle of the night, so with a headlamp strapped on I would walk over to the facilities, enjoying the soothing trills of Lesser Nighthawks (Chordeiles acutipennis) calling to each other. Sometimes I would surprise a Desert Kangaroo Rat (Dipodomys deserti) with the headlamp beam.

This young male Desert Tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) was frequently seen around the DTRNA Visitor Center. Photo by the author.

The area of the Desert Tortoise Research Natural Area where I was stationed is 40 square miles, consisting primarily of Creosote Bush (Larrea tridentata)/thornscrub steppe habitat. I resided in a trailer at the Visitor’s Center which consists of an Interpretive

Trailer, a latrine, parking area, and information kiosk. The A large adult female Desert Tortoise at DTRNA. This female was particularly DTRNA was officially established in 1974 by the encouragement fastidious about burrow hygiene. Photo by the author. of respected desert tortoise biologist Dr. Kristin Berry working with the Bureau of Land Management. Today, the DTRNA is There was also evidence that I received frequent visitations from managed by the Desert Tortoise Preserve Committee (DTPC), other neighbors such as Desert Kit Fox (Vulpes macrotis) and with the assistance of the BLM and the California Department Black-tailed Hares or Jackrabbits (Lepus californicus)]. A rope that of Fish and Wildlife. It is a privately owned preserve involved was tied to the trailer would be found strung out on the ground with the continuous process of acquiring acreage through in disarray and chewed on. It was hard to determine who was donations in order to preserve and protect desert tortoise habitat the source of the shenanigans because there would be too many from long term environmental degradation and impacts, such as overlapping tracks present. The surefire way I knew I was land development and off-highway vehicle use. visited by Kit Fox was by their scat calling cards. Another aspect of Naturalist life on the DTRNA is learning to expect the The duties of the Naturalist include greeting and informing occasional bombastic disruption of desert silence created by visitors, daily site maintenance, ensuring visitors follow the military aircraft originating from Edwards Air Force Base established regulations while visiting the preserve (e.g. no wildlife (EAFB) from the south conducting maneuvers in airspace over collecting or harassment), and acquiring and logging in situ the preserve, as well as exploding ordnance reverberating from wildlife and visitation data for the records of the DTPC. At the China Lake from the northeast. I never could get used to the time of my employment, the Great Basin Institute Research sonic booms and explosions. It made me wonder whether the Associate Program generously funded my position. When native fauna were affected by this in any way. On an visitors first drive up to the parking area there are two large, aesthetically positive note, the contrails left by EAFB aircraft prominent signs clearly displaying the preserve visitation helped in the creation of spectacular sunrises and sunsets. My regulations. Despite this, I still occasionally had to politely days started and ended with brilliant hues of orange, yellow, remind some folks to leave collection bags, snake hooks, and pink, and violet because of the ambient desert dust and lizard nooses in their vehicles. The excitement of finding a wild particulates. In spite of the partial light pollution emanating tortoise in situ also caused some visitors to touch them or even from California City nearby, the night skies were still filled with try pulling them out of their burrows to take photos. stars and constellations. If it was a clear and windless night, Fortunately, most visitors respected the rules. skywatching was definitely possible. You also have to endure relentless winds. The geographical placement of the preserve The trailer I lived in had no hookups. Supplies of water, subjects you to countless sirocco winds that blow through like gasoline, and propane had to be replenished manually on a freight trains on a mission. Whatever isn’t tacked down will regular basis. The gray water tank was managed the same way. disappear in no time.

SWCHR Bulletin 33 Fall 2014

One of the other Naturalist duties is to inspect the fence line primarily of diurnal insectivorous lizard species. The Visitor’s surrounding the boundaries of the preserve for any breaches or Center apparently was overlapping territory for several species: vandalism. You would report any incidents to the preserve Western Whiptails (Aspidoscelis tigris tigris), Side-blotched Lizards manager, as well as any other finds that could possibly (Uta stansburiana), Southern Desert Horned Lizards (Phyrnosoma compromise its integrity and safety. During the off-season, the platyrhinos calidiarum), Zebra-tailed Lizards (Callisaurus draconoides front gate is left open so anyone could walk into the preserve. draconoides), and Long-nosed Leopard Lizards (Gambelia wislizenii). Many times I found evidence of illegal camping and shooting: There was a surprising absence of Desert Iguanas (Dipsosaurus broken glass bottles, shattered clay pigeons and spent bullet and dorsalis), since the habitat type appeared supportive for this shotgun shell casings. Undesirable trash, such as Mylar balloons species around the Visitor’s Center. I was later told they are caught up in shrubs whose origins could have been tens of miles present around the northern boundaries of the preserve area away, food wrappers, aluminum cans, and even what some bordering the El Paso and Rand Mountains, along with people might consider an attempt at self expression: a so-called Chuckwallas (Sauromalus ater) and Yellow-backed Spiny Lizards installation of ‘found’ objects. To me it was an unsightly (Sceloporous uniformis). In 2013 we discovered one S. uniformis collection of old dog and sheep bones, ‘adult paraphernalia,’ a around the Visitor’s Center whose duration of stay appeared to straw hat, and fabric. It was eventually removed. be cut short by a hungry residential Red Coachwhip Snake (Coluber flagellum piceus). During a year of adequate precipitation, the preserve is filled with the colors of blooming annual flowers. It is an artist’s palette of golds, purples, blues, and pinks. Most of the desert tortoises would be out feasting on them to store up energy for their summer estivation period. Spring 2013 was worse than 2014 in terms of flowering annuals present. The tortoises had to rely primarily on non-native Schismus and Bromus grasses as well as introduced Stork-billed Fillaree (Erodium sp.) for sustenance. Due to some rainfall in February 2014, such plant species as Snakehead Dandelion (Malacothrix coulteri), Fremont Pincushion (Chaenactis fremonti), Goldfields (Lasthenia californicus), native buckwheats (Eriogunum sp.), fiddlenecks (Amsinckia sp.), Mojave Asters (Xylorhiza tortifolia), Astragalus sp., and Lupine (Lupinus sp.) were available for desert tortoise browsing. Despite the spotty appearance of some of these indigenous plant species, desert tortoise activity was still low. A Visitor Center resident Western Whiptail (Aspidoscelis tigris tigris) munching on a Tarantula Hawk (Pepsis sp.) lunch. Photo by the author.

