Alabama PARC

July 2011 Alabama Indigo Snake Reintroduction Update

2011-07-28T17:52:00.001-05:00

As many of you know, the 2011 tracking season is in full swing. On May 3, 2011 we re-released the 6 snakes that survived 2010. Of the 17 released in 2010, 6 snakes lived, 6 snakes died, and 5 snakes disappeared. Of the 6 that died, 2 were hit by vehicles, 2 were eaten by predators (one avian, one mammal), and 2 died of “natural causes”. During 2010, 7 snakes disappeared, 2 excreted their transmitters, 2 emigrated onto private land where we were unable to keep track of them, and 3 had battery failure before recapture. However, 2 of these snakes were captured in late February while basking in front of their hibernacula. One snake had excreted its transmitter and was thought dead, the other’s radio battery had died. Both of these snakes were found using the same gopher tortoise burrows as snakes with working radios. The 6 snakes recaptured in February were brought to Auburn where they were implanted with new radios with a longer 2 year battery life. They were then re-released at their point of capture.
Since their release, we have been consistently locating all 6, and to date they are all still alive and seem to be doing well. Some of these snakes seem to be at or over the 6 ft mark. A4 was seen eating another copperhead on Mother’s Day. Most of the snakes have been using the same areas that they occupied last year. They have, interestingly, been utilizing many of the same burrows and retreats that they used last summer.
On May 16, 2011, 31 more snakes were released onto the site. Of these, 21 were implanted with radios and 10 received only a PIT tag. Of these 21, 10 were female and 11 were male. Of the 21 radioed snakes, 10 were soft released into the pens and 11 were hard released outside the enclosures along a nearby fire break. Within the 6 enclosures, 4 received 2 snakes (2 with a male and a female, one with 2 males, and one with 2 females) and 2 received 1 snake (one with a male and one with a female). Snakes were distributed by clutch and size across the release methods. All of the snakes without radios were males and were hard released outside the enclosures in the area.
It was 11 days before the first snake escaped from the pens. After that, snakes trickled out of the pens. As observed last year, there were no noticeable breaches in the fences and it appears the snakes are finding their way out through underground passages. As of now, 4 snakes (3 females and 1 male) remain in the enclosures. While in the pens, the snakes utilized upturned tree rootballs, burned out stumpholes, and gopher tortoise burrows for refugia similarly to snakes outside the pens.
Several times, snakes from this year’s release located and used the same burrows as snakes from last year’s release. This occurred with both soft and hard released snakes and some of the locations were a considerable distance from the initial release site. These observations were surprising, particularly since the pens and most of the Forest Service compartment around the release site were prescribed burned this winter and spring to improve the habitat in the area.
Snakes have occasionally been encountered crossing roads and so far have made it safely across. Do Not Harm signs have been placed around the area and should encourage drivers to avoid running the snakes down. Last week, the Forest Service observed and photographed an unknown snake crossing a paved road. This snake has not yet been identified, but is known to be a snake without a radio, since all of the snakes with radios were accounted for in areas a considerable distance away from here. The unknown snake could be one of the snakes released last year that was last seen in this area or one of 10 males released this year without radios. We hope that with further examination, the photographs taken of this snake will distinguish between these two possibilities. We also hope to encounter this snake again soon and capture it to scan the pit tag so we can be sure of its true identity.
Blue Lake Methodist Camp across the Pond Creek drainage has been a popular spot for the snakes again this year. Four of the snakes have been observed on camp property on the same day. The camp director was re-contacted and again expressed support and enthusiasm for the project, welcoming us to track on the property whenever needed. According to her, encounters with venomous snakes are up on the camp this year and she hopes the indigo presence there will help control dangerous encounters.
A couple of snakes have also used habitats around the Blue Lake Recreation area this year, and a couple of snakes have recently moved further north. A number of the snakes have also been using neighboring private land.
Movement has increased over the past couple of weeks, and many of the snakes have moved into the nearby creek drainages. As observed last year, the males are moving further distances and with more frequency than females. The furthest distance recorded from the release site this year is 2.62 km by a male from this year’s release.
Snakes encountered on the surface are often slithering around flicking their tongues and prodding under logs and in holes in a foraging behavior. One snake was observed eating a corn snake yesterday. The tree climbing behavior observed in a few snakes last year has not been documented in the field this year. Many of the snakes have been observed rattling their tails, hissing and inflating their bodies in a threat pose when approached.
Habitat use has been diverse, with snakes utilizing all habitats available. The most surprising observation so far in terms of habitat has been the high incidence of snakes locating many of the same retreat sites that were used by snakes last year. The verdict on prescribed burning’s affect on habitat use is still out for now, but is expected to have more influence in winter habitat use when snakes rely more on gopher tortoise habitats for overwintering.
Feedback from the local community has remained positive. The new metal signs distributed around the area and placed at trailheads, the local country store and popular recreation areas should increase opportunities to bolster support of the project.
As of today, 26 of the 27 radioed snakes are alive and well. Only one snake from this year’s release has been found dead and this mortality appears to be a natural predation. As the snakes find their way around and achieve rapid growth, the likelihood of natural predation should decrease. Additionally, the sighting of an unknown snake by the Forest Service is encouraging, since it may indicate an increase in the survival of last year’s snakes.
The overall outlook for repatriated indigos establishing self-sufficient populations in the wilds of Alabama remains good. Although it will be years yet before the true success of the project can be measured, continuing research should reveal important information to increase the chances for success. For conservationists, the success of this project would represent more than just a step in the recovery of a federally threatened species; it would also indicate that years of management in the longleaf have restored this imperiled ecosystem enough to support the diverse array of species that once inhabited this wilderness. As important predators that help keep ecosystem health in balance, and as a part of the natural heritage we had thought forever lost in Alabama, the attempt to return indigo snakes to Alabama is an investment in the future and that is good news indeed.

USFWS adds eastern Gopher Tortoises as a candidate species eligible for Endangered Species Protection

2011-07-26T11:20:00.003-05:00

(The following is information from a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service press release issued 26 July 2011. The press release in its entirety can be found here.)

In a press release issued today, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced that gopher tortoises east of Mobile Bay will be added to the list of candidate species eligible for Endangered Species Act (ESA) protection. While candidate species receive no statutory protection under the ESA, inclusion on the candidate list promotes cooperative conservation efforts for these species.

"After careful review, we have determined the gopher tortoise east of Mobile Bay is facing many of the same problems and challenges as the western population, which is already listed as threatened," said Cynthia Dohner, Southeast Regional Director for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. "We hope increased protection and conservation efforts in the next few years by private landowners and state and federal agencies in Alabama Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi and South Carolina can reduce those threats."

In making this determination, the Service completed a comprehensive review – known as a 12-month finding – and found sufficient scientific and commercial data to propose listing the species as threatened or endangered throughout its range. However, the Service is precluded from beginning work immediately on a listing proposal because its limited resources must be devoted to other, higher priority actions.

...

The eastern portion of the gopher tortoise’s range includes Alabama (east of the Tombigbee and Mobile Rivers), Florida, Georgia, and southern South Carolina. In these areas, the gopher tortoise will become a candidate species for listing under the ESA. In the western range states, west of the Tombigbee River in Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana, it will continue to be listed as threatened under the ESA.

Threats to the gopher tortoise include habitat loss, fragmentation and degradation, predation, inadequacy of regulatory mechanisms, and incompatible use of herbicides in forest management.

(For more information on the Gopher Tortoise - one of the South's iconic reptile species - see information from the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Gopher Tortoise Council.)

Red Mountain Park Added as a New AAN Partner

2011-06-08T18:08:00.007-05:00

Habitat at Red Mountain Park - Photo by Dr. Jennifer Layton

ALAPARC and the Alabama Amphibian Network (AAN) would like to extend a warm welcome to Samford University and Red Mountain Park as partners in the AAN! Dr. Jennifer Layton (Samford) has been working with Red Mountain Park officials in Birmingham to install new coverboard and treefrog shelter arrays at the park for participation in the network. This site is a great addition to the seven environmental education partners already serving in the network and will add a unique comparison with the AAN’s site at Ruffner Mountain Nature Center. Both Ruffner Mountain and Red Mountain are located in habitat characteristic of the Valley and Ridge physiographic province and will provide a great snapshot of this region’s amphibian diversity.

Huge props to Dr. Layton and colleagues for spearheading the design and installation of the site, and we look forward to this new partnership! For more information on the AAN – a collaborative citizen science network funded through Legacy, Partners in Environmental Education – please visit the ALAPARC website.

