NEWS RELEASE
The Center for North American Herpetology
Lawrence, Kansas
http://www.cnah.org
24 February 2009

Title: Biological Science Technician
US Geological Survey, Western Ecological Research Center, San Diego Field Station

http://www.werc.usgs.gov/

Locations: San Diego, California and Irvine, California
Five full-time, temporary positions (1 Irvine & 4 San Diego)
GS-0404-5/7

DESCRIPTION: This is a unique opportunity to conduct research on amphibians, reptiles,
fish, small mammals, and terrestrial invertebrates in southern California.

The technician will be a part of a science team conducting research on amphibians, turtles, reptiles, fish, small mammals, and terrestrial invertebrate species within National Forests, State Parks, Reserves, and US Military Lands in southern California. Data collection is for the purpose of understanding diversity, population densities, growth rates, temporal activity patterns, exotic invasions, genetic relationships at the community and species level, and the conservation of endangered species.

Field work includes conducting biological wildlife surveys using various methods such as visual surveys, pitfall trapping, seining, minnow traps, and Sherman traps. The technician will identify, catch, measure, and mark animals, as well as collect water quality and environmental data. Previous field experience or general knowledge of amphibians, turtles, reptiles, small mammals, fish, and terrestrial invertebrate species of southern California is highly recommended.

The field work is often conducted in densely vegetated terrain under adverse environmental conditions (extreme temperatures, rain, and poison oak.) The position sometimes requires long hours in the field working days and nights, hiking, and carrying heavy equipment. Some overnight travel may be necessary. A current valid driver’s license is required, as driving 4WD vehicles is often necessary.

Deadline is 27 February 2009. Please apply for the position through the website at:

http://www.usajobs.gov

and search under position numbers:

Biological Science Technician (Wildlife)
GS-0404-5/7
Temp/Full Time
WR-2009-0227 (San Diego)
WR-2009-0226 (Irvine)

For more information contact:

Adam Backlin
US Geological Survey, San Diego Field Station
4727 Portola Parkway, Bldg C
Irvine, CA 92620
(714) 508-4702
abacklin@usgs.gov

NEWS RELEASE
The Center for North American Herpetology
Lawrence, Kansas
http://www.cnah.org
24 February 2009

Title: Hellbender Research Technician
Agency: Purdue University
Location: Corydon, Indiana

Update: This position is now filled!

Job Description: Two technicians are needed from May through mid-November 2009.

Technicians will assist with field surveys for Hellbenders (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis) in southern Indiana as well as in other states (e.g., North Carolina, Virginia, and Pennsylvania). Tasks will include, but are not limited to: 1) surveying, 2) restraining and handling hellbenders, 3) radio-tracking, 4) collecting and analyzing water quality and hematology data, 5) sampling for aquatic macro-invertebrates and crayfish, and 6) data-entry. Surveys will involve rock-flipping and snorkeling in shallow water to locate adult and larval Hellbenders. Radio-tracking will be conducted from a kayak, canoe, or on foot.

Applications will be accepted through 31 March 2009, but positions will be filled as suitable applicants are found. To apply submit a cover letter and resume with at least two references via email to Shem Unger (see below).

Qualifications: Applicants should be able to work well both alone and in groups in varying
conditions. Applicants must be physically fit, able to swim, and capable of lifting at least 50 lbs because many days will consist of long periods of time lifting large rocks in the river. A valid driver’s license is required. Prior experience in the field is not necessary, but experience using GPS, collecting and organizing data, and kayaking/canoeing is preferred.

Housing: A 29-foot trailer and an additional pop-up trailer will be provided at O’Bannon Woods State Park. Restroom facilities (including shower) will be provided by the park. During travel periods, a pop-up trailer will be provided, but successful applicants will be responsible for their own subsistence.

Purdue University is an equal access/equal opportunity/affirmative action employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce.

Salary: $9.00/hour

Last Date to Apply: Open until filled.

This position is now filled!