I noted the sexual and territorial conflicts displayed by individual resident orange throated and blue throated male Side-blotched Lizards, hunting behaviors and prey preferences of the Western Whiptails, Western Whiptails being stalked by Long-nosed Leopard Lizards, and ambush techniques utilized by Desert Horned Lizards basking on Harvester Ant (Pogonomyrmex sp.) mounds. All the insect eaters appeared well fed and healthy, with ample fat storage apparent in the base of their tails. I would venture a guess that unlike the obligate herbivores such as desert tortoises, the insectivores are capable of procuring a water supply from their food source. Thank goodness desert tortoises evolved the ability to store water in their urinary bladders, because under the current conditions, they didn’t have the same advantage. In spite of the drought, there was no shortage of Can you see who is waiting in ambush? A Desert Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma platyrhinos) watches for Harvester Ants (Pogonomyrmex sp.). Photo by the author. insect life. Harvester Ants (both black and red) were thriving. Arizona Blister Beetles (Lytta magister) suddenly appeared in huge As a result, I concentrated my research and observational skills numbers for a massive, crazed orgy covering Paperbag Bushes on other herpetofauna that were prevalent. This consisted (Salazaria mexicana) where they congregated to feed and copulate.

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These insects were so blinded and driven by pheromones that same three or four individuals that could be reliably spotted they landed on anything that was in their path, including curious around the Visitor’s Center or not far away. Desert tortoises visiting humans. Students of a college biology class I led on a have incredible memories and there was no doubt they were tour were inundated with them. No body part or item of exercising their memories of favorite foraging areas that in the clothing was safe. Desert Spider Beetles (Cysteodemus armatus) past, regardless of the climate conditions, have been a reliable also joined simultaneously to mate and Pale Desert Digger Bees food source. One of these locations was a plot of ground (Centris pallida) hovered around blooming creosote bushes, located between the latrine and kiosk where there was always spending more time fighting over the flowers than actually some subterranean moisture seepage. This produced sprouting feeding on them. plants between the two structures and the same individual desert tortoises would periodically return to it for sustenance. These Snake sightings were also sparse as were those of the desert consisted primarily of non native grasses (Erodium sp.) and some tortoise. I recorded above ground activity for three Colubrids Goldfields. The fact that these tortoises continually retuned to on the preserve: Red Coachwhips, Mojave Patchnose (Salvadora these spots also helped facilitate visitors spotting them. The hexalepis mojavensis), and Great Basin Gopher Snake ( tortoises that frequented the Visitor’s Center displayed a definite catenifer deserticola). Two species of Crotalines are known to habituation towards humans. It was my job to always make sure inhabit the area, including the Mojave Rattlesnake (Crotalus the tortoises were not harassed or stressed by humans; however, scutulatus scutulatus) and the Sidewinder (Crotalus cerastes). I would these specific individuals did not appear to display any frequently check under creosote bushes for resting Mojaves, but discomfort when approached by people. In fact, some of them was unable to find any. The only evidence of them being at all showed some mild curiosity and would occasionally rest in the active was the single photo of a juvenile taken by a visitor. Road shade that people’s bodies created. One particular male nodded cruising areas outside of the preserve proved to be more his head at me a couple of times when he walked by while I sat productive in encountering snake species diversity. One nearby on the ground. Many of the desert tortoises living on the canyon with a well known spring appeared to have a good rate preserve are study animals from previous surveys and have their of snake activity during a new moon, a day after a rare desert shell scutes notched and/or wear an identification number rainfall. In one night I encountered several Spotted Leaf-nosed epoxied to their carapace, so it was easy to discern who were the Snakes (Phyllorhynchus decurtatus), Mojave Shovel-nosed Snake repeat visitors. (Chionactis occipitalis occipitalis), a desert phase California Kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula californiae), Mojave Glossy Snake (Arizona elegans candida), Northern Three Lined Boa (Lichanura orcutti) and during the same night a Desert Banded Gecko (Coleonyx variegatus variegatus). Other roads in the area produced both species of rattlesnake and Long-nosed Snakes ( lecontei).

This young male was frequently seen around the Visitor Center. Photo by the author.

During my exploratory hikes around the preserve I would document data and record GPS coordinates of active burrows . I became familiar with the locations of burrows utilized by specific

Male tortoise #1056 checking for edibles around the information kiosk. Photo tortoises and would sometimes return to them to see if the by the author. residents were home. One female adult tortoise dug out two residential burrows in two separate old mine mounds. She had The few desert tortoises that were active above the ground this geologic preference for her burrows rather than the usual displayed exceptional fortitude and perseverance. It was the creosote bush base utilized by many other tortoises. Another

SWCHR Bulletin 35 Fall 2014 unique trait of hers was the fact that the entrance areas to her burrows were littered with many scats, rather than the couple you generally find. Perhaps she was just a bit more fastidious than the other desert tortoises or she just wanted her neighbors to have no doubts that these burrows were her homes and not available for squatting. Tortoises will take over a burrow from another if they think it is not occupied. Unlike the Visitor’s Center tortoises, she generally avoided human contact.

Remains of one of several deceased tortoises discovered in situ this season. Photo by the author.

In closing, I hope my experiences have given readers enough background and insight to motivate them to visit the Desert Tortoise Research Natural Area. Perhaps they might consider applying for the position of preserve naturalist. I found it to be extremely rewarding and acquired a lot of knowledge and new skill sets (like learning to live in an RV with no hook ups). I

Male Desert Tortoise #1056 back in his burrow at dusk. Photo by the author. can’t think of a better way to spend my time working where you don’t have to commute and your office is the desert. The I always had the drought and its possible impacts on the back of resident desert tortoises look forward to meeting you one day! my mind while exploring. Sadly, I discovered the remains of several desert tortoises. After a while, it was easy to identify the remains of a tortoise from a distance. It was a sight I never got used to. Within a two mile radius I found the empty shells of Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake one male and three adult females. This may not seem like a lot, (Crotalus atrox) Use of Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus however, when you consider the latest estimates that 15 to 20 desert tortoises are supposedly existing per square mile of sp.) Root Structures as Refugia (Serpentes: Mojave Desert, in my opinion this is just four too many found Viperidae) deceased. Granted, dying is part of the natural process of life, yet on the other hand it is difficult to accept the possibility that by Terry Cox there is a higher mortality rate caused by the ravages of drought.