Outdoor Alabama Fact Sheet Info Now Online

2011-04-23T15:32:00.005-05:00

Since our organization's inception, ALAPARC has had a continuing partnership with the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources's award-winning Outdoor Alabama website. As part of this partnership, ALAPARC members have contributed over 15 species profiles for Alabama herpetofauna for publication. These profiles serve as one of our first lines of defense in combating a lack of herp awareness by communicating reliable, comprehensive info about reptiles and amphibians to members of the public in a jargon-free, accessible format. In return, the ADCNR has graciously allowed us to link to these profiles as part of our own website's inventory of Alabama herps.

Not all of these species currently contain published profiles, however, and we are seeking to complete this species list as soon as possible. Laura Laurencio has recently created an excellent outreach initiative page on our website to aid in this effort, including an Excel spreadsheet of those Alabama species that currently need profiles.

If you are an expert on one of the species listed at the link above, please consider serving as an author! “Expert” is a relative term, of course, so we welcome anyone with a strong familiarity of a particular species and a desire to condense knowledge from the scientific literature into an easy-to-read, jargon-free format for public consumption. If you're interested in becoming an author, please contact Wally Smith at whsmith1@crimson.ua.edu for more info.

Outreach Database Now Online!

2011-04-18T14:21:00.004-05:00

Amphibian outreach program with the Alabama Hiking Trail Society

As a service to educators and the greater public in Alabama, ALAPARC has assembled a network of herp outreach program providers in the state. These individuals regularly present educational programs at schools, nature centers, and other venues around Alabama, geared towards improving public awareness of Alabama's herpetofauna and associated conservation efforts. Our hope is that condensing outreach providers in one central location will make these individuals and groups more accessible to the community and facilitate communication between providers.

If you are an educator or outreach coordinator wishing to plan a herp presentation for your school or group, please browse the spreadsheet provided at the link above to view a list of program providers and their service area in the state, as well as their contact information and other details for scheduling a program.

As of 18 April, the database includes only those ALAPARC members who volunteered personal info on our sign-up sheet at the 2010 meeting. If you aren't currently on the list but frequently give herp outreach programs and would like to be included, please contact Wally Smith at whsmith1@crimson.ua.edu for more information on being added to the network.

Frogging By Ear Workshop

2011-03-07T07:24:00.000-06:00

When: 25-27 March 2011
Where: Solon Dixon Forestry Education Center, Andalusia, Alabama

Come spend a fun weekend in the longleaf with herpetologists, Jimmy and Sierra Stiles, learning all about frogs in Alabama’s frog hotspot. This region supports one of the highest frog species diversities in the United States. Participants will learn how to recognize frogs by their call and by using field marks to identify frogs in hand. Nightly field trips will tour local frogging sites for hands-on practice. Learn how to choose the best sites for listening to frogs, no matter where you are. We will demonstrate how Google Earth and other map resources can be used to identify the best spots for exploring the sounds of the night. Local frogs will be used to illustrate techniques to target species by understanding their life history, habitat and survival needs. We will present some interesting new techniques used for long-term monitoring and research as well as discuss some low-cost methods for managing your land for maximum frog diversity. Participants will have opportunities to photograph local frog species as well as some other interesting local reptiles and amphibians. The workshop will be based out of the Solon Dixon Forestry Education Center. We will be able to explore over 90,000 acres of prime frog habitat.

Workshop Schedule

Friday March 25th
2:00-5:00 Introduction to frogging, species identification, habits and habitats
5:00-5:45 Break
5:45-6:30 Dinner
6:30-9:30 Trips to local ponds

Saturday March 26th
8:00 Breakfast
9:30-12:00 GIS maps and frogs, Froglogging
12:00-12:30 Lunch
12:30-2:00 Break
2:00-5:00 Photograph, experience and investigate live reptiles and amphibians
5:00-5:45 Break
5:45-6:30 Dinner
6:30-9:30 Trips to local ponds

Sunday March 27th
8:00 Breakfast
Cost of the workshop includes all lodging, meals, and instruction
$235 for single occupancy in a room per person
$225 for double occupancy in a room per person

To register or for more information contact

Jimmy and Sierra Stiles
5687 US Hwy 29
Andalusia, Alabama 36420
334-881-0084
205-533-1407
jrstiles@earthlink.net

REGISTRATION DEADLINE 21 MARCH 2011

Opp Rattlesnake Bounty Retracted

2011-02-21T08:59:00.000-06:00

As a follow up the previous post, you can read about how, due to concerns raised about the rattlesnake bounty, Opp retracted this policy.

ALAPARC Press Release: Conservation groups send letters opposing Opp Rattlesnake Rodeo

2011-02-09T08:41:00.004-06:00

Opp, Ala. (Feb. 7, 2011) — Controversy is again brewing over the Opp Rattlesnake Rodeo.The 51st annual event will be held April 1-2 in Opp, a small city that holds just 6,500 residents.

Each year, almost 100 Eastern diamondback rattlesnakes are hunted throughout south Alabama. In the past, many were taken from gopher tortoise burrows. Those captured are placed on display for the rodeo and then killed afterward. Last year, an estimated 20,000 people flocked to Opp for the city’s biggest attraction.

However, citing declines in the Eastern diamondback’s population, some conservation groups believe the “bring ‘em back alive” component of rattlesnake roundups should end, while maintaining other aspects of the festivals. Biologist D. Bruce Means, Executive Director of the Coastal Plains Institute, published a report in 2009 using 50 years worth of data collected from roundups in Opp and three Georgia towns. His findings provide a sobering survey of the impact those events have on the species.

“Both numbers of snakes and weights of the largest snakes that participants turned in annually declined in the last two decades,” he reported. “Statements by roundup officials and rattlesnake hunters support that roundup hunting has depleted local rattlesnake populations and forced hunters to travel further to collect snakes in recent years.”

With Opp’s rodeo less than two months away, some conservation groups have sent letters to city officials urging them to end a recently enacted policy that compensates residents for capturing live snakes for the event. In an interview with the Andalusia Star News, Opp City Planner Don Childre said the city will pay $8 per foot of rattlesnake and $100 for each live unharmed snake over five feet in length. For any snakes measuring more than eight feet (this length exceeds any turned in over the past 50 years), the city will pay $1,000. Opp has paid hunters for years to capture the snakes, but many of those hunters have since quit, according to Childre. He told the newspaper that because of this, “‘we thought we’d open it up to the public.’”

The Gopher Tortoise Council (GTC), a nonprofit organization promoting conservation of gopher tortoises and other unique upland species within the Southeast, One More Generation, a nonprofit in Georgia dedicated to preserving endangered species and the environment, Ruffner Mountain Nature Center and the Alabama chapter of the Sierra Club are among the organizations pushing for the policy’s retraction. In its letter, the GTC stresses the danger in encouraging the general public to capture rattlesnakes, a potentially deadly species.

“Because of this ill-conceived request, untrained individuals inspired by monetary gain are likely to put themselves at great risk capturing, handling, and transporting rattlesnakes,” the letter states. “Although rattlesnakes are unlikely to bite unless provoked (e.g. by capture) a bite from a rattlesnake is potentially debilitating and can even be fatal.” Furthermore, the GTC states that a common practice associated with collecting rattlesnakes involves gassing tortoise burrows, which is against the law in Alabama, but difficult to enforce.

“Gassing burrows can kill or harm the other inhabitants of tortoise burrows (of which there are >360 species including the gopher tortoise, a species federally protected west of the Tombigbee River and state protected to the east),” the GTC letter states. “Tortoise burrows are also known refuges of the eastern indigo snake, a federally listed-threatened species recently reintroduced to Conecuh National Forest.”

The letter also claims that offering a bounty will encourage unregulated exploitation of rattlers. Although the roundups are not as detrimental as the habitat loss and degradation the snake encounters throughout its range, they can still impact the species’ overall numbers, according to David Steen, co-chair of the GTC.

“Concentrated collecting within a particular area is likely to result in considerable decreases in population size and in the most extreme cases, elimination of the species in that spot altogether,” he said. “Between habitat loss, road mortality, and collecting (among other factors), the Eastern Diamondback rattlesnake has to contend with many new threats; this is likely why many biologists think the species is declining overall.”

Steen believes holding an event that celebrates the snake instead of one that includes capturing and killing it will still attract the crowds Opp sees each year. “Festivals of this type are great revenue producing opportunities and can be considered part of Southern culture,” he said. “But, collecting and killing of wild animals doesn’t need to be on the schedule to retain all of that. Educational displays of captive animals will probably satisfy the vast majority of rattlesnake enthusiasts.”

