Laboratory Petz

Tokay geckos (Gekko gecko) are nocturnal arboreal geckos native to parts of Asia and some Pacific islands. Its natural habitat would be trees and cliffs in rainforest, but it is known to frequently inhabit both rural and urban areas, eating insects attracted to the electrical lights. Tokays are often very visually appealing, but infamously feisty, and not for the faint of heart. Estimates place this species as the third largest known gecko, with adults averaging 10 to 12 inches in length. These geckos are also known to be significantly vocal, with their common name being derived from an onomatopoeia of their call (their calls sound similar to “toh-kay”). In some parts of their native range, the species is threatened with extinction. Luckily, this species breeds readily under human care to support the growing interest in keeping them as pets.
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The photograph used in this post shows a tokay gecko (Gekko gecko). The photo was taken by Peter Jones, and shared under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic (CC BY-ND 2.0) license. The image was altered for use in this post: it was cropped to fit a supported aspect ratio.
View license information here: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/2.0/

The broad-tailed day gecko (Phelsuma laticauda), or gold dust day gecko, like many of the Madagascan day geckos, is a brightly colored and visually striking arboreal species. As implied by the term “day gecko,” these are diurnal lizards. In the wild, these geckos are known to feed on a variety of invertebrates, fruit, pollen, nectar, and sometimes other lizards. Adults typically reach about four to five inches in length. These geckos are moderately popular as pets, while having somewhat demanding care requirements, and being too delicate for handling, but are known to live for up to 15 years with the proper care. Gold dust day geckos can also be aggressively territorial.
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The photograph used in this post shows a gold dust day gecko (Phelsuma laticauda). The photo, titled “Stickyfeets,” was taken by Minette Layne-Worthey, and shared under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC 2.0) license. The image was not altered for use in this post. View license information here: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.0/

Midwestexpos.com
The Expo Source

Midwest Expos  Expert Experience. It is the defining factor that separates us from our competitors. How do you guarantee a great experience? You go with a time tested team with proven results. 

NARBC: North American Reptile Breeders Conference Tinley Park

For many h**petoculturists and animal lovers, it does not get any better than Tinley! Social media is filled with pre-show chatter. Thousands of reptile enthusiasts from across the globe will be flooding into Chicagoland where NARBC has been doing it right since 2001. USARK appreciates the continued support from Bob, Brian, Kristin, and the NARBC crew.

Do not forget about the USARK benefit auction Saturday night following the show. Thank you to all donors, bidders, volunteers, and supporters who make these events possible. USARK would not be here to watch out and fight for the h**p community without you. We will have loads of donations... LOADS OF DONATIONS!

From NARBC: "The auction is our way of supporting USARK. It's a great time for getting together after the show Saturday night with friends from all over the world. If you don't know who USARK is, you need to find out. The night includes an auction with 100% of the proceeds going to USARK. We ask that everyone attending give something for the auction. Your help will be returned to you as USARK fights for our rights to own and sell h**ps."

The auction has both live and silent portions so there are opportunities for everyone. Show attendees can come and hang out with the vendors while enjoying the always amusing antics performed by Brian Potter.

Show Schedule: March 18-19

Friday: Setup and VIP only
Saturday: 10:00-5:00 (VIP at 7:30 AM)
Auction: 6:00 PM Saturday in the show convention center (room opens at 5:30 for preview)
Sunday: 11:00-4:00 (VIP at 10:00 AM)

Location:
Tinley Park Convention Center
18451 Convention Center Drive
Tinley Park, IL 60477

More information at https://www.narbc.com/.

AUCTION NOTE: There will be adult-oriented language and shenanigans at the auction. While everyone is welcome, parents should be advised if bringing children. There will be appetizers and a cash bar. You must buy tickets at the auction door for admittance.

Photo: various corn snake morphs © Bill Love

UPDATE 3/1: HB3695 has been placed on the hearing agendas on both March 7 and March 9. Now is the time to voice your opposition by submitting a “Witness Slip.” Do so at both links below (slip for March 7 and slip for March 9).