I was cleaning up a dead Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus sp.) at my I often think of the remains of desert tortoises I did not find home in Pima County, Arizona the morning of July 12th, 2014, during my stay on the preserve and what could possibly be the and found a cavity underneath with a Western Diamond-backed overall rate of mortality within the two drought seasons. Given Rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox) in it. This rattlesnake was obviously the current status of this species, one dead tortoise is way too living under the barrel cactus. The following is my speculation many. What made this experience more poignant is that one of as to the story behind this observation. the deceased individuals was a female that was thriving the previous year (2013) and had been seen on more than one When the barrel cactus was alive there was a pack rat (Neotoma occasion browsing around the latrine. It was also documented in sp.) nest next to it. The site was also covered with Pencil Cholla records that she was a female that a particular male bred with (Cylindropuntia arbuscula). I have left the nest alone for about six more than once. To find her shell picked out clean by years and have seen numerous herps coming and going from the scavengers was disheartening. I wonder how wildlife biologists rat nest, such as various lizards and snakes, including feel when they eventually find a study they have been Coachwhips (Coluber flagellum), Gopher Snakes (), recording data on for years suddenly deceased. and Rattlesnakes (Crotalus sp.).

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the road at the front of my property, with the dying cacti making an eyesore in our front yard.

The rats have lost a nesting site and the snakes have lost a temporary home, but there are plenty of other sites for them. Just across the street is the home of a ‘snowbird’ winter resident, and there is a pack rat nest right adjacent to the road, not to mention numerous other rodent burrows on the property. I know this because I take care of this property in the summer while the resident is away.

Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus sp.) in the process of being removed. The disturbed earth in the background is its root system used by the Crotalus atrox. Photo by the author.

The rats had a tunnel from the barrel cactus to their nest and out to other places in the desert. What went wrong this year is that the pencil cactus began to die off, leaving the nest more exposed. Also, the barrel cactus began to die as the rats began spending more and more time underneath it. Eventually, I cleaned up much of the dead cholla, and finally moved the dying barrel cactus. The rats had already moved away (or were eaten by something). The rattlesnake emerges after being awakened by the removal of the cactus. Photo by the author.

There are many burrows and other nesting places on my property where the rodents live. We have an abundance of mice and Kangaroo Rats (Dipodomys sp.) and a few places where there are brush piles which house pack rats and other creatures, such as snakes and lizards. I do try to keep Ground Squirrels (Spermophilus sp.) and Desert Cottontail Rabbits (Sylvilagus auduboni) off the property, because they cause so much damage, but I see plenty of snakes and lizards which are attracted to the other rodents and shelters. Probably the most dominant rodent eaters on our property are the rattlers and gopher snakes, but we do have other residents, such as Long-nosed (Rhinocheilus lecontei), Coachwhip, and Night Snakes (Hypsiglena chlorophaea). Some snakes are attracted to the abundant lizard populations. The The Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake is barely visible in the shadow near occasional coachwhip undoubtedly takes lizards and other the center of the photo. Photo by the author. snakes, but my property sustains healthy populations of all herps observed. It is easy to see why the snakes liked living under the barrel cactus and in the pack rat nest. Obviously, they were getting the Breck (1995) notes Crotalus atrox has a much higher propensity occasional meal. But also, the cacti and the rat nest provided to use pack rat nests as refugia than other sympatric rattlesnake shelter for the snakes. They also provided shelter for lizards, species. The use of the barrel cactus root structure by the rats which could have been another food source for the snakes. The likely paved the way for this snake to take up residence. pack rats probably did not need the cactus to be alive to continue living at this site, but I did not want them to continue killing off the remaining cacti in the area. This site is adjacent to

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Literature Cited Eublepharids (the “eyelid” geckos, including leopard geckos— Breck, Daniel D. “Ecology and Energetics of Three Sympatric Eublepharis macularius, fat-tailed geckos—Hemitheconyx caudicinctus, Rattlesnake Species in the Sonoran Desert.” Journal of Herpetology and the seven Coleonyx species) are not generally known for their 29(2), 1995, pp. 211-223. climbing or jumping abilities. They lack the lamellae (“toe pads”) which give true geckos the means to “stick” to walls, ceilings, and even glass. Moreover, their limbs are relatively short compared to more saltatory lizards (e.g. Crotaphytus) well- A Series of Unfortunate Escapes: known for their jumping ability. Both of these characteristics indicate limited jumping and climbing abilities, but my Jumping/Climbing Ability of Two U.S. experiences have demonstrated a surprising ability of these Coleonyx Species (Lacertilia: Eublepharidae) geckos to vacate their enclosures.

Previous enclosures for C. brevis were 13.75” L x 9.375” W x by Chris McMartin 5.25” H (interior dimensions). The height of the hide boxes

used was 1.5”. The typical distance between hide box and wall I have maintained Texas Banded Geckos (Coleonyx brevis) was 1.25”—this was presumed to be sufficient distance to sporadically for ten years (continuously for the past six) and a prevent the geckos from being able to climb from the top of single San Diego Banded Gecko (Coleonyx variegatus abotti) for hide boxes to the top of the enclosre, and they were not known eleven. A year ago I was given a group of Western Banded to be able to jump any appreciable height. Previous enclosures Geckos (Coleonyx variegatus variegatus; 1.0 wild-caught and 1.4 for C. variegatus were 15.125” L x 10.5” W x 5.375” H (interior domestically-produced). An article detailing my C. brevis dimensions). The hide boxes and their distances from the husbandry techniques and extended observations is forthcoming; enclosure walls for the C. variegatus were the same as for the C. in the meantime this particular set of observations serves to brevis. I experienced no escapes using these tub/hide box highlight the climbing and/or jumping ability of both C. brevis combinations for the C. brevis for several years, and had no and C. variegatus specimens in my care. reason to believe I’d have difficulty with the recently-acquired C.