He cited the San Antonio Rattlesnake Festival in San Antonio, Fla. as a prime example of this. The festival, which one newspaper estimated draws more than 30,000 people, offers snake and reptile exhibits, as well as other educational programs concerning the environment. In its letter, the GTC told Opp officials that it would be interested in participating and promoting similar educational activities at future festivals.

For a copy of Means’ study on rattlesnake roundups, visit http://www.herpconbio.org/Volume_4/Issue_2/Means_2009.pdf.

Alabama Amphibian Network reaches 2,000 student mark

2010-11-19T09:29:00.010-06:00

A treefrog perches on a PVC treefrog shelter near a wetland at Ruffner Mountain Nature Center (photo courtesy Nick Bieser)

As of November 2010, over 2,000 students and other members of the public have participated in the Alabama Amphibian Network (AAN) at environmental education centers across Alabama. The AAN is a collaborative citizen science partnership between Alabama Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation, the University of Alabama, and seven environmental education centers across the state. The project has been made possible via funding from Legacy Partners in Environmental Education. The AAN was officially launched this summer.

Participants in the AAN are using coverboards and PVC treefrog shelters - two types of equipment used by herpetologists to sample amphibians in the field - to learn about amphibian ecology and gain hands-on experience with amphibians. EE partners in the network currently include McDowell Environmental Center, Jacksonville State University's Little River Canyon Field School, Turtle Point Science Center, the Alabama Wildlife Federation's Alabama Nature Center, Ruffner Mountain Nature Center, the University of Alabama Arboretum, and the Birmingham Botanical Gardens.

Amphibians represent one of the planet's most threatened vertebrate groups, with up to one third of all species considered threatened with extinction by international conservation organizations. Another third of all amphibian species lack the basic scientific information necessary for determining their current status. The AAN is seeking to alleviate both of these problems in Alabama by increasing public awareness of amphibians and providing biologists with information on amphibians' distribution, ecology, and status across the state. Alabama is located in a world hotspot of amphibian diversity, making it a perfect location for the project.

Besides the 2,000 people already exposed to amphibians by the project, the AAN has also yielded a potentially new scientific discovery. Participating staff at Camp McDowell have observed unique, undocumented behavior in the Slimy Salamander (Plethodon glutinosus), one of Alabama's most common amphibian residents. This observation is currently being prepared for publication.

Be sure to stay abreast of ongoing developments in the Alabama Amphibian Network by checking out the ALAPARC blog and the AAN website, which will be updated soon.

Live Blogging our Meeting

2010-11-06T14:19:00.002-05:00

We've completed the submitted talks for the year and have been caught up on all the work people have been conducting in the last year. We also heard Sean Graham's seminar on the outcomes of the ALAPARC hellbender initiative. Unfortunately, all the surveys of the last few years have failed to produce a single hellbender. Sean suggested although there may be a couple old individuals left in the state, it's unlikely the species has much of a future. Wally Smith also updated us on the education and outreach efforts our chapter has been involved in, we suggest you check out our website for more information.
Chris Thawley is now describing how anyone can collect information that will help researchers study the genetic make-up of amphibians and reptiles.

Saturday AM at the ALAPARC Meeting

2010-11-06T08:02:00.003-05:00

We kick off our agenda shortly with a talk by Ken Marion at UAB about how the recent oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico has affected marine reptiles and we'll be hearing later about a dozen other talks about amphibian and reptile conservation in the state. Last night we enjoyed libations during our poster session and this morning we are waking up with coffee provided by Higher Ground Roasters. Hopefully, you're here, everybody else is.

Live Blogging Our Meeting

2010-11-05T14:35:00.002-05:00

Hi all,

We will periodically update you with the progress for our meeting. Our panel discussion is underway and we're currently hearing insights as to how the general public and landowners may react should the Gopher Tortoise be federally protected. Joe McGlincy of Southern Forestry Consultants, Inc., is describing how private landowners possess much of the remaining tortoise habitat in Alabama and it's important to communicate with them how to effectively conserve the species while preserving their ability to profit from their land.
Jessica Homyack of Weyerhaeuser is reinforcing the importance of private lands, 84% of appropriate tortoise habitat in the range where the species is proposed for listing is on private property.

There's still time for you to make it down!

One Day Left to Register For Our Meeting!

2010-10-28T21:21:00.001-05:00

Don't miss this year's meeting in Andalusia, Alabama. The registration deadline is tomorrow. Check out our website for registration instructions and this year's program!

ALAPARC Press Release: Alabama Amphibian Network officially launched

2010-08-18T14:05:00.006-05:00

Tuscaloosa, Ala. (Aug. 17, 2010)—Who knew a little bit of plywood and PVC pipe could help unlock the secrets of Alabama’s amphibious underworld?

The University of Alabama recently launched a project that spans seven nature centers across the state and will hopefully help scientists and the public alike develop a better appreciation for the state’s resident amphibians.

Dubbed the Alabama Amphibian Network, the project was made possible through a $2,000 grant the university received last June from Legacy Partners in Environmental Education.

Legacy is an organization dedicated to providing environmental education programs for Alabama residents. Alabama Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation is an acting partner with the network, having provided an online home for the project, aiding in communication between the university, Legacy, and participating nature centers, and hosting data collected from the project.

The project involves installing coverboards (2x4-foot pieces of plywood) and PVC tree frog shelters, both of which mimic amphibians’ natural habitats, at each of the environmental education centers, said Wally Smith, a University of Alabama PhD candidate coordinating the project.

“These environmental education centers have been chosen for the network due to their location across habitat types from the mountains to the coast, their ability to reach students from all demographic groups, and their excellent track records of environmental education,” said Smith.

Camp McDowell in Nauvoo, Ruffner Mountain Nature Center near Birmingham, Little River Canyon Field School near Ft. Payne, the Alabama Wildlife Federation's Alabama Nature Center at Lanark in Millbrook, the University of Alabama Arboretum in Tuscaloosa, Turtle Point Science Center in Escambia County, and the Birmingham Botanical Gardens are all participating in the project.

Smith said the nature centers can use the equipment in educational programs to supplement curriculum involving amphibians and forest/wetland ecology.

“The educators get a valuable education tool out of the project that improves science literacy, while we, as scientists, get much-needed information that improves amphibian conservation,” he said. “It's a win-win situation.”

Nick Bieser, conservation land manager with Ruffner Mountain Nature Center, said the center decided to partner with the University of Alabama to help further conservation and environmental education.

“This project will hopefully help show the general public that amphibians are an important part of the ecosystem and deserve the same protection as other animals,” said Bieser. “By providing the public a chance to see these animals up close and learn what kinds may be living in their backyard, favorite fishing spot, or nature preserve, we hope they will have more interest in helping to protect them.”

So far, Bieser said the coverboards have yielded only a few insects, but as time progresses, he expects that will change.

“We expect to get slimy, zigzag, spotted, and red salamanders as well as spring peepers, gray tree frogs, and green tree frogs,” he said.

The center plans to incorporate the coverboards and PVC shelters into its “Wetland Explorers” program.

Bieser said the program allows children to use dip nets to catch tadpoles, dragonfly larvae, and other aquatic creatures.

“We will incorporate the coverboards and PVC shelters and show the children the adult stages of some of the amphibians in the wetlands and talk about their life cycles,” he said. “These shelters will also likely be used in our weekend and night programs when we take groups out to the wetland for night or frog call hikes.”

Smith said programs such as this one can help people learn to better appreciate a world they are often unaware exists.

“A lack of public awareness about amphibians is a fundamental problem in Alabama when it comes to conserving our wildlife and natural heritage, and amphibians are one group of animals that is taking a big hit within our state's borders,” he said. “The AAN attacks this problem head-on by exposing what we hope will be thousands of Alabamians to the beautiful and fascinating world of frogs and salamanders that lives all around us.”

Indigo Reintroduction as of 7/4/2010

2010-07-04T12:02:00.004-05:00

Independence Day and the Indigos seem to know it. Seventeen days since their day of independence and all are alive and none have disappeared breaking several peoples predictions(you know who you are) and beating the odds on several friendly wagers. They have all set up their own territories. Most have picked an old armadillo or gopher tortoise burrow as their retreat from the south Alabama heat. One found its way into the stump of an old longleaf pine long since rotted away leaving only the standing heartwood. I can't figure out how it got in there(no obvious hole around the stump) but it is certainly in there. Tracking snakes is amazing. Without radio telemetry one would never know they were standing on top of a 4ft long snake! They seem to be coming out and hunting/basking in the early mornings and late afternoons. Then going back to their same hole during the heat of the day. Today almost half of the snakes were seen out and about, yet most were within an easy slither from their refuge. We haven't seen any more feeding since the first week although several had bulging bellies. Things are looking positive for the future of the Indigo in south Alabama! Lets hope that the trend continues!