1. Click here: https://my.ilga.gov/WitnessSlip/Create/148952?committeeHearingId=19839&LegislationId=148952&LegislationDocumentId=185522&GridCurrentCommittees-page=7
2. Fill out Section I.
3. Section II can be skipped unless representing a group or organization.
4. In Section III, select “Opponent.”
5. In Section IV select either “Written Statement Filed” (if you 6. sent a letter or email) or “Record of Appearance Only.”
6. Click the “I Agree” box and then click “Create(Slip)” in the lower right.
7. Repeat this process at https://my.ilga.gov/WitnessSlip/Create/148952?committeeHearingId=19895&LegislationId=148952&LegislationDocumentId=185522&CommitteeHearings-page=1&_=1677861470547&GridCurrentCommittees-page=7.
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ALERT: Illinois Animal Program Ban

Read below or click here for easier reading: https://usark.org/23_il/
NOTE: Some text/formatting will not display properly on Facebook.

Very basic summary:

1. Ban on any animal species non-native to the U.S. being transported and then viewed by any audience;
2. the only exemption applies to programs in which the animal is not transported at a “non-mobile, permanent institution, or other facility;”
3. violation penalty is up to a year in jail and $2,500 fine (Class A misdemeanor);
4. This bill amends the current law (720 ILCS 5/48-11) which only applies to elephants but would include ALL non-native species and those of a “foreign character” if it passes.

Illinois House Bill 3695 (HB3695) is a broad-sweeping ban on educational animal outreach and other programs with any animal species not native to the United States. This bill amends the current law that forbids using elephants in such acts. Any program with these animals that "amuses, entertains, or benefits an audience" will be banned. Animal rights and pseudo-animal welfare groups will again feed the legislators false propaganda and misinformation, so we must do our job to educate legislators properly.

This bill bans much more than lions jumping through rings of fire. It is a ban on taking a Greek tortoise into a classroom for an educational program about reptiles. It is a ban on taking a ball python, a red-eyed tree frog, a parakeet, and a hedgehog into a library for an educational show discussing the differences between reptiles, amphibians, birds, and mammals. It is a ban on llamas and any other non-traditional livestock at the State Fair or county 4-H fairs. Basically, if an animal non-native to Illinois is placed into a vehicle and taken to any location where someone will see it, other than a veterinarian in a private room, then it would become an illegal activity, and you are a criminal. You could receive a year in jail and a $2,500 fine for taking a leopard gecko into your child’s classroom for a presentation.

Similar animal performance and traveling animal act bans are being proposed across the country at both the local and state levels. Full disclosure is never provided by proponents as to the consequences. Typically these are pitched to legislators as a way to end any animal abuse that may be occurring at small circuses and roadside animal shows. Animal welfare laws already exist to address any issues of cruelty or neglect, and these superfluous animal rights bills are pointless acts and schemes so that animal rights groups can continue to feed their industry, and incrementally remove animals from our lives. Current laws should be enforced without the continued unnecessary and repetitive legislation proposals which do nothing more than waste taxpayer money and legislator time.

While some legislators and supporters will claim that the examples we provide are not the intent of the law, legislative intent does not matter after a bill passes into law. When it is law, law enforcement officers must enforce the law and not the "intent."Additionally, in this bill "performance" is so broadly and vaguely defined that it can include any type of program.

In this bill, "exotic animal" means: any animal that is native to a foreign country or of foreign origin or character, is not native to the United States, or was introduced from abroad.

HB3695 was introduced again by Representative Camille Y. Lilly and was assigned to the Judiciary - Criminal Committee on February 28. It has been introduced in previous sessions.

Full bill details at https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=3695&GAID=17&DocTypeID=HB&LegID=148952&SessionID=112&SpecSess=&Session=&GA=103.

Sample Messaging
(Three sample letters and also Talking Points)

Voice your opposition and educate legislators now!
TAKE ACTION by doing one or, preferably, all of the below.
Remember to be civil and professional at all times.