variegatus either based on previous experience with the species in Historically I have kept most of these geckos in Rubbermaid- similar setups. style shoebox-style tubs on shelves in my unfinished basement, preferring to leave the tubs open (no lid) for ease of However, after being in my care less than a month, the C. v. feeding/upkeep and humidity reduction. This practice served variegatus seemed to develop wanderlust. I first noticed a female, me well until Spring 2013, when several specimens of both who lived alone, missing sometime in late April 2013. I searched species escaped their enclosures, two with fatal results. As a my basement, concentrating on floor/wall junctions. I found result, I have since upgraded to much taller tubs. her after a short search, wedged in the half-inch gap between the

concrete floor and the sheetrock on the wall. I returned her to her enclosure, chalking up the incident as a one-off occurrence, but moved all geckos’ hide boxes further from the walls of their respective tubs.

Even so, the same female went missing again on May 7th. This time I could not readily find her despite extensive searching. I now switched to taller, “Lee’s Critter Keeper” brand tubs I had on hand for three of the variegatus (with 1.1 sharing an enclosure), and added domed lids to the existing enclosures of the remaining two (domestically-produced male and one of the females). I had removed the centers of the domed lids (again, for husbandry and humidity-control purposes), leaving a perimeter not only 6.625 inches above the floor of the tub (and 5.125 inches above the top of the hide), but a 1.75-inch concave This female Desert Banded Gecko (Coleonyx variegatus variegatus) escaped her overhang due to the domed nature of the lid. I mistakenly enclosure, despite its having a concave rim/lid. The lines in the photo are ¼- thought this would prevent further escapes (see Fig. 1 for a inch apart. Photo by the author. visual depiction).

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Sometime May 27th, the domestically-produced male also went My largest C. brevis is 2.25” snout-vent length, though at 3.97” missing. I continued periodically searching my basement as total length is not the longest overall (my longest overall is 4.21” thoroughly as practical, varying my searches between day and TL). My largest C. variegatus is 2.97” SVL, though at 5.16” TL is night (though it’s generally fairly dark in the basement without not the longest overall (the longest is 5.38” TL). Based on the the lights on), and ultimately discovered both geckos drowned in previous paragraphs I think SVL is probably a better gauge of the bottom of my sump pump receptacle on June 2nd. I do not how the geckos were escaping—based on pure know how long they had been in the water, but it was sufficient climbing/jumping using limbs only). The actual geckos involved for their coloration to blanch. in the escapes were slightly smaller, but for purposes of calculations I am using the largest specimens to err Not long after this, a second female C. variegatus went missing. I conservatively. immediately went to the sump pump, and found her sitting on top of the pump itself, cold but otherwise unharmed. It is probable she had fallen into the water in the receptacle and managed to climb out—a vertical distance of approximately six inches based on the water level at the time. When I extended my hand to her, she readily climbed aboard this comfortably- warm lifesaver.

About the same time male and female C. variegatus disappeared, I noticed some of the C. brevis missing from their enclosures as well. For these geckos, however, they did not travel far—merely to the adjacent enclosure. The distance between enclosures was approximately two inches; a relatively easy distance to traverse, even for a gecko with comparatively short limbs. Motivation for moving to a different enclosure rather than making a complete escape may have been to seek breeding partners, as I maintain all Figure 1. A simplified depiction of a typical enclosure for Coleonyx species in the author’s care. Illustration by the author. my C. brevis separately. Using a simple Pythagorean-theorem calculation, the distance The Coleonyx in my care do have prehensile qualities to their tails, required to be covered by jumping is the distance between the using them to grip objects for support. For example, when top edge of the hide box and the rim of the tub. Using the holding a gecko in one hand and allowing it to crawl into values above, that distance amounts to 3.952 inches for the C. another hand positioned at a lower height, the gecko will often brevis and 4.072 inches for the C. variegatus. Based on the wrap its tail around a finger on the upper hand until it gains distance of the hide boxes from the walls of the enclosure, the C. stability with a sufficient number of its limbs on the lower hand. brevis would have had to jump at an angle of 71.565 degrees to That being said, I have not noticed them “standing” on their reach the rim of the tub, and the C. variegatus would have had to tails in their enclosures, such as when attempting to “climb” in jump at an angle of 72.121 degrees. Even more impressive, the the corners or on furnishings. The prehensile abilities of their distance required to jump to escape the intermediate enclosures tails may be limited to “pull” rather than “push” abilities. It is for the C. variegatus was the purely vertical distance from the top therefore unlikely they extended their reach in escaping their of the hide to the inner edge of the domed lid: 5.125 inches! enclosures by using their tails, yet at the same time I cannot See Fig. 1 for a visual depiction of the distances and angles. completely rule it out. In terms of the ratio of SVL to distance covered, for the C. Given the unlikelihood of using their tails to assist in climbing, it brevis, conservatively (largest gecko) they would have to jump— is improbable the geckos were able to climb the height required nearly vertically—1.76 times their SVL to reach the rim of their to gain purchase on the upper rim of their enclosures. The tubs enclosure. For the C. variegatus, they would have to jump— are sufficiently smooth to prohibit them from scaling the walls nearly vertically—1.37 times their SVL to do the same. In the outright. Moreover, the overhang afforded by the domed lids on case of the “vertical leap,” they would have to jump 1.72 times the intermediate enclosures would have proven even more their SVL. This is impressive, considering these geckos’ general difficult to surmount. Therefore, the most plausible means of disinclination to jump. escape was by jumping. Incidentally, I weigh all my geckos of both species monthly by placing them in a container 4.125 inches high (interior

SWCHR Bulletin 39 Fall 2014 dimensions), and while they have “stood up” in the corner of level, is a mere 1.5 inches over 15.5 feet, or approximately 0.8%. this container occasionally, they have never been observed to I would suggest further study is warranted into both Coleonyx jump. The interior of this container is smooth so they likely jumping/climbing abilities and their propensity to either seek cannot gain traction with their legs to successfully attempt a water (through detection of higher local humidity) or lower jump. Conversely, they may have been able to achieve the elevations, but I do not recommend others attempting to do so required traction in their primary enclosures by jumping from unless your sump pump remains dry! the corner of their hide box lids, much like a human can successfully jump from the smooth edge of a swimming pool.