• Seeking volunteers to help SAVE THE FROGS! http://savethefrogs.com No experience required, just motivation. #
• Major site upgrade to the SAVE THE FROGS! website: Recent additions and news now listed on homepage: http://savethefrogs.com #
• 1st Annual Frog Poetry Contest: http://savethefrogs.com/poetry CASH PRIZES
  tell your friends http://tinyurl.com/frogpoetry #
• This week’s SAVE THE FROGS! Newsletter is now available: http://tinyurl.com/dxosl6 #
• The 1st Annual Frog Art Contest is officially underway! http://tinyurl.com/bvlfvn
  Please start uploading you Frog Art! CASH PRIZES #
• Please join the SAVE THE FROGS! Facebook Group: http://tinyurl.com/froggroup We need 200,000 members before Save The Frogs Day: April28,2009 #
• Added a del.icio.us icon to the bottom of all http://savethefrogs.com pages so please go bookmark a couple of them! #
• Testing upload software for the 1st Annual Frog Art Contest… http://tinyurl.com/bvlfvn #
• Finalizing the UK launch of SAVE THE FROGS!
  http://savethefrogs.co.uk #
• SAVE THE FROGS!http://savethefrogs.com Check it out today! ♫ http://blip.fm/~2b3a2 #
• I will be giving a free public lecture on the amphibian extinction crisis April 5th, at the Museum of Boston: http://savethefrogs.com/events #
• Added a SEEKING VOLUNTEERS flyer to the http://savethefrogs.com ‘Spread The Word’ page: http://savethefrogs.com/spread-the-word #
• The FrogBlog just got a cool new banner: http://www.savethefrogs.com/frogblog #
• Setting dates for a tour of Oregon late March lecturing on the amphibian extinction crisis: http://savethefrogs.com/events #
• Free Frogs of Australia poster, today only, when you get an organic cotton SAVE THE FROGS! t-shirt: savethefrogs.com/frog-store msg me after #
• Save The Frogs Day – April 28th New flyer at http://savethefrogs.com/spread-the-word Print it, Post it at school or work… #
• Job Opening: Amphibian Research – Northeastern USA – http://tinyurl.com/bax9mo #
• Job Opening – Salamander Research in Georgia and Florida: http://tinyurl.com/bzg7ae #
• I will be lecturing on amphibian extinctions at the New England Herpetological Society in Boston April 5th: http://savethefrogs.com/events #
• Uploaded entry forms for the 1st Annual Frog Poetry Contest: http://www.savethefrogs.com/poetry CASH PRIZES #
• Uploaded entry forms for the 1st Annual Frog Art Contest:
  http://tinyurl.com/aeen69 CASH PRIZES #

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Sea Shepherd News
http://www.seashepherd.org

Friday, February 20, 2009
Australian Federal Police Seize Whale War Videos
The Sea Shepherd Conservation Society ship Steve Irwin arrived in Hobart, Tasmania at 1700 Hours on February 20th. The ship was met at dockside by a party of Federal Australian Police officers who boarded the Steve Irwin with a warrant.

The warrant authorized the seizing of “all edited and raw video footage, all edited and raw audio recordings, all still photographs, producer’s notes, interview transcripts, production meeting minutes, post production meeting minutes as well as the ship’s log books, global positioning system records, automatic radar plotting aid, purchase records, receipts, financial transaction records, voyage information and navigational plotted charts.”

The Animal Planet series Whale Wars was very embarrassing to the Japanese government and the Japanese whaling industry in 2008. Japan does not wish to see the airing of the second season of Whale Wars and is putting as much diplomatic pressure on Australia as they possibly can to prevent further exposure of their illegal whaling operations in the Southern Ocean.

“I wish that the Australian government would apply the same “diplomatic” pressure on Japan to end their illegal whaling operations,” said Captain Paul Watson. “The Rudd government was elected on a promise to take the Japanese whaling industry to court for their illegal whaling activities. Now they seem to be more interested in taking Sea Shepherd to court for our efforts to intervene against illegal whaling operations.”

Captain Paul Watson said he would welcome a trial.

“We have to start somewhere so it may as well be by taking me to court. Let us get the evidence on the table and although a trial against Sea Shepherd and myself may not allow the introduction of evidence about Japan’s illegal whaling operations, it at least will give us the forum to present our evidence. Let’s see the Australian government bring the Japanese whale killers to Australia to bear witness against Sea Shepherd and Animal Planet and let’s see them appear as witnesses for the government of Australia that professes to be against whaling.”