Send emails to Representatives’ offices
Be sure to fill out the witness slip and choose “Opponent” (the link will be posted IF this bill gets a hearing);
Fax letters to Representatives’ offices;
Mail letters to Representatives’ offices;
Make phone calls to Representatives’ offices.
Email Subject Line: NO to HB3695

Sample Letters/Emails
Please edit and personalize the sample letters

Email list: [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]

Committee website with full contact details for members:

Sample Letter 1

Dear Judiciary – Criminal Committee Members,

You must stop House Bill 3695, an act to ban all exotic animals in “traveling animal acts.” As an Illinois resident and dedicated advocate for animal welfare, I am informing you that this bill is bad government policy and it is bad for the people and animals in Illinois. While similar legislation is being introduced across the U.S., this bill is not the same. It goes far beyond others and demonizes legitimate animal educators whose programs could easily be seen as a “traveling animal act.”

I am a fierce advocate of responsible animal ownership. It is unreasonable to punish those engaging in conscientious animal husbandry and outreach with such a misguided attempt to crack down upon those who are negligent. This bill is redundant, and a waste of Illinois taxpayers’ money.

Allow me to emphasize three of the major problems with HB3695:

1. The overreach and unintended consequences are immense! The definition of “performance” would ban educational talks with a Greek tortoise at a school or library, for example.
2. This would be just another unnecessary and superfluous law! Illinois already has animal welfare laws, including the expansive Humane Care for Animals Act (510 ILCS 70).
3. Regarding reptiles and amphibians, the Illinois Herptiles-Herps Act (510 ILCS 68) specifically regulates the transportation and public display of h**ptiles (reptiles and amphibians).

Please take heed and be cognizant of the unintended consequences of this bill. HB3695 infringes on the rights and freedoms of responsible animal owners who provide education regarding their animals to thousands of Illinois residents annually. Now those citizens could face up to one year in prison and a $2,500 fine for activities that educate and enhance their communities.

Such educational animal outreach events allow children to actually see animals in person. There are many ways to learn about animals, but seeing them in person leads to much greater appreciation, and fuels the desire to learn and conserve animals and their habitats. This is an important benefit that is not cruel to the animals involved.

Do not lump the credible services provided by educators into the same category as acts of animal cruelty. The flagrance of this bill is staggering. Who would imagine that taking a tortoise, parrot, ferret, or any other non-native animal to a school for an educational seminar would be a crime? You will be making criminals out of people who just want to share their understanding of, and joy in their animals.

Please contact stakeholders and actual experts (not the phonies working for those who support this bill) for any factual information regarding reptiles and amphibians, as well as other exotic animals.

Thank you for your time and consideration on this matter. Hopefully, you will do what is right for Illinois, the animals, and responsible animal owners and educators by stopping HB3695 before it gets going. NO to HB3695! Have a good day.

Sincerely,

[YOUR NAME HERE]

Sample Letter 2

Dear Judiciary – Criminal Committee Members,

As a dedicated advocate for animal welfare, I implore you to stop House Bill 3695. Illinois already has extensive animal welfare and anti-cruelty laws. Enforce those current laws! Please realize that this bill is redundant, and a waste of Illinois taxpayers’ money.

Among other overreaching measures, this bill bans many educational outreach programs before students and Scout troops. Those who would travel with their animals to teach school children about tortoises and exotic birds will be made into criminals!

The fact is that this legislation is unnecessary. HB3695 would be just another unnecessary law! Punish the “bad actors” and the criminals. No new law is needed to protect animals, nor does the current Traveling Animal Act need to be amended.

Thank you for your time and consideration on this matter. Hopefully, you will do what is right for Illinois, the animals, and responsible animal educators by stopping HB3889! Have a good day.

Sincerely,

[YOUR NAME HERE]

Talking Points

1. Illinois already has animal welfare laws, including the expansive Humane Care for Animals Act (510 ILCS 70). Enforce those laws!
2. If someone is irresponsible with an animal in Illinois, he can be punished under existing laws.
3. Regarding reptiles and amphibians, the Illinois Herptiles-Herps Act (510 ILCS 68) specifically regulates the transportation and public display of these animals.
4. This bill would make illegal the hundreds of beneficial, educational outreach programs performed each year by responsible animal keepers.
5. The definitions used in this bill turn upstanding citizens into criminals.
6. The very programs that set forth the paths for tomorrow’s conservationists, veterinarians, and biologists will be banned!
7. It is unreasonable to punish those conducting responsible education programs as a misguided attempt to crack down upon those performing animal cruelty.
8. Books and videos are great, but actually seeing animals leads to much greater appreciation and fuels the desire to learn, and to conserve animals and their habitats.
9. Prohibitions such as this proposed ban demonstrate an irrational approach over common sense.
10. Collective punishment (punishment of everyone due to the actions of one or a few) is never a good government practice.
11. This bill is yet another solution in search of a problem.
12. This will be nothing but another superfluous and selectively enforced law that will punish responsible citizens while criminals will go unpunished.
13. The bill will yield scores of unintended consequences.
14. Why would someone who educates a classroom about reptiles or brings a hedgehog to a Scout troop meeting be expected to know about this law? Even worse, such a person will be a criminal!
__________________________________________________________________________________________