It is important to note that I did not see exactly how the geckos made their escapes. I am assuming they jumped and/or climbed Comments on the Recent Proposed Revision their way out of their enclosures. There are no other furnishings provided (other than water and supplement dishes, with paper- of the (Lampropeltis triangulum) towel substrate); in other words, there was nothing available as Complex (Serpentes: Colubridae) props to further assist them in escaping. by Tom Lott All geckos of both species now reside in enclosures measuring 15” L x 10” W x 8.875” H (interior dimensions) with open tops. A recent study (Ruane et al 2014) attempts to clarify the Hide box dimensions and positioning remain the same. I have admittedly messy phylogeny of the Western Hemisphere's experienced no escapes in the year-plus since switching to these colubrid snake species known as Milk Snakes (Lampropeltis setups. This information may be helpful to other keepers of triangulum). The previous monograph on this complex (Williams Southwestern U.S. Coleonyx species, as many herpetoculturists 1978, revised 1988) was completed in the era before the improvise enclosures from commercially-available plastic storage pervasiveness of phylogenetics (as well as “subspecies denial”) tubs available in a wide variety of heights. Knowing the and was based entirely on morphological characteristics. climbing/jumping ability of these geckos will assist in selecting Williams envisioned a single species, widely distributed from tubs of appropriate dimensions, if maintaining the geckos southern Canada to northern South America, composed of 25 without lids for ease of feeding and maintenance. Of course, subspecies—all of which, except for the northeastern-most two, erring on the side of caution by selecting much taller tubs than sport a similar ringed, tricolored pattern (ostensibly a Batesian required is probably the easiest course of action, but in many mimicry of Coral Snakes—Micrurus sp. and Micruroides sp. in cases must be balanced against space available, such as a rack or particular). This monograph was a distillation of Williams’ shelf system. doctoral dissertation and suffered from a number of problems, for which it was appropriately taken to task by Greene (1979). Regarding the geckos’ travel once they escaped their enclosures, Nevertheless, it has served as the working paradigm for this it is indeterminate what led them to the sump pump. Pet herp complex for the past 35 years or so, despite the number and escapees often travel until they reach an obstacle, such as a wall, quality of subspecies it espoused. and then travel along that obstacle. My sump pump is not adjacent to a wall, but rather in an alcove with the pump Having ruminated upon both the recent paper and Dr. Ruane’s receptacle’s perimeter 13.25 inches from a basement wall at its dissertation, from which it is derived (available at closest. The lid on the sump pump is open, as a contractor error www.sierraherps.com/files/1713/8691/7777/Ruane_2013_Lam in building my house prevents the pump from functioning as propeltis_triangulum_dissertation.pdf thanks to Bob Hansen), I designed with the lid on. Had the lid been on, it is possible the have reached the conclusion that it’s far from the final word on geckos would not have fallen into the water, though a the subject. Admittedly, it appears to offer reasonable solutions determined gecko would still be able to do so via that to some of the problems within the complex, especially so with approximately one-inch gap between the drainage pipe and its respect to the relationships of the tropical forms. However, cutout in the lid. regarding the Nearctic forms, it is essentially replacing one unsatisfactory paradigm (Williams 1978, 1988) with another. Since the sump pump was not along a wall, making for an easy Restricting my comments to those forms found along and to the encounter by the geckos, other factors may have come into play. north of the U.S.-Mexican border, since those are the only ones Perhaps the geckos either smelled the water or sensed the with which I am familiar, I’ll enumerate my reservations below. increased humidity in the vicinity of the pump and were drawn These, of course, are merely my opinions—feel free to enlighten to it. Alternatively, maybe they followed the slope of the me! basement floor. However, the slope, as measured using a laser

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1. Poorly Defined Taxon Boundaries species of Lampropeltis occurring together; none of these three milk snake “species,” however, exhibit this behavior amongst Since it is obvious that most of us would have to resort to the themselves (except for a small area in the southern Appalachians current paper’s range maps to identify which “species” of milk where the Eastern Milk Snake [“Lampropeltis triangulum”] and the snake we were dealing with, it is unfortunate that the authors Scarlet Kingsnake [“L. elapsoides”] occur sympatrically—but not chose to propose altering the taxonomy of the group without syntopically). Elsewhere they commonly “hybridize” better establishing the geographic boundaries of each taxon. For (intergrade?) only at the contact points on the periphery of their example: in south Texas and adjacent Mexico the Rio Grande is respective ranges, which also means that they are routinely mapped as the boundary between the putative “Lampropeltis exchanging genes within these peripheral zones; according to annulata” and the adjacent “L. gentilis” even though they actually several species concepts, that would make them the same had no specimens/tissue samples from that area. Considering species. Hybridization between actual, full species occurring that the type locality for Kennicott's L. annulata is Matamoros, sympatrically is a relatively rare phenomenon (as it must be if Tamaulipas (i.e. across that little stream from Brownsville, they are to retain their discreteness). Texas), plus the fact that the natural environments on either side of the river are virtually identical for many miles in any direction Even with the Scarlet Kingsnake (“Lampropeltis elapsoides”), which (i.e. the Tamualipan Biotic Province [Dice 1943]), it is highly I consider the most likely candidate for full species status among improbable that snakes from the respective vicinities of the three U.S. “species,” I have to wonder why the other “full Brownsville and Matamoros belong to different, discrete species species” of milk snake, “L. triangulum” (sensu stricto) from the or that they belong to a stable hybrid population. Additionally, north and “L. gentilis” from the west, have not occupied more of despite a strongly recurrent tendency for proposals emanating the range of “L. elapsoides.” If they are, in fact, fully discrete and from certain phylogenetics labs to postulate rivers as barriers to independently evolving lineages, why don’t they occur more various species’ distributions, the Rio Grande does not appear to broadly sympatric with the Scarlet Kingsnake (“L. elapsoides”), be—or ever have been—much of a barrier to most species of much as Prairie/Mole Kingsnakes (L. calligaster) and Common herps. One could even strongly argue that the Balcones Kingsnakes (L. getula [sensu lato]) do? Of course, in order to do Escarpment, which serves as the northern boundary of the so they would have to have had developed some sort of Tamualipan Biotic Provence, provides a significantly better reproductive isolation mechanism to maintain their distinctness. example of a taxon barrier than does the Rio Grande.