“It’s a very one-sided affair,” continued Captain Watson. “The Japanese ships have not been boarded by the Australian Federal Police; they have not had their video and navigational data confiscated. They have not been questioned nor will they be, yet they violently attacked my ship and crew in the Southern Ocean. Does the law only go to bat for those who destroy nature’s creation? Are we about to see the ultimate kangaroo court where Sea Shepherd will be legally crucified because the Australian government has not lived up to their promise of taking the whale killers to court? The truth is that we would not have to be in the Southern Ocean defending the whales if the governments of the world would simply enforce the international conservation treaties they once so proudly signed into law. Without enforcement there is no law – just ecological anarchy.”

Captain Watson said he had no complaints about the Australian Federal Police.

“They were very professional and polite and they were doing their job in carrying out the orders of the government.”

“We have quite the year ahead of us,” continued Captain Watson. “We need to repair damages to the Steve Irwin, we need to secure a second and faster vessel, and we need to be prepared to return to the Southern Ocean again at the end of the year to defend whales. If need be we will be in court to answer to charges of defending endangered whales in the Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary and to this we proudly plead guilty.”

NEWS RELEASE
The Center for North American Herpetology
Lawrence, Kansas
http://www.cnah.org
20 February 2009

NORTH CAROLINA HERPETOFAUNAL FIELD TRIP

The 2009 Spring meeting of the North Carolina Herpetological Society will be held Saturday, April 25 at Morrow Mountain State Park. Morrow Mountain is in the Uwharrie Region of North Carolina, about 45 miles east of Charlotte. The Uwharrie Mountains are among the oldest mountains in North America, having formed about 500 million years ago. This region also harbors an interesting mixture of Mountain, Piedmont, and Coastal Plain flora and fauna because of its geology, topography, and location.

In addition to the meeting on Saturday, field trips on Friday and Sunday will be organized as “herp-blitzes” of nearby public and private lands to increase our knowledge of local amphibian, turtle, and reptile distribution and abundance. Additional meeting details will be sent out soon.

We are soliciting presentations from anyone interested in sharing information about research, conservation, education, or related topics about NC’s herpetofauna, especially topics about Uwharrie Region herps. Talks should be about 20-30 minutes long.

If you are interested in speaking, please send an email to me with your ideas.

Jeff Humphries
Piedmont Wildlife Diversity Biologist
North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission
404 Barclay Rd.
Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27516
Work (cell): 919-928-4071
Home (cell): 919-428-8724
jeff.humphries@earthlink.net

NEWS RELEASE
The Center for North American Herpetology
Lawrence, Kansas

http://www.cnah.org

18 February 2009

NEW BOOK

HERPETOLOGY (Second Edition)

by Laurie Vitt & Janalee Caldwell

The second edition has been thoroughly revised. The text has been reorganized, new chapters have been added, new text references have been inserted. All this plus new color systematics sections will maintain this book as the leading textbook on the biology of amphibians, turtles, reptiles, and crocodilians. The book will also showcase amphibians, turtles, reptiles, and crocodilians as model systems in conceptual areas of biology. Such a text will help integrate herpetology as a discipline into conceptually oriented undergraduate programs. The book should also appeal to a large audience of sophisticated lay people interested in amphibians, turtles, reptiles, and crocodilians.

Hardbound
720 pages
Publisher: Elsevier
Publication date: October 2008
ISBN 13: 978-0-12-374346-6
Price: $79.95

TO ORDER, Contact:

Elsevier
Customer Service Department
11830 Westline Industrial Drive
St. Louis, Missouri 63146
usbkinfo@elsevier.com?

US Customers:
Toll Free: 1 (800) 545-2522
Fax: 1 (800) 535-9935

Customers Outside US:
Toll Free: 1 (800) 460-3110?