House Bill 3695 Text (NOTE: This will not display properly on Facebook.)

Read below or athttps://www.ilga.gov/legislation/103/HB/PDF/10300HB3695lv.pdf

Introduced by Rep. Camille Y. Lilly
SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:

Amends the Criminal Code of 2012. Provides that a person commits unlawful use of an exotic animal in a traveling animal act when he or she knowingly allows for the participation of an exotic animal (rather than an elephant) in a traveling animal act. Provides that the offense is a Class A misdemeanor. Defines "exotic animal".

1 AN ACT concerning criminal law.
2 Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois,
3 represented in the General Assembly:

4 Section 5. The Criminal Code of 2012 is amended by
5 changing Section 48-11 as follows:

6 (720 ILCS 5/48-11)
7 Sec. 48-11. Unlawful use of an exotic animal elephant in a
8 traveling animal act.

9 (a) Definitions. As used in this Section:
10 “Exotic animal” means any animal that is native to a
11 foreign country or of foreign origin or character, is not
12 native to the United States, or was introduced from abroad
13 including, but not limited to, lions, tigers, leopards,
14 elephants, camels, antelope, anteaters, kangaroos, and water
15 buffalo and species of foreign domestic cattle, such as
16 Ankole, Gayal, and Yak or a wild animal.

17 “Mobile or traveling animal housing facility” means a
18 transporting vehicle such as a truck, trailer, or railway car
19 used to transport or house animals while traveling to an
20 exhibition or other performance.

21 “Performance” means an exhibition, public showing,
22 presentation, display, exposition, fair, animal act, circus,
23 ride, trade show, petting zoo, carnival, parade, race, or
1 other similar undertaking in which animals are required to
2 perform tricks, give rides, or participate as accompaniments
3 for entertainment, amusement, or benefit of a live audience.

4 “Traveling animal act” means any performance of animals
5 where animals are transported to, from, or between locations
6 for the purpose of a performance in a mobile or traveling
7 animal housing facility.

Here's a prehensile-tailed skink (Corucia zebrata) checking all the t-shirt orders. Keep those memberships a-coming and we will keep the shirts a-rolling!
Become a member today.
https://usark.org/memberships/

Email FWC Commissioners!

Legal captive breeding of Diamondback terrapins in Florida would supply the trade with captive bred animals, which would discourage illegal collection.

Commercial breeding and farming programs have helped numerous vulnerable reptile species including sea turtles, Madagascan tortoise species, and many crocodilian species.

Terrapins are bred successfully in many states and are available to meet domestic demand. Current production of captive-bred terrapins is not substantial enough to fully meet international demand, but the capacity to do so exists.

Florida's turtle farms produce at least one million captive bred turtles annually. No animals need to be
collected from the wild for breeding programs.

Bans on the captive breeding of turtles do not have conservation benefits supported by scientific studies. The availability of captive born offspring to supply markets has reduced poaching in other reptile species.

A prohibition approach has already helped to create a black market leading to Florida turtles being the most lucrative turtles to poach.

Morphs (color mutations) like albinos should be allowed. Crested geckos, ball pythons, and corn snakes are examples of species in which selective captive breeding of morphs has produced animals that sell for far more than wild-type colorations, making interest in wild collected animals nearly obsolete.

Let your voice be heard!
Email your comments to FWC Commissioners and Staff and copy us so we have a record:
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]

Breeding of terrapins, Injury/Escape rule, and listing of the Striped Newt are on the agenda for the FWC Commission Meeting next week. Attend and sign up to speak!