3. Discounting Local Diversity (Subspecies) 2. Lack of Sympatry among Alleged Species It is interesting that the authors claim that their proposal will My second reservation with this new milk snake revision is that increase species diversity within the milk snake complex by six the geographic distribution of these purported “species” is species while at the same time they are diminishing another troubling. One of the “acid tests” of whether closely related measure of diversity (subspecies) by 18 taxa. Of course, if a forms are discrete species or not has always been if they are study employs a species concept that fails to accept the reality or found in sympatry with each other—if they are sympatric then relevance of subspecies, that criterion will not appear to matter. they must have developed some form of reproductive isolation and By choosing to sequence only “anonymous” and other are therefore distinct species. As mapped in this study, the apparently neutral genes, which theoretically vary only by the ranges of the three U.S. milk snake “species” are contiguous, random, non-selective process of drift, they have eliminated fitting together like tiles (parapatry*), with little or no overlap. from consideration the very genes that result in localized phenotypic variations, some of which have been described as Most fully discrete, broadly distributed species, however, have subspecies. Subspecies are characterized by traits determined by ranges that overlap widely and even occur in broad sympatry in nuclear genes that are likely being actively selected, and which many areas. In much of the country it is possible to find three are almost certainly reflected in their morphology; natural selection acts most directly upon phenotypes, not genotypes. While conceding that there are probably poorly described and ______diagnosed subspecies of milk snake both north and south of the *Parapatric speciation: Theoretically speciation can occur in populations that are distributed parapatrically, at least according to Coyne and Orr in their book Mexican border, it seems that the present study has proposed to Speciation (2004), but in order for this to happen the amount of genetic exchange dispose of them in a rather doctrinaire manner. between adjacent populations must be extremely limited, not to the pervasive extent one commonly sees in intergrade zones of bordering subspecies. In fact, Of course the classic defense of phylogenetic studies such as this Coyne and Orr were hard-pressed to find unequivocal examples where parapatric speciation had definitely occurred in any form of animal. one will state that since subspecies are currently defined almost

SWCHR Bulletin 41 Fall 2014 entirely on the basis of morphology, localized morphological single mitochondrial gene, had been the norm. But, as this and variants are simply beyond the scope of purely genetic studies. as several other recent papers have acknowledged, phylogenetic If, however, such phylogenetic efforts propose to dismiss, or trees based on mitochondrial genes have been shown to be “sink,” recognized local taxonomic variants (subspecies), then occasionally misleading, especially when there have been past they are clearly opening themselves to criticism on this point. If hybridization events (such as apparently happened between the methods employed in a study are inadequate to detect the Lampropeltis alterna and L. triangulum [sensu lato]) that have resulted genetic causes for localized morphological variation, it follows in the introgression of mitochondrial genes of one species into that the authors should refrain from arbitrarily dismissing the mitochondrial genome of another (e.g., Bryson et al. 2007). taxonomic entities that have been defined using morphological criteria. Proposing to sink morphologically-defined subspecies Nevertheless it would appear that the application of nuclear gene using genetic techniques that are not yet sufficiently fine-tuned sequencing in phylogenetics is yet in its infancy and perhaps not to detect the gene(s) responsible for those diagnostic trait(s) quite ready for prime time, despite its improvement over would be comparable to rejecting the existence of viruses in the previous technologies. Indeed, it has always seemed a bit era before the development of electron microscopy because they hubristic to this humble observer to presume to determine the were not demonstrable using light microscopes. phylogeny of a complex organism from the variation in the base sequences of a single gene or even a handful of them. Conversely, dismissing localized morphological variants—that Differences that develop between the base sequences of two must ultimately be genetically based, regardless of whether a isolated populations would appear to be merely incidental in the particular study can detect the relationship or not—may rest on case of randomly evolving genes, as opposed to the directed a philosophical bias, which has no place in a scientific changes accumulating in genes under the influence of natural investigation. selection. The histories of individual genes can vary; the greater the number of genes in an analysis, the better the resolution of When Rodriguez-Robles et al. (1999) proposed to sink the localized populations. The recent sequencing of the human various subspecies of Lampropeltis zonata, they did so by first re- nuclear genome, for example, has revealed the existence of examining the morphological diagnostic characters of the “genetic clusters,” more or less corresponding to traditional, various races. Using more specimens from many more localities, continental racial categories, that had not been detectable when they convincingly demonstrated that the diagnostic characters only a single or small number of individual genes were overlapped to such an extent that they were useless in sequenced previously. Thus, ultimately, accurate solutions to distinguishing the previously recognized subspecies. Their phylogenetic problems in herpetology may have to await the accompanying mitochondrial genetic data was effectively availability of more reasonably priced complete genome irrelevant to that determination. Thus it would seem that sequencing. subspecies defined on the basis of morphological characters should be re-evaluated on the basis of whether the same On a more positive note, this paper at last presents a phylogeny morphological characters can withstand additional scrutiny. that depicts the Scarlet Kingsnake (L. elapsoides) as being more Such morphologically-defined subspecies should not necessarily closely related to other members of the milk snake complex, be contradicted by the failure of a handful of neutral genes to rather than to the various “Mountain Kingsnakes” (L. pyromelana, provide evidence of their existence. L. zonata) as some previous phylogenetic works have proposed (e.g., Pyron and Burbrink 2009). Ironically, this paper’s proposed I am also troubled at the casual dismissal of the problematic so- phylogeny, besides being more geographically probable, stands called Coastal Plains Milk Snake (L. triangulum “temporalis”), in agreement with more traditional, morphology-based which morphologically appears to represent an intermediate phylogenies. At times it seems that phylogeneticists fail to form between “L. triangulum” and “L. elapsoides,” by summarily appreciate the fundamental relationship between genes and sinking it into “L. triangulum.” I doubt the puzzle of U.S. milk morphology: for a morphological trait to exist it must also be snakes can be satisfactorily resolved without also solving the coded for in the genes. “temporalis” problem.