Gopher Tortoise Council Meeting Details

2010-06-30T11:28:00.003-05:00

The Gopher Tortoise Council, ALAPARC's partner in reptile conservation, has announced the details of their upcoming meeting:

Please join us October 7-10, 2010 at the Alabama 4-H Center in Columbiana, Alabama for the 32nd Annual Gopher Tortoise Council Meeting.

REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS AUGUST 20th (link to registration below). Abstract submission is now also open.

Preliminary Agenda:

Thursday, October 7: GTC Business Meeting

Friday, October 8: Special Alabama Session and Panel Discussion Regarding the Potential Implications of a Range-wide Federal Listing

Friday will kick off with a keynote presentation by Craig Guyer (Auburn
University) followed by presentations highlighting tortoise and longleaf pine research and conservation in Alabama. In the afternoon, a panel discussion will convene to discuss how a federal listing will influence various stakeholders. A question and answer session will allow the audience to participate.

Saturday, October 9: Ecology and Habitat Conservation and Ray Ashton Tribute

Conference sessions will focus on traditional meeting topics, such as gopher tortoise ecology, commensal species ecology, and upland habitat conservation efforts. On Saturday afternoon, we will remember a gopher tortoise conservation pioneer.

Hotel: This year's meeting will be held at the Alabama 4-H Center in Columbiana, Alabama. Lodging is included in registration packages (link below).

Saturday Evening Social: Join us Saturday night on-site for beverages and the musical stylings of Olin Howlin, an Auburn favorite.

We were able to keep costs for our meeting low by creating registration packages, please select one that best fits your schedule. All packages include Gopher Tortoise Council Meeting Registration (Use PayPal to pay, you may do so below the package descriptions). Send an e-mail to davidasteen@gmail.com with questions.

REGISTRATION INFORMATION AVAILABLE HERE

ABSTRACT SUBMISSION HERE

Indigo Reintroduction as of 6/23/2010

2010-06-23T15:11:00.001-05:00

Indigo Snake update 6/23/10

The first week of tracking the released Indigo Snakes brought some exciting events. The first snake tracked on the day after the release was found eating a Copperhead. This confirmed a prediction of mine, that these venomous snakes would play a role in the diet of the Indigo snakes! The event was captured on HI DEF video by the Discovering Alabama team so be looking for the footage on the show about the Indigo Snake repatriation program. Another was seen devouring a Gray Rat Snake. One of the snakes was found to be 20-30 ft. up in trees with thick brush and vines twice. The best news is that after one week all the snakes are accounted for, and all seem to be doing well. They appear to be adjusting to the wild just fine. Stay tuned to new posts for the latest updates on what the snakes are doing in the wild.

Indigo Snake Updates From the Field

2010-06-23T07:24:00.003-05:00

You've likely already heard a lot about the recent indigo snake reintroduction project in Conecuh National Forest (if not, click here). But here's something you don't know: those tasked with monitoring the released snakes have agreed to provide news on how and what the snakes are doing via this blog! Stay tuned for updates from the field from Jimmy and Sierra Stiles.

Volunteer info for Alabama oil spill efforts

2010-06-05T20:50:00.003-05:00

With oil beginning to wash ashore on Alabama's coasts, more and more individuals are attempting to find info on how to volunteer. This blog post will attempt to condense links of several organizations within the state involved in coordinating volunteer efforts or information on efforts related to the spill. One of ALAPARC's partner organizations, The Nature Conservancy, has designed a webpage where those interested can view detailed information on current and planned efforts, as well as a link for registering to volunteer. In addition, the Alabama Coastal Foundation and Alabama Wildlife Federation have links on their sites where volunteers can register and view info on efforts on the Alabama coast. Lastly, the governor's office has set up a webpage through its Office of Community Initiatives that lists several opportunities and avenues for those wishing to volunteer.

This list is but a small sampling of opportunities available through both nonprofits local to Alabama and more broad organizations, such as the Audubon Society, that are focusing efforts across the entire Gulf region. Both unpaid volunteer opportunities and paid positions are available through different groups depending on background and training. Restoration efforts will likely continue long after initial attention on the spill declines, so be sure to keep monitoring these outlets and others if you have interests in helping with volunteer efforts. Also feel free to post other opportunities with groups in the state in the comments below this post, if you know of them. Just remember to make sure that any time or money you choose to donate to the spill recovery is going through a reputable organization such as those listed above.

Calling all Flickr users!

2010-05-23T18:15:00.002-05:00

Do you have a Flickr account and have photos of herps, herp habitat, or herpers from around Alabama? ALAPARC now has a group and photo pool on Flickr where you can upload your herp-related photos from around the state. You can view the group here and click "Join this Group" to join and begin uploading your photos. Feel free to sign up, contribute photos and even participate in online discussions. Tell your friends!

Ruffner Mountain joins Alabama Amphibian Network

2010-05-18T18:05:00.002-05:00

ALAPARC would like to welcome Ruffner Mountain Nature Center to the Alabama Amphibian Network! Ruffner Mountain, located just east of downtown Birmingham, is one of the state's most unique nature centers, complete with a variety of habitats including an abandoned quarry on the 1,011 acres surrounding the mountain's slopes and summit. The AAN site for Ruffner Mountain will be located at one of the nature center's unique and biodiverse wetlands (pictured above), where EE center staff will be using the network's tools in their ongoing educational programs. Ruffner Mountain will be a vital link in the AAN due to its unique location, scope of users, and excellent staff/educational programs.

The Alabama Amphibian Network is a collaborative outreach partnership and citizen science effort ongoing at seven environmental education centers across Alabama, being administered by the University of Alabama and ALAPARC, with funding graciously provided by Legacy Partners in Environmental Education.

Amphibians and Reptiles of Alabama's National Forests

2010-04-27T18:45:00.002-05:00

Do you spend any time hiking, camping, or fishing within Alabama's National Forests, such as Talladega, Bankhead, Tuskegee or Conecuh? If so, you may have come across one of many species of amphibians and reptiles that may be found within their borders. Due to the diversity of habitats protected in these areas, each forest harbors a unique assemblage of animals.

Now, thanks to Sean Graham and others, there are now amphibian and reptile checklists for each National Forest in Alabama. Print them out next time you're headed out.

Congratulations to ALAPARC's Secretary, Dr. Bill Sutton

2010-04-22T13:27:00.003-05:00

ALAPARC is proud to announce that Bill Sutton obtained his Ph.D. this week from Alabama A&M University. Congratulations to Bill and we'll all be looking forward to reading about how forest management practices have influenced the amphibian and reptile populations of Bankhead National Forest, Alabama.

Opp Rodeo in National News

2010-04-22T09:17:00.004-05:00

If you're from Alabama, you're likely familiar with its sole rattlesnake rodeo, which attracts thousands to Opp each year. Although the number of rattlesnakes harvested for Opp is small compared the two roundups in Georgia, it is still a source of concern for conservation biologists. Dr. Bruce Means recently published an article describing long term trends observed among rattlesnakes and linked these patterns to the roundups. You can download a pdf of the article here. Armed with this knowledge, the Center for Biological Diversity petitioned Georgia to investigate the prevalence of tortoise burrow gassing and also asking the Governor to outlaw roundups.

The national news has picked up the story (focusing on Opp), and a small sampling of the dozens of news outlets that ran it can be found below:

CBS News
MSNBC
The Associated Press
NPR

Alabama Amphibian Network going online!

2010-04-01T18:46:00.006-05:00

Over the past few weeks, several ALAPARCers have been helping the University of Alabama install coverboards and other sampling equipment at environmental education (EE) centers across the state. Being deemed the "Alabama Amphibian Network," these EE centers will be taking part in a statewide citizen science project aimed at both increasing public awareness of amphibians/science literacy and updating our scientific knowledge of amphibians across Alabama. Below are several photos from the site installations, as well as a description of the project:

What it is: The AAN is a first-of-its-kind project in the South that uses established EE centers as long-term monitoring and educational sites to further amphibian outreach goals across the entire state. Centers have been chosen for the network that reach multiple demographic groups (rural, urban, etc.), as well as those cover the full spectum of Alabama's habitat diversity, from the mountains to the Gulf. Sites will include the bottom of a sandstone canyon in northwest Alabama, a second-growth woodlot in suburban Tuscaloosa, and isolated wetlands near Perdido Bay - just to name a few. The AAN is being supervised through the University of Alabama and ALAPARC and is being very graciously funded by Legacy, Inc.. The photo below is of one of the network's sites: a canyon harboring (among other species) green salamanders at Camp McDowell:

How it works: EE centers are being provided with coverboard arrays, PVC treefrog shelters, field guides, and curriculum to be used in herp education programs. EE center personnel use these sampling arrays to provide students with hands-on experience of amphibians in their native habitat. EE centers also record data from individuals collected in the arrays, thus involving students and the greater community in active scientific research.