Nov 30-Dec 1, 2022
Bluegreen’s Bayside Resort
4144 Jan Cooley Drive
Panama City, FL

https://myfwc.com/about/commission/commission-meetings/november-2022/

"Many teachers are turning to classroom pets as they seek ways to provide social and emotional support for their students. The Pets in the Classroom grant program, which provides funding to teachers to purchase and maintain classroom pets, issued over 15,500 grants to teachers during the first two months of the program being open for the 2022-23 school year, Aug. 1 through Sept. 30."

"Through a survey conducted this spring by the Pets in the Classroom grant program, teachers across the U.S. and Canada shared valuable insight into the multitude of ways that students are benefiting from interacting with pets in an educational setting:

• 98% of teachers saw an increase in empathy and compassion, thanks to a classroom pet.

• 98% of teachers saw an increase in student responsibility.

• 96% of teachers saw an increase in social skills.

• 95% of teachers saw some decrease in anxiety among students.

• 94% of teachers surveyed saw an improvement in students’ self-esteem.

• 90% saw a decrease in necessary student disciplinary measures.

• 86% of teachers saw an improvement in attendance due to their classroom pet."

See full article here:
https://www.escalontimes.com/209-living/classroom-pets-provide-social-emotional-support-students/




**ps

From USARK FL: USARK FL Supports the Captive Breeding of Diamondback Terrapins

The Diamondback terrapin is a unique species of turtle that inhabits Florida’s salt marshes and mangrove swamps. Due to their beauty and personable nature, people all over the world like to keep terrapins as pets. The high demand for terrapins in Asia, especially China, has driven illegal wild collection to dangerous and potentially unsustainable levels. USARK FL (United States Association of Reptile Keepers Florida) has proposed a program to FWC (Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission) to allow the legal captive breeding of terrapins in Florida to supply the trade with captive bred animals, which it believes would discourage illegal collection of wild terrapins. That proposal may be seen here:https://www.usarkfl.net/resources/Documents/A%20Proposal%20for%20the%20Captive%20Breeding%20of%20Diamondback%20Terrapins.pdf

The remarkable recovery of the American alligator through farming efforts has proven that captive breeding of reptiles can be effective in reducing poaching by supplying the market with captive-produced products. Brendan J. Moyle of Massey University documents this occurrence in Conservation that’s more than skin-deep: Alligator farming here:
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/257538487_Conservation_that's_more_than_skin-deep_Alligator_farming

National Geographic reported that after the Colombian government permitted a captive breeding program of Poison dart frogs to supply the international pet trade, the price of the most highly-demanded species fell from $150 to $35, thus making it economically impractical for illegal traffickers to risk collecting and smuggling them.
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/article/poison-dart-frogs-breeding-colombia-wildlife

The BBC recently reported that scientists at the University of Durham in the UK have advocated for captive breeding and commercialization as a strategy to recover songbird populations which have been impacted by over collection for the Asian pet trade.
https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-62918776 =From%20%251%24s&aoh=16633863476153&csi=0&referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com&share=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bbc.com%2Fnews%2Fscience-environment-62918776

Dr. Whit Gibbons of University of Georgia supports the captive breeding proposal for Diamondback terrapins. “The availability of captive-bred animals removes pressure on wild populations,” said Gibbons. He added, “USFWS (United States Fish and Wildlife Service) has given a positive statement about alligator snappers being raised in captivity.”

Gibbons refers to a recent USFWS document proposing the Federal listing of the Alligator Snapping turtle, which states: “The service recognizes that turtle farming can alleviate harvest of wild stock and provides a means to serve international markets without affecting wild populations in the future.”

The examples of other species of animals where captive breeding has been implemented as a solution to reduce pressure on wild populations are encouraging. Diamondback terrapins mature quickly and breed easily in captivity. They produce many offspring, ensuring that breeders would be able to impact markets fairly quickly.

“Florida’s turtle breeders are some of the best in the world and would have the ability to produce many thousands of captive bred terrapins within a few years if allowed to do so,” said USARK FL spokesperson Daniel Parker, who is also a conservation biologist and turtle breeder. “This program should be regulated to ensure that any turtles sold can be verified as captive bred offspring and that adult breeder animals are not replaced with wild caught animals,” added Parker.