4. Species Trees vs. Gene Trees

The use of species trees, based upon multiple nuclear gene sequences, in this investigation is recognized as a major step forward. Previously, gene trees, based upon the sequencing of a

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Literature Cited

Bryson, R. W., Jr.; J. Pastorini, F. T. Burbrink, and M. R. J. Forstner. “A Phylogeny of the Lampropeltis mexicana Complex (Serpentes: Colubridae) Based on Mitochondrial DNA Sequences Suggests Evidence for Species-level Polyphyly within Lampropeltis.” Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 43:674- 684, 2007.

Coyne, J.A. and H.A. Orr. Speciation. Sunderland, MA: Sinauer and Associates, 2004.

Dice, L.R. The Biotic Provinces of North America. Ann Arbor: University of Michigan Press, 1943.

Greene, H.W. “Review of: Systematics and natural history of the American Milk Snake, Lampropeltis triangulum.” Copeia 1979(1): 180-181, 1979.

Pyron, R. A., and F. T. Burbrink. “Neogene Diversification and Taxonomic Stability in the Snake Tribe Lampropeltini (Serpentes: Colubridae).” Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 52:524–529, 2009a.

Rodríguez-Robles, J. A.; D. F. Denardo, and R. E. Staub. “Phylogeography of the California Mountain Kingsnake, Lampropeltis zonata (Colubridae).” Molecular Ecology 8:1923–1934, 1999.

Ruane, S. “Phylogenetics, Phylogeography, Historical Demography, and

Morphology of Milksnakes (genus Lampropeltis).” Doctoral dissertation, City University of New York, 2013. 165 pp. Book Review: The Invisible Ark: In Defense of Ruane, S.; R. W. Bryson, Jr., R. A. Pyron, and F. T. Burbrink. Captivity “Coalescent Species Delimitation in Milksnakes by David and Tracy Barker (genus Lampropeltis) and Impacts on Phylogenetic Comparative Boerne, Texas: Vida Preciosa International, 2014 Analyses.” Systematic Biology 63(2):231–250, 2014. Paperback. 169pp. Available direct from the authors for $15 shipped domestically. Williams, K. L. Systematics and Natural History of the American Milk ISBN 978-0-9785411-1-8 Snake, Lampropeltis triangulum. Milwaukee Public Museum, Publications in Biology and Geology, Number 2, 1978. 258 pp. Reviewed by Robert Twombley

Williams, K. L. Systematics and Natural History of the American Milk The invisible Ark: In Defense of Captivity is the newest book by Snake, Lampropeltis triangulum. 2nd edition, revised. Milwaukee David and Tracy Barker, owners of Vida Preciosa International Public Museum, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 1988. 176 pp. Incorporated (VPI). The book begins with a prologue on why the Barkers wrote the book. The prologue describes the Barkers watching a television program about a reporter interviewing a conservationist about successes breeding Giant Pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca). During the interview the reporter asked the question, “Do you believe that if panda bears become extinct in the wild they should be kept in captivity?” to which the conservationist answered, “What would be the point?” This

SWCHR Bulletin 43 Fall 2014 jaw-dropping answer sets the premise for the book, in which the which ecosystems will survive and which ones will not, the Barkers answer the question, “What would be the point?” ensured survival of many species will be because they have value and purpose. The example the Barkers used that hit home with The book’s thesis is built around a question that every person me was the American Bison (Bison bison). This iconic animal needs to sit back and think about, because its answer has such almost went extinct but for the work of the Invisible Ark, and profound possible outcomes. “Do we have the right to make today these great mammals are still around to enjoy. the decisions for future generations so that they may not get to experience, firsthand, some animals because some people believe “The Unwritten Law of Nature” (Ch 6) states that what is good animals are better off dead than in captivity?” This is also for a species overall is not necessarily good for an individual of known to the Barkers as the ‘Mantra of the Damned.’ that species. Simply put, death is a part of life for every species on earth, whether in the wild or in captivity. Death is a normal The Barkers believe it is up to us to preserve as many animals as part of the lives of animals even in the Invisible Ark, either by possible for future generations. They defend their position by offering a commercial good such as meat from a cow, or making the point that no photograph, television show, movie, resulting from a keeper’s first try at learning to maintain an etc. can compare to the feeling of seeing the living animal in animal in captivity. The unease of some people at the topic of person. The herping community easily relates to this feeling of death is the topic of Chapter 7, “The Divorce from Death.” In being able to experience the animal firsthand—whether while the early twentieth century, most adolescents knew how life field herping and finding a ‘lifer’ amphibian or reptile in person works and most had firsthand experience with death, and taking the photograph of a lifetime, or visiting a zoo and understanding its reality. Post-World War Two urbanization getting to see a herp you have always wanted to see up close. meant death was divorced from everyday life, be it by simply going to the grocery store for food or by modern funeral The book’s first chapter, “The Invisible Ark,” is at four pages customs. In other words, our society no longer dealt with death the shortest chapter in the book. Its purpose is to familiarize the personally. reader with the concept of the ‘invisible ark,’ a word coined by the Barkers to describe people around the world who maintain Chapter 8, “Animal Rights Organizations,” deals with what the flora and/or fauna in captivity. The next two chapters, “The Barkers view as one of the biggest obstacles to the stability of World Has Changed” and “The Problem,” summarize the loss the Invisible Ark. The Barkers make it clear such organizations of wild areas and the effects humans have on the planet. An have a right to their beliefs but find it outrageous, that they unfortunate possible future for parks and nature preserves (no create laws forcing all people to abide by those beliefs. This matter how remote or isolated) is that they may become lost chapter investigates why most animal rights organizations forever or become ‘domesticated,’ left in only a semi-natural (AROs) have come to believe the aforementioned ‘Mantra of the state. Rapid changes taking place due to an increasing human Damned,’ and looks into their efforts to ban all ownership of population are not fully understood right now—no person living animals in captivity—even if it means the only alternative is can even imagine what of the living world around us has been extinction. extirpated in just the last few decades. The Barkers describe the sobering realization that there might not be an end—or “Invasive Species Biology” (Chapter 9) explores this relatively solution—in sight to stop the destruction of untamed new branch of biological science. The next chapter, “The Abuse wilderness. of Invasive Species Biology” focuses on egregious mistakes and biased data behind the invasive species biology of the Burmese The Barkers emphasize “The Most Important Work in the Python (Python molurus bivittatus). The Barkers offer a detailed World” (Chapter 4) is the protection and preservation of account of the Burmese Pythons in Florida from their first habitat—the ecosystems integral to a geographic area. Their appearance in Florida to the current research, laws, and politics main focus is on the challenges facing this important work in surrounding the species. The Barkers include publications on such biologically and politically turbulent times. If the necessary this topic (and others) in a “Future Reading” list at the end of steps are not taken, then animals and plants go extinct. This the book. chapter is not meant to be all ‘gloom and doom,’ but rather a realization of the problems we currently face. As former zoo keepers, the Barkers are in a great potion to evaluate the changes over many years (and currently taking Returning to the thesis of the book, Chapter 5 (“The Second place) to zoos, for better or worse, and to suggest Most Important Work in the World”) discusses how this improvements. Such is the subject of Chapter 11, “They Only generation can insure future generations will be able to Know What We Tell Them,” and Chapter 12, “Zoos and the experience flora and fauna firsthand: in a world uncertain about Invisible Ark.” These two chapters address changes in zoos due