What it will do: The AAN will increase public awareness of amphibians among Alabama's citizenry, providing us with a vital tool for combating habitat destruction: an educated base. Data from the AAN will also be used to update distributions and knowledge on population trends of amphibian species in the state over the long term.

What you can do: Check the AAN website for updates on the project's progress, as well as opportunities for personal involvement. Also feel free to provide comments and feedback for the project here as more information is released - we value your input! We hope that our EE partners will become long-term educational partners with ALAPARC, as well!

In herp-related news from the Southeast....

2010-03-23T13:17:00.004-05:00

(Photo by Kevin Enge, via USFWS)

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has announced in a "90-day finding" today that the Striped Newt (Notophthalmus perstriatus) may warrant listing under the Endangered Species Act, a finding that comes after an initial review of a proposal for listing of the species for federal protection. The next step in this process will be a thorough review of the species' conservation status, which will then determine whether or not it can be officially proposed for listing under the ESA. In a nutshell, this finding acts as the catalyst for the initation of long process of review and proposals for listing. In the meantime, the USFWS is soliciting scientific and commercial info on the striped newt in order to go forward with its status review (see the press release here for more info).

For a bit of background info, the striped newt is a small Coastal Plain endemic that is specialized for survival in longleaf-pine dominated habitats with small, shallow, temporary ponds - two types of habitat that have greatly disappeared from the Southeast in recent decades.

(h/t Katie Dunn for the press release)

First "Hooray for Herps!" Teacher Workshop Scheduled

2010-02-04T18:16:00.002-06:00

ALAPARC is proud to announce the inaugural event for the "Hooray for Herps!" teacher workshop series, to be held March 13, 2010 at the Solon Dixon Forestry Center in Andalusia, AL. There will be a total of six workshops in the "Hooray for Herps!" series, being spearheaded by the Environmental Education Association of Alabama (EEAA) in partnership with Legacy Partners in Environmental Education and ALAPARC.

This first workshop, which starts at 9:00 am and ends at 2:30 pm, includes content information and current research in the region from a Herpetologist, hands-on experience with live animals, and classroom activities relating to the animals, habitat and conservation. Lunch will be provided for all workshop participants. After the workshop, teachers may choose to participate in the optional field trip looking for these incredible animals.

Each teacher will receive Learning through Legacy: Alabama's Environmental Education Guide for their grade level, Legacy’s WaterSource Book, Peterson’s Field Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians, Hands-on Herpetology, and many posters from Legacy and wildlife organizations. A CD with resources-including the PowerPoint presentation of Reptiles and Amphibians in Alabama, and a CD of Alabama Frog and Toad calls.

For more information and registration, see the ALAPARC or EEAA websites.

Gopher Frog Season

2010-02-01T09:28:00.003-06:00

February is the usual beginning of the gopher frog breeding season in Alabama, although recent warm January rains might have brought the frogs out a bit early this year. For those interested in participating in the Gopher Frog Initiative, instructions are posted here. Contact Mark Bailey for Google Earth kmz placemarks for historic gopher frog sites near you.

Alabama Hellbender Initiative UPDATE

2010-01-22T10:18:00.012-06:00

New news from the Alabama HellbenderInitiative!

Remember, the first phase of the initiative is to accumulate recent, unverified reports of hellbenders found in Alabama, as well as unverified sight records, to guide our surveys for the coming year. For a full description of the Alabama Hellender Initiative, see the ALAPARC website: alaparc.org

Due mostly to the efforts of ALAPARC members Eric Soerhen and George Cline, we rounded up three recent hellbender records for which we have documentation. Eric reached out to aquatic ecologists and malacologists who do surveys in north Alabama, and one of them had a photograph of a hellbender found alive in Madison County in 1999.

George Cline was contacted by folks at the Dismals Canyon preserve in 2006, who had found a dead hellbender in the canyon. We have a photo of this animal, although unfortunately at this time we have been unable to get any of the specifics about when and where in the canyon it was collected.

Therefore, the 2004 Lauderdale County specimen we received from Tom Haggerty of the University of North Alabama gets the distinction of being the most recent hellbender documented in Alabama. This specimen was also found dead.

All of these vouchers (two photo vouchers and the Lauderdale County specimen) are now secure in the Auburn University Herpetological Collections.

Although it is a bit disconcerting that the latest two hellbenders encountered in Alabama were found dead, this at least gives the project hope that we will find hellbenders in the state (up until now, the most recent hellbender known was found in 1990!). This also certainly increases the chances that we will find a healthy population. Blog readers, be sure to send along any information on recent hellbenders encountered in Alabama to hellbenders.org.

The next phase of the initiative is set to begin this spring. We have applied for the Jennifer Elwood hellbender research grant, and hope to receive funds for the construction of traps and educational materials to be distributed in north Alabama bait shops and fishing spots. Survey crews are forming and gearing up, with UNA scientists interested in covering the nice streams north of their base of operations, Bill Sutton and friends covering the Huntsville area, Jimmy and Sierra Stiles hitting streams throughout N. Alabama, Eric Soerhen covering a nice shoal he has a good feeling about, and the Auburn group, headed by Sean Graham, heading to Dismals Canyon and the Bear Creek drainage.

Stay tuned for the spring results!

Here's Your Chance

2010-01-20T13:44:00.005-06:00

Interested in the conservation of Alabama's amphibians and reptiles? Want to organize a meeting, guide the direction of and head up a statewide network of motivated individuals? Alabama Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation is looking for individuals to become future co-chairs. In the last year, we established ALAPARC and got the ball rolling; now it's time for others to step and keep the momentum going. We will not succeed and persist unless we have motivated and enthusiastic volunteers. You don't need a resume, you need a passion. Does this sound like you?

Have questions? Let us know at AlabamaPARC@gmail.com. ALAPARC needs you! Know of someone else that fits the bill? Nominate them.

The GTC is coming to Alabama

2010-01-17T12:00:00.004-06:00

Hi all,

As co-chair of The Gopher Tortoise Council (GTC), my responsibility this year was to plan the annual meeting and I'm proud to bring it to Alabama in 2010. The meeting will be held October 7-10th at the Alabama 4-H Center in Columbiana, Alabama. This is a great opportunity for ALAPARC members to learn more about a regional conservation organization that's been working to protect the gopher tortoise and its habitats for over thirty years. Registration and other information will be provided in the coming months over at the GTC website but for now, mark the data on your calendars.

Dave Steen

Waterdog Hunt in Locust River on 1/23

2010-01-16T13:32:00.002-06:00

Join us! Black Warrior Waterdog Hunt – January 23

Debra Gordon-Hellman
Friends of the Locust Fork River

Biologist Scott Atkins, with the RosaMine.org Watchdog Committee of Friends of the Locust Fork River (FLFR), will lead a hunt for the elusive, unusual waterdog on Saturday January 23, 2010 in Blount County, Alabama. The purpose of the hunt is to provide documentation that the waterdog still exists in the Locust Fork River and nearby tributaries (as incidental reports assert). Documentation of this species (a proposed candidate for federal listing) as well as other protected species (e.g. flattened musk turtle) is critical, as we are attempting to understand how the proposed Rosa Mine development may influence Alabama’s rare reptiles.

For further information about our efforts, the permit, maps, etc, click here.
To attend the waterdog hunt, e-mail debragh1@gmail.com.

Save The Date!

2010-01-15T14:17:00.005-06:00

Here we go again; it's time to start planning for our annual meeting. Missed our 2009 meeting? Don't make the same mistake again and mark your calendars for November 5-7th at the Solon Dixon Forestry Education Center in Andalusia, Alabama.

Expect more great talks about the conservation of Alabama's amphibians and reptiles as well as some new features, including debates and the debut of special award session to commemorate pioneer(s) in Alabama herpetology.

We will also hear about how our initiatives have progressed over the last year and hopefully hear from some of you about additional conservation efforts.

ALAPARC Newsletter Submissions Wanted

2010-01-12T21:36:00.003-06:00

Got something to say about amphibian and reptile conservation in the Alabama? Submit your news or other items to AlabamaPARC@gmail.com with "Newsletter Submission" in the subject line. ALAPARC's newsletter editors will get back to you shortly if there are any questions.

This is a great opportunity to let others in Alabama know about important developments in the state.

Are you on ALAPARC's e-mail list? If not, send an e-mail to AlabamaPARC@gmail.com with "join" in the subject line.