1 (314) 453-7010
Fax: 1 (314) 453-7095

NEWS RELEASE
The Center for North American Herpetology
Lawrence, Kansas

http://www.cnah.org

17 February 2009

Job Announcement

BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE TECHNICIAN (AMPHIBIANS)
GS-0404-08 USGS
PATUXENT WILDLIFE RESEARCH CENTER

The USGS Amphibian Research and Monitoring Initiative Northeast program will be hiring a full time biological science technician to support research in amphibian populations in the northeastern United States.

This is a term position: to be filled for one year, renewable for up to three years. The technician will be a member of a science team conducting amphibian surveys at National Parks and National Wildlife Refuges in Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia (e.g. C&O Canal National Historic Park, Patuxent Research Refuge, Prince William Forest Park, Rock Creek Park, and Shenandoah National Park).

Field work involves identifying, catching, measuring, and marking amphibians, and collecting water quality and environmental data. The technician will be required to conduct field surveys using techniques including visual encounter surveys, dip netting, stream transect searches, temporary removal sampling, and conducting a mark-recapture study using visual implant elastomer. All fieldwork will be conducted as part of teams of 2-3
people, so a demonstrated ability and desire to work effectively with a group is imperative.

In addition, the technician provides support for the ARMI lead researcher by completing data processing (data entry and quality control). The technician creates summaries, and conducts preliminary analyses as directed by supervisory researchers. The technician also completes graphical presentations of field and laboratory data as needed for publication and other presentations. The position also requires database and website management.

Previous field experience with amphibians common in the northeastern US is highly recommended. The position requires the use of GPS units, digital cameras, and computer software for data entry and presentation (e.g. Microsoft Excel, Access). The successful applicant may also be asked to mark amphibians with injectable florescent elastomer.

Most of the work is outdoors, sometimes under harsh or hot conditions or in rain. The position requires good physical condition, as the job requires long hours in the field (including some night-time surveys) and hiking with up to 25 pounds of equipment. Some overnight travel may be required.

The position will be located at the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center in Laurel, Maryland, and will be advertised at the GS-08 level.

Please apply for the position through the:

usajobs.gov website

and search under position # ER-2009-0132.

For more information contact:

Evan Grant
USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center
12100 Beech Forest Road
Laurel, Maryland 20708-4038
ehgrant@usgs.gov (preferred)

NEWS RELEASE
The Center for North American Herpetology
Lawrence, Kansas
http://www.cnah.org
17 February 2009

Title: Herpetology Research Assistant
Organization: Archbold Biological Station (http://www.archbold-station.org/abs/
index.htm)
Locations: Clayton, Georgia and Lake Placid, Florida
One full-time, term (16 mo.) position

DESCRIPTION: This is a unique opportunity to conduct research on amphibians in the Blue
Ridge Mountains of north Georgia from March to September and herps of the Florida scrub from October to February.

The work in Georgia entails: 1) developing and implementing population monitoring protocols for stream and terrestrial salamanders, 2) assisting with ongoing disease surveillance of amphibians, and 3) involving partner organizations (e.g., Georgia Wildlife Federation, Zoo Atlanta) and volunteer citizen-scientists in some aspects of data collection. The project is funded through a State Wildlife Grant from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. The Research Assistant must be able to live at the relatively remote research site for both field seasons. The site is a privately owned, 130-acre conservation area in the Upper Tallulah River watershed, located approximately 20 miles from Clayton, Georgia.

While in Florida, the Herpetology Research Assistant will provide general support for the Herpetology and Restoration Ecology programs at Archbold. Duties will include assisting with population monitoring of gopher tortoises, surveys of amphibians in seasonal wetlands, collections management, and data entry and analysis.

Start date is negotiable (preferably by the end of March 2009).

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: A Bachelor’s degree in wildlife science, biology, or a related field and at least 1 year of experience conducting field-based herpetological research. Familiarity with standard herpetological survey and marking techniques, knowledge of basic statistics, and experience using GPS. In addition, the successful candidate will be highly self-motivated, able to manage multiple tasks with minimal supervision, and possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Preferred qualifications include a Master’s degree in a relevant field; experience with herpetofauna of the southeastern U.S., particularly the natural history and identification of plethodontid salamanders; and experience with mark-recapture methodology and data analysis (e.g., Program MARK).