SWCHR Bulletin 44 Fall 2014 to allegations by AROs, and how zoos may confront these allegations and improve their public image in the future so they The final chapter, “Epilogue: Let This not be The End,” may continue protecting species for generations to come. outlines 13 main points to ponder going forward. Some of them “Membership in the Invisible Ark” (Chapter 13) brings the are reiteration of previously-made points, but some are related reader back to the main thesis of the book, discussing the people points and discussions that didn't seem to fit previous who devote their entire lives to the maintenance and husbandry discussions, but which were worth mentioning. of particular species in captivity. The Barkers highlight the work of two groups, the Turtle Survival Alliance and the Turtle and I found The Invisible Ark: In Defense of Captivity to be an insightful, Tortoise Preservation Group, to show how the Invisible Ark engrossing account of a working model of how to guarantee the ensures species are preserved for future enjoyment. survival of species for future generations, as well as the perspective of people whose beliefs oppose animals in captivity. “Regulations, Policies and other Screwups” (Chapter 14) I found the Barkers’ writing style easy to follow from chapter to examines various organizations, agencies, and laws directly chapter, which made it hard to put the book down. This book influencing the environment in which the Invisible Ark exists. served as a catalyst for me to look both at the reptiles and The Barkers go into great detail about the International Union amphibians I keep, and the ones I hope to obtain, in a whole for Conservation of Nature, the Convention on International new light. I am inspired by the proposal to contribute more Trade in Endangered Species, the Bureau of Land Management, directly to conservation through the captive maintenance of the Endangered Species Act, and the Lacey Act, and their effects amphibians and reptiles until mankind changes the way we view on the Invisible Ark, both past and present. the world. It such a great feeling to know we can have such a direct impact on conservation and help ensure the very Chapter 15, “Populations of Animals and Plants in the Invisible amphibians and reptiles we enjoy can be around for future Ark,” begins with different models of self-sustaining populations generations. It is my belief that this book could be viewed as the within captivity and some of the risks associated with each Silent Spring for this generation. model. The Barkers briefly review some of the criticism directed at captive breeding and the loss of genetic diversity within captivity. They argue that millions of people who today function as the Invisible Ark are successfully conserving populations of thousands of plant and animal species without zoos. Zoos cannot successfully undertake any significant amount of captive conservation without the Invisible Ark, but a recognized partnership between the Invisible Ark and zoos is best if the goal is to incorporate as many species as possible into human awareness and care. The chapter concludes hoping to guarantee conservation can continue through the Invisible Ark. For that to happen, the Invisible Ark must organize, and it is crucial to be supported by all levels of government and people who see the importance of keeping alive as many species as possible for future generations. The Invisible Ark also must be able to defend itself from ARO legislative attacks, as such attacks will surely increase in the future.

“Floating the Ark into the Future” (Chapter 16) summarizes the Invisible ark and the challenges it faces both now and in the future. The Barkers do not believe the important work of habitat preservation and protection will succeed until human overpopulation is brought under control. Even if the habitat is currently degraded to the point cannot live there, it may someday be the home to which we can repatriate those species that are thriving in captivity. It is the work of the Invisible Ark that becomes vitally important saving select species in captive populations and colonies. This work does not have to occur at the expense of any ongoing habitat conservation efforts.

SWCHR CODE OF ETHICS

As a member of the Southwestern Center for Herpetological Research, I subscribe to the Association’s Code of Ethics.

Field activities should limit the impact on natural habitats, replacing all cover objects, not tearing apart rocks or logs and refraining from the use of gasoline or other toxic materials.

Catch and release coupled with photography and the limited take of non-protected species for personal study or breeding use is permitted. The commercial take and sale of wild-caught animals is not acceptable.

Collecting practices should respect landowner rights, including but not limited to securing permission for land entry and the packing out of all personal trash.

Captive-breeding efforts are recognized as a valid means of potentially reducing collection pressures on wild populations and are encouraged.

The release of captive animals including captive-bred animals into the wild is discouraged except under the supervision of trained professionals and in accordance with an accepted species preservation or restocking plan.

The disclosure of exact locality information on public internet forums is discouraged in most circumstances. Locality information posted on public internet forums usually should be restricted to providing the name of the county where the animal was found. When specific locality data is provided to one in confidence, it should be kept in confidence and should not be abused or shared with others without explicit permission.

Other members of the Association are always to be treated cordially and in a respectful manner.

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