We hope to hear from you.

Forever Wild in Alabama

2010-01-07T13:25:00.004-06:00

Check out the blog of ALAPARC's Conservation Czar by clicking here.

At this site Mark Bailey discusses the future of one of Alabama's most important conservation programs, and its possible future.

Outdoor Alabama Species Profiles - We Need Your Help!!!!

2009-12-11T20:11:00.002-06:00

As many of you may have noticed, ALAPARC has partnered with Outdoor Alabama by linking their fact sheets for Alabama amphibian and reptile species to our website (http://www.alaparc.org/AL_Herps.html). Fact sheets like these seem simple, but they're one of the first lines of defense we have in combating a lack of basic herp awareness in our state, and this can have effects that cascade down to combating species declines, habitat mismanagement, and a whole host of other conservation issues.

But, as many of you may have also noticed, more than a few of those fact sheets are lacking information (like this one: http://www.outdooralabama.com/watchable-wildlife/what/Reptiles/Turtles/amt.cfm). Partnerships obviously run both ways, so ALAPARC would like to give back to Outdoor Alabama by completing these fact sheets - and this is where you come in.

Are you the world's leading expert on Coal Skinks? Has your spouse or significant other ever commented on your unhealthy fascination with Fowler's Toads? Does the mere mention of a chorus of Scaphiopus elevate you to a perverse level of excitement? If your answer to any or all of these questions is yes, then we need your help. Many of the fact sheets we have online have been written by experts, and we're hoping to continue that trend. "Expert" is always a relative term, of course, so don't be shy about contributing even if you're not the world's best researcher on any given species. As long as you're committed to summarizing reliable info on a species in a digestible format for the public and dig herps, we need you. Go to the Outdoor Alabama website, browse the species, and see which ones are lacking info. If you see that "your" species is missing info, then you're the person we're looking for. The fact sheets we're looking to put together will follow the format at this link.

So, if you're interested, shoot Wally Smith an email at whsmith1@crimson.ua.edu and he can give you info on how to help out. Putting a fact sheet together doesn't take much time at all, can be fun (believe it or not), and is an amazingly simple way to give back to Alabama's herps by providing the public with easy-to-digest, helpful information.

ALAPARC Flickr page now online

2009-11-30T16:20:00.003-06:00

Can't get your fix of herps during dead-time this winter? Check out ALAPARC's new Flickr page, where you can have access to a full selection of visual treats involving Alabama herps.

Spread the word, and consider contributing photos yourself! We currently have photos contributed from the likes of Dave Steen, Heather Cunningham, Matt Greene, and Ken Dodd...but we'd love more! You can email photos (with a short caption for each) to whsmith1@crimson.ua.edu or kdunn013@gmail.com.

ALAPARC now on Facebook

2009-11-16T09:28:00.002-06:00

ALAPARC now has a Facebook page! If you have a Facebook profile, go check it out, become a fan, and even feel free to add some photos or start a discussion!

Send us your pics!!!

2009-11-14T14:02:00.003-06:00

Do you have outstanding, high quality photos of herps, their habitat (pristine or mangled), management activities, or herp-related events in Alabama? We need them! ALAPARC is building a Flickr page to archive our visual goings-on in the state and to keep the public and unknowing passers-by informed of what our group is doing. This will be an easy way to increase public interest in the group and "spread the word" of herp conservation in the state. But we need your help....

...so, if you have Flickr-worthy photos that you'd like to contribute, send them to whsmith1@crimson.ua.edu or kdunn013@gmail.com (limit two per person, please. Once the site is established, we'll call for more). Please include your name, where the photo was taken, the date, and any other relevant information (species in the photo, descriptions of interesting natural history observations, etc.). All photographers will be given credit for their respective photos, and we'll be using them with your permission, of course. Send us your best!!

ALAPARC Hellbender Initiative

2009-11-11T11:53:00.003-06:00

In addition to the official initiative site here, Readers will now be able to hear of ALAPARC's Hellbender Initiative via this blog.

In many states where hellbenders (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis) were once common, drastic declines have occurred, and this salamander is now one of the most imperiled amphibians in North America. Museum collections indicate hellbenders once occurred in many drainages in northern Alabama, however, the last verified record of a living hellbender in this state was in 1990 (see below).

The purpose of this initiative is to generate voluntary interest from experienced herpetologists in Alabama to determine the current range and status of Alabama hellbenders. Early thoughts on how this could easily and cheaply be accomplished are:

1. A request for possible unverified or unpublished reports of hellbenders to develop a database of all known collection records; this request will be channeled through an existing hellbender information-sharing website.

2. An adopt-a-stream program to pool effort among interested volunteers; each individual will devote at least four sampling occasions per year for at least one historic hellbender collection site.

3. A bioblitz competition in which individuals with experience trapping or collecting hellbenders—as well as other interested participants—will be encouraged to document living hellbenders on a competitive basis.

4. Acquisition of funds (grants or donations) to purchase materials for the construction of traps, which can be utilized for determining presence/absence of hellbenders with minimal effort, and could be incorporated into the adopt-a-stream program.

5. Acquisition of funds (grants or donations) to distribute educational materials near bridge crossings and other fishing spots in northern Alabama within the potential range of hellbenders to solicit information and cooperation among locals.

Is this the last Alabama hellbender?

To the left is a photo of the last hellbender found in Alabama in March of 1990.

Have you seen a hellbender recently?

If you've seen a hellbender or caught one while fishing, please report it!

Go to http://hellbenders.org/report.html to report hellbender occurrence.

2009 Meeting Summary

2009-11-10T14:19:00.005-06:00

You had to be there to experience all the ALAPARC inaugural meeting had to offer, but the co-chairs have attempted a summary:

We held our inaugural meeting on November 6-8 at the Solon Dixon Forestry Education Center in Andalusia, Alabama, and we are so pleased with the outcome. Our weekend and our meeting kicked off Friday night at our welcome social, the centerpiece of which was a canoe full of beer, which we contained in biodegradable cups provided by Off The Vine Produce. Participants streamed in as the Red Hills Salamander Discussion Group ended and feasted on delicious quesadillas provided by Karan Bailey. Wild sausage balls a la Stiles were a huge hit. Each of the appetizers were dipped at one point or another in Sean Graham’s tailgater’s delight Hormel Chili cheese dip. Attendees ignored warning signs regarding the relative heat of this dip at their own peril.

Energized by coffee provided by Higher Ground Roasters, Saturday morning’s talks began with a welcome by Co-Chair David Steen, with photos of beautiful environments and imperiled amphibians and reptiles from throughout the state. Our invited speakers gave us inspiration for the conservation road ahead. Among several esteemed individuals, this session included Matt Aresco, who gave an inspiring account of his odyssey to protect turtles in Florida and Alabama. Ken Dodd, who has strived for conservation causes throughout his long tenure in the southeast, provided sobering news regarding the Flattened Musk Turtle and Red Hills Salamander.

Three ALAPARC initiatives were officially announced and a lively discussion of the current status of Alabama hellbenders ensued. It is clear that the gopher frog, hellbender, and education/outreach initiatives will each get underway very soon, and many interested parties have exchanged information and emails to get the ball rolling on the three initiatives. Linda Weir provided a background of the North American Amphibian Monitoring Program and highlighted how Alabama represented a gap in coverage.

Saturday neared conclusion with a simultaneously entertaining and shocking presentation by Michael Bloxom, an Alabama wildlife law enforcement official, who chronicled his years busting bad guys selling illegally collected reptiles. Shawn Jacobsen finished the day with a tribute to George Folkerts, infusing many with a renewed respect for this Alabama conservation champion.

We enjoyed a delicious southern fried seafood feast on Saturday night which was made by the skilled chefs at the Dixon Center and provided by a generous donation by Project Orianne. Many felt the meal alone was worth the price of registration! They were then floored when the beer continued to flow during the official ALAPARC 2009 meeting social and poster session. Thinking caps were donned as those daring enough took part in the first annual ALAPARC lab practical trivia quiz. This crossword-style quiz featured many native Alabama herps and specimens from the Auburn University collection. Knowledge of herp nomenclature wasn’t sufficient to complete this challenge; participants also had to be schooled in the lore of Alabama herpetology, from both sides of the Black Warrior.

The “facultyesque” category was won by Mark Bailey; however, the “student” category was a tie between Bill Sutton and Helen Czech, necessitating a frog call-off tie-breaker with Helen emerging as the winner with an impressive Hyla versicolor trill. Despite George Cline’s protestations that the noise was more accurately described as Hyla chrysoscelis, Helen took home the prize, an ALAPARC t-shirt (available at http://www.cafepress.com/alaparc). Later, Bailey’s win was challenged and an impromptu call-off took place between John Jensen, Bailey, and Eric Soehren. Jim Godwin won despite his lack of membership in the contest. Since Jim cheated, Mark retained the crown.