Applicants must have their own vehicle and the successful candidate must be able to verify that s/he is authorized to work in the U.S.

SALARY: $11/hr plus full benefits. Housing will be provided at both locations (no pets).

LAST DATE TO APPLY: 23 FEBRUARY 2009

TO APPLY: Email a letter of interest and resumé with names, phone numbers, and email
addresses of three references to Dr. Betsie Rothermel, Archbold Biological Station (brothermel@archbold-station.org). Please indicate “Herp field assistant” in the subject line.

Archbold is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

Dramatic declines in neotropical salamander populations are an important part of the global amphibian crisis

by Sean M. Rovito, Gabriela Parra-Olea, Carlos R. Vasquez-Almaza, Theodore J. Papenfuss, and David B. Wake

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
www.pnas.orgcgidoi10.1073pnas.0813051106

We document major declines of many species of salamanders at several sites in Central America and Mexico, with emphasis on the San Marcos region of Guatemala, one of the best studied and most
diverse salamander communities in the Neotropics. Profound declines of several formerly abundant species, including 2 apparent extinctions, are revealed. Terrestrial microhabitat specialists at mid- to high elevations have declined more than microhabitat generalists. These terrestrial microhabitat specialists have largely
disappeared from multiple sites in western Guatemala, including in well-protected areas, suggesting that the phenomenon cannot be explained solely by localized habitat destruction. Major declines in
southern Mexican plethodontid salamanders occurred in the late 1970s to early 1980s, concurrent with or preceding many reported frog declines. The species in decline comprise several major evolutionary
lineages of tropical salamanders, underscoring that significant portions of the phylogenetic diversity of Neotropical salamanders are at risk. Our results highlight the urgent need to document and understand Neotropical salamander declines as part of the larger effort to conserve global amphibian diversity.

NEWS RELEASE
The Center for North American Herpetology
Lawrence, Kansas
http://www.cnah.org
14 February 2009

EMYDOIDEA EMPLOYMENT

Wildlife Biologist Intern
Temporary Position: Up to 6 months
Location: Grayslake, Illinois
Wage: $9.00 – 13.00/hr

The Wildlife Biologist Intern will be assisting with a Blanding’s Turtle research project throughout Lake County. Will aid in all aspects of data collection including, locating turtles via radio-telemetry and environmental conditions at each location (weather and soil parameters, water quality, canopy cover, dominant vegetation types, water levels, etc.).

Will be responsible for maintaining equipment including traps, nets, radio telemetry equipment, nest protection fencing, and remotely triggered digital cameras. Duties will also include assisting with head-starting efforts and predator surveys such as locating nests and eggs, transporting eggs to the head-start facility, documenting nest predation and conducting scent station surveys. May also assist with data entry.

EXPERIENCE: Two years of course work in biology, ecology or a related field with an
interest in herpetology. Familiarity with radio telemetry and turtle trapping is encouraged. Ability to swim and a strong comfort level around water is required. Ability to work in inclement weather conditions is required. Must posses a valid drivers license.

HOW TO APPLY AND APPLICATION DEADLINES: Interest in Forest Preserve employment can
be indicated by submitting a resume or completed Forest Preserve employment application. Applications are available at:

http://www.lcfpd.org

or

Lake County Forest Preserve District
Human Resources Department
2000 North Milwaukee Avenue
Libertyville, Illinois 60048
(847-367-6640).

LAKE COUNTY FOREST PRESERVE DISTRICT GENERAL INFORMATION: The Lake County
Forest Preserve District was created in 1958 and provides over 26,000-acres in a county-wide system of natural, cultural and recreational resources. Governed under Illinois law as a special purpose unit of government, the mission of the Forest Preserve District is to preserve a dynamic and unique system of diverse natural and cultural resources, and to develop innovative educational, recreational and cultural opportunities of regional value, while exercising environmental and fiscal responsibility.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: 7 MARCH 2009

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER

Gary Glowacki
Wildlife Biologist
Lake County Forest Preserves
32492 North Almond Road
Grayslake, Illinois 60030
Office (847) 968-3264
Fax (847) 968-5062
Cell (847) 276-1454
gglowacki@lcfpd.org