Day three of the meeting was composed of submitted research talks and the audience was thrilled by the diversity of research and conservation efforts in the state. Some of the talks included Thane Wibbels’ report of the past, present, and future of Alabama terrapins, Chris Thawley’s interesting report on niche modeling in non-native frogs, Samantha Collin’s report on canebrake reproduction, and Bill Sutton’s reports on post-fire effects in the Bankhead National Forest, among many other excellent talks. Check out the meeting program for abstracts of all the presentations.

After closing words from Sean, we enjoyed another terrific lunch from the Dixon Center and a group photo. Sadness over leaving was tempered by the hope of good things to come, a renewed sense of purpose, and the prospect of returning next year to be together again and see what we found in our dipnets since we last met.

Now What?

2009-11-09T14:55:00.003-06:00

It was greatly encouraging this weekend to see nearly 80 individuals interested in the conservation of Alabama's amphibians and reptiles converge on Andalusia for the inaugural meeting of ALAPARC. Over thirty presentations were delivered on everything from diamondback terrapin biology and conservation along the Alabama coast to the effects of forestry on wildlife assemblages in Bankhead National Forest to the quest to document the status of any remaining hellbenders in the streams along the northern border of the state. It was great to learn about all the different efforts that have are currently underway and inspiring to see so many people working to conserve Alabama's herps.

The challenge is now to harness and sustain the enthusiasm on display this weekend to further advance Alabama amphibian and reptile conservation. Check out our website to learn about our initiatives and consider forming one yourself. Let us know how you would like to get involved.

We hope to see you next year.

Photo courtesy of Jonathan Cole

Inaugural Meeting Starts Tomorrow

2009-11-05T17:43:00.002-06:00

Hi all,

Response to our meeting has been great; we now have over 70 people planning to attend. Individuals from Auburn University, Alabama A&M, the University of South Alabama, Jacksonville State University, the University of Alabama, the University of Alabama-Birmingham, the University of Georgia, the University of Florida, the University of Southern Mississippi, the Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries, the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the Alabama Natural Heritage Program, Alabama Reptile Rescue Sanctuary, and the United States Geological Survey-among other organizations and institutions-will deliver some of over thirty scheduled presentations about research, conservation, and education/outreach efforts concerning Alabama’s amphibians and reptiles.

Missed out on our registration deadline? You can still register at the door (although it's too late for private lodging and meals). Send us an e-mail at AlabamaPARC@gmail.com to let us know your plan.

Hope to see you all this weekend.

Check Out Our Gear

2009-10-26T09:19:00.002-05:00

Want to look stylish for our upcoming meeting or just want to show support for our organization? Check out the ALAPARC products offered here, including shirts, coffee mugs, and tote bags. Want us to offer more products? Let us know.

LAST DAY TO REGISTER-Updated Registrant list provided

2009-10-15T08:09:00.009-05:00

As of Friday morning (10/16), there are over 60 registrants. What a great turnout for our inaugural meeting! We look forward to meeting with you all in person this November. Missed the deadline? You can still register without lodging and meals, check out our registration website here.

Missed the deadline but still want lodging and registration? Send us an e-mail at AlabamaPARC@gmail.com...at this point we can make no guarantees but we will do what we can to make sure everyone that wants to be here, is here.

Alvin Atlas
Amanda Steen
Andrew Coleman
Ashley Peters
Becky Pearce
Beth Stevenson
Brett Macek
Chris Edmondson
Chris Jenkins
Christina Romagosa
Christoph Thawley
Clay Hilton
Craig Guyer
Dan Self
David Nelson
David Steen
Debbie Folkerts
Dirk Stevenson
Eric Soehren
George Cline
Heidi Cantrell
James Godwin
James McHugh
Jennifer Deitloff
Jennifer Linehan
Jimmy Stiles
Jo Lewis
Jodie Smithem
Joel Borden
John Jensen
Joshua Ennen
Karan Bailey
Kathy Shelton
Kayla Bieser
Keith Tassin
Ken Marion
Kenneth Dodd
Kristin Bakkegard
Kyle Barrett
Laura Underhill
Leslie Rissler
Linda Weir
Margaret Gunzburger
Mark Bailey
Mark Sasser
Matthew Aresco
Megan Gibbons
Michelle Baragona
Molly Folkerts
Nicholas Sharp
Nick Bieser
Roger Clay
Samantha Collins
Sean Graham
Sharon Hermann
Sierra Stiles
Stephen Glasgow
Sydney Chapin
Thane Wibbels
Toni Bruner
Walter Smith

Amphibian and reptile fact sheets now online

2009-10-13T20:23:00.003-05:00

Through a partnership with Alabama DCNR's "Outdoor Alabama," ALAPARC now has amphibian and reptile fact sheets online for each Alabama species (some species info is in progress and will be posted as it is developed). Huge props to Dave and Laura Laurencio for getting things linked up and for being awesome web gurus, in general.

Let us know what you think. Are the fact sheets too technical? Just right? Terrible? Feel free to give us your input on what works, what errors we've overlooked, and what needs improvement.

Want to Come to our Meeting?

2009-10-12T12:42:00.004-05:00

Then you need to register by Friday. Our agenda is complete and available here and follow the instructions here to register. Don't miss out on this opportunity to attend our inaugural meeting.

Registration Going Fast

2009-10-05T10:56:00.003-05:00

We have almost two weeks before our registration deadline and we're already at about 25% capacity for our meeting facility. This is great news as it indicates considerable interest in our new chapter; however, it also suggests that if you want to ensure a space, you should register soon (especially for any presenters that haven't yet registered!) by following the instructions on this page. Do it today.

UAB Researcher's Turtle Work Featured in The Birmingham News

2009-09-21T21:24:00.003-05:00

As co-chair of ALAPARC, it's been gratifying to see plans develop for our November meeting and I'm looking forward to hearing about all the amphibian and reptile conservation and research that's going on in our state.

Today I came across an article (also here) describing Dr. Thane Wibbels' (along with Andy Coleman and Dr. Ken Marion) efforts to conserve the diamondback terrapin at the University of Alabama-Birmingham.

I'm excited to note that this team will be at our meeting to discuss their research. Register now to ensure a space.

Dave Steen
ALAPARC Co-Chair

Meeting Presentations

2009-09-20T19:21:00.003-05:00

Friday, September 18th was the abstract submission deadline for our November inaugural meeting and we've been overwhelmed by the positive response. Over the coming days and weeks we'll be working on our preliminary agenda and hope to have it complete by the registration deadline of October 15th (Register Here). Want to present something but missed the deadline? Send us an e-mail at AlabamaPARC@gmail.com; we can't guarantee that we'll be able to fit you in this year but it's worth a shot.

Also, we can accommodate more posters. If you'd like to present a poster this November, send us an abstract and we'll see what we can do.

One Day Left

2009-09-17T09:00:00.002-05:00

Hi all,

If you haven't already submitted your abstract, you've got one day remaining to send it in to AlabamaPARC@gmail.com. Remember, we encourage abstracts from all Alabamians involved in amphibian and reptile research, conservation, education, etc. We are also accepting abstracts for posters. We cannot guarantee you a space if we don't hear from you soon.

Abstract Submission Deadline-One Week Left

2009-09-11T15:52:00.002-05:00

Our November meeting is steadily approaching and there's only one week left for abstract submissions. We've been pleased by the number of abstracts we've received so far but we want more! Let us know what you've been up to in Alabama amphibian and reptile research and conservation. We welcome abstracts from state agencies, graduate students, professionals, amateurs, academics, you name it. Submit your abstracts by 9/18 so we can create our preliminary agenda soon.

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Website Relaunched

2009-09-05T09:18:00.002-05:00

We invite everyone to check out our website now that it has been relaunched with additional information and features. Thanks to David and Laura Laurencio for their work.

Calling All 'Bama Environmental Educators

2009-08-17T20:57:00.002-05:00

As part of a collaborative partnership with Legacy Partners in Environmental Education and the University of Alabama, ALAPARC is actively looking for partners for the Alabama Amphibian Network, a statewide citizen science/outreach project. In a nutshell, we're looking for environmental education centers willing to participate in the network by having coverboard arrays and treefrog shelters installed at each center. These are tools used by practicing herpetologists to sample amphibians and will be free for use in amphibian education programs (for a detailed description of the equipment and a similar project, go here). In addition to the coverboards and shelters, we'll provide each center with valuable curriculum materials discussing basic amphibian biology, ecology, and evolution. All we ask in turn is that each EE partner keep a record of animals found during educational programs and report them to the network quarterly. All of these materials and their installation, of course, will be provided completely free of charge.

This project is aimed at two goals: 1.) increasing amphibian outreach and education for all demographic groups across the state, and 2.) gaining a better understanding of amphibian distributions and population trends in Alabama. As an EE center, you get a valuable education tool, and we, as researchers, get valuable data on Alabama's amphibians. Our partners to date include: Camp McDowell Environmental Center, Little River Canyon/JSU Field Schools, and Turtle Point Science Center. We'd love to get as many centers as we can signed on!

If you're interested or have any questions whatsoever, feel free to email Wally Smith at whsmith1@crimson.ua.edu

Website Manager and Newsletter Editor Positions Filled

2009-08-12T17:23:00.004-05:00

Everyone should welcome David and Laura Laurencio of Auburn University to the Alabama Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation team. Both have extensive experience finding and researching herps from the southeastern U.S. through Central America. David and Laura have taken the reins of our website and our newsletter. We look forward to upcoming updates to our website which promise a wealth of new material and information. The newsletter will also be a useful means of disseminating information to our membership, which is growing daily.

Thanks are due to Mark and Karan Bailey for getting the ball rolling on the website and configuring it to accept our meeting registration.

Abstracts Rolling In

2009-08-04T13:20:00.003-05:00

Hi all,

As we noted in a previous post, we've already issued a call for abstracts for our inaugural meeting and they are rolling in. We only have a limited amount of space for submitted talks and we are confirming them more or less as they arrive, so submit yours soon. We may encourage you to present a poster depending on how our agenda develops. Send your abstracts to AlabamaPARC@gmail.com. Looking forward to hearing from you and seeing your presentation this fall.

Bill Sutton Joins ALAPARC as Secretary

2009-07-27T21:00:00.003-05:00

The Alabama Chapter of Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation is pleased to announce that Bill Sutton has signed on to serve as our Secretary. Bill is a Ph.D. student at Alabama A&M and is researching how amphibians and reptiles respond to pine-hardwood forest management. Bill brings extensive experience to his new post, as he also serves as Secretary for Southeast PARC. We are looking forward to working with Bill as he helps keep track of all our ongoing efforts, meetings, and initiatives.
Welcome Bill.

ALAPARC Call for Abstracts for Inaugural Meeting

2009-07-22T17:20:00.006-05:00

We are planning our inaugural meeting on November 6-8, 2009 at the Solon Dixon Forestry Education Center near Andalusia, Alabama. We will feature a lineup of distinguished speakers to discuss how individuals may facilitate effective conservation in different capacities. To date, confirmed speakers for this event include Whit Gibbons, John Jensen, Craig Guyer, and Matt Aresco. Additional speakers, including Jim Godwin, Jim McHugh, Chris Jenkins and Mark Bailey, will introduce current conservation efforts in Alabama.

Our inaugural meeting will feature presentations (oral and poster) describing research, education, and conservation efforts in the state. We welcome abstracts for consideration; send them to AlabamaPARC@gmail.com. Presentations will be confirmed for the meeting as space allows.

We want to know what you've been up to in Alabama! Submit your abstracts soon.

Press Release...Released!

2009-07-16T12:05:00.002-05:00

Today is a big day, we disseminated the press release announcing the formation of our chapter as well as inaugural meeting and registration information. We are excited to see how the coming weeks develop.

We will busy in the weeks and months leading up to our meeting. Hopefully more individuals will contact us about getting involved in Alabama Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation.

About Our Logo

2009-07-15T11:40:00.005-05:00

ALAPARC's new logo was created by Nathan Burkett-Cadena. Nathan is currently a Ph.D. candidate at Auburn University studying mosquito ecology and a freelance artist in his spare time. Nathan graciously and enthusiastically agreed to design a logo for our organization and we are proud to display the outcome.

The silhouette is that of an Alabama map turtle, Graptemys pulchra. A rare species known primarily from Alabama rivers, this animal is an especially relevant representation for our organization and our goals.

Thanks to Nathan for his exceptional artwork and the time spent to give ALAPARC a professional and aesthetically pleasing logo.

Member Profile: Mark Bailey

2009-07-14T14:23:00.005-05:00

Mark Bailey has been integral to ALAPARC since its inception and has been involved in all aspects of our progress from meeting coordination to website creation and launch. We have been unable to come up with a title that accurately encompasses his contributions so for now he is "only" a member of our steering committee.

Senior Biologist at Conservation Southeast, for nearly ten years Mark was Terrestrial Zoologist for The Nature Conservancy’s Alabama Natural Heritage Program and was lead author on the recently published PARC Habitat Management Guidelines for Amphibians and Reptiles of the Southeast. Mark was subcontracted to assist in development of Alabama’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy, chaired the Herpetology subcommittee of Alabama’s Second Nongame Wildlife Conference, and co-authored two of the resulting publications. Mark has written multiple Habitat Conservation Plans (HCPs) and frequently works with the Alabama Forest Resources Center on large conservation easement projects. Mark is the immediate past president of the Alabama Chapter of The Wildlife Society and serves on the board of directors of the Alabama Wildlife Federation.

Clearly ALAPARC is fortunate to have an Alabama wildlife veteran like Mark Bailey working to further our amphibian and reptile conservation goals.

State and Federal Agency Liaison Position Filled

2009-07-13T13:02:00.004-05:00

ALAPARC is proud to announce that Jim Godwin has recently accepted a position with our organization as State and Federal Agency Liaison. Jim is a zoologist with the Alabama Natural Heritage Program and has vast experience conducting amphibian and reptile research in the state. With unmatched wit and charisma, Jim has fostered relationships with numerous state and federal agencies relevant to wildlife conservation in Alabama. These relationships will be put to use by ALAPARC in furthering our goals.

Welcome Jim.

ALAPARC Website: Webmaster Needed

2009-07-11T09:17:00.005-05:00

As of this morning, the brand new ALAPARC website is up (http://alaparc.org). It's pretty much bare bones without graphics and not much to look at just yet, but it's a start. We hope to have PayPal set up soon so that meeting registration can be handled through the site.

Is anybody out there proficient in web design and willing to take the reins with this site? Now's your opportunity to step up. Contact me at mbailey@alaparc.org.

Education and Outreach Committee Needed

2009-07-10T10:52:00.007-05:00

Hey everybody,

As Steen said, I'll be heading up the first education/outreach efforts for the group. I'm hoping that the chapter can serve as both a catalyst for new ideas and approaches and be a forum for enhancing collaboration between groups with existing education programs in Alabama.

Those are all good buzz words that sound great on paper, but turning them into something tangible is going to take a dedicated group of folks coming together to foster new ideas. As the chapter begins to form, I'm looking for a group of 5 to 6 folks to potentially serve on an education and outreach committee. Specifically, I'm looking for people with an interest in translating hard science into something easily digestible for the public, as well as anyone who may already have connections or be willing to connect with groups outside of science. If you're interested at all, feel free to shoot me an email at whsmith1@crimson.ua.edu.

Wally

Education/Outreach Position Created

2009-07-09T16:47:00.006-05:00

We are excited to announce that Wally Smith has agreed to help our chapter find effective methods of using outreach/education to further our amphibian and reptile conservation goals.

Wally is a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Alabama, researching interactions between ecological variables, forest management and diversity of amphibians and reptiles within Talladega National Forest.

Welcome aboard Wally.

Treasurer Position Filled

2009-07-07T14:45:00.004-05:00

We are proud to announce that Karan Bailey has agreed to serve as ALAPARC's Treasurer. Karan brings with her years of experience serving as Southeast PARC's Treasurer and has worked on amphibian and reptile conservation in Alabama for years as project manager and biologist with Conservation Southeast, Inc.

We are still eager to recruit more individuals to our team, please let us know how you would like to become involved.

A New Chapter

2009-07-01T18:04:00.003-05:00

Hi all,

Our chapter is developing quickly and we will soon make the formal announcement regarding our formation and our inaugural meeting this fall at the Solon Dixon Forestry Education Center. Stay tuned for details.

We currently have initiatives planned to address the status and distribution of the hellbender in Alabama as well as efforts to determine how chytrid fungus may be influencing amphibian populations in the state. We hope to update you on the progress of these initiatives and hear your ideas for more this fall.

As our chapter solidifies, we have identified the need for additional officers. We seek enthusiastic and self-motivated individuals to become either Secretary, Treasurer, or Newsletter Editor. Contact us at AlabamaPARC@gmail.com if you are interested.

David Steen
ALAPARC Co-chair