Threats to wild Diamondback terrapins include habitat destruction, sea level rise, mortality from drowning in crab traps, road mortality, predation, and poaching. Florida’s turtle breeders can help address at least one of those threats. USARK FL supports a program allowing for captive breeding of terrapins and the sale of captive bred offspring. The result would be the availability of a captive bred alternative to poached wild caught animals in the market.

Portia Sapp, the Aquaculture Director for FDACS (Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services) said that her department is willing to administrate a terrapin breeding program, as they already do with other turtle farmers, so the program would not require FWC to incur additional administrative costs.

The captive breeding of Diamondback terrapins will be discussed at the next FWC Commission meeting on September 28, 2022. Concerned citizens may give public comments at the meeting or comment online. See this link for more information:
https://myfwc.com/about/commission/commission-meetings/september-2022/

Photo: Ornate diamondback terrapin in Hernando County, FL © Daniel Parker

USARK Newsletter from 9/21/22: Read Below or at https://mailchi.mp/usark/2022_20

NARBC Texas, GA & USARK FL alerts, + fundraisers: McVeigh family, HCI, & Gladys Porter Zoo

NARBC: North American Reptile Breeders Conference Arlington, TX

The biggest reptile show in Texas is this weekend! This show just keeps growing and this will be a great show (as always). There will tons to see and if it is h**p-related, it will be at this show. All regional h**p keepers should be headed to the Dallas area this weekend. Vendors come from across the U.S. and this show draws attendees from many states.

Do not forget about the USARK benefit auction Saturday night following the show. Included in this auction, along with LOTS of other items, is a custom donation from Lone Star Reptiles. We will just say that it has Texas written all over it. Well, actually, it has USARK and NARBC all over it and you will just have to attend the auction to see it. Thank you, Lone Star Reptiles, and all other donors!

The auction has both live and silent portions so there are opportunities for everyone. Show attendees can come and hang out with the vendors while enjoying the always amusing antics performed by Brian Potter.

USARK appreciates the continued support from Bob, Brian, and the NARBC crew.

Show Schedule:

Saturday, Sept. 24: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Benefit Auction (Sheraton hotel): Auction preview (room opens) at 5:30. The auction will start at 6:00.
The auction is FREE and open to everyone.
Sunday, Sept. 25: 11:00 am – 4:00 pm

Show location:
Arlington Convention Center
1200 Ballpark Way
Arlington, TX 76011
(The auction will be at the Sheraton hotel next door to the show.)

More information at https://www.narbc.com/.

AUCTION NOTE: There will be adult-oriented language and shenanigans at the auction. While everyone is welcome, parents should be advised if bringing children. There will be free appetizers and a cash bar.

From NARBC: "The auction is our way of supporting USARK. It's a great time for getting together after the show Saturday night with friends from all over the world. If you don't know who USARK is, you need to find out. The night includes an auction with 100% of the proceeds going to USARK. We ask that everyone attending give something for the auction. Your help will be returned to you as USARK fights for our rights to own and sell h**ps."

ALERT: Georgia

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources has proposed bans on certain animal species, including some reptiles. You can read the full alert at https://usark.org/22georgia/. Reptile species on the list include Argentine black and white tegus, Burmese pythons, Indian pythons, and others. The list can be found at the alert link.

Comments must be submitted by 5:00 EST on September 30, 2022 via:

Email submitted to [email protected];
telephone (706-557-3223);
the Wildlife Resources Division website;
written statements mailed to the attention of Brett Albanese at:
Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Division
2067 U.S. Highway 278, S.E. Social Circle, Georgia 30025

The Board of Natural Resources will consider adoption of these proposals and any comments received during the public comment process at its meeting at 9:00 a.m. on October 25, 2022 at Fort McAllister State Park, Group Shelter, 3894 Fort McAllister Road, Richmond Hill, Georgia 31324.

USARK FL: FWC Commission Meeting

From USARK FL: USARK FL has presented a Proposal for the Captive Breeding of Diamondback Terrapins to FWC. On Day 1 of the upcoming FWC Meeting, FWC staff and a "guest expert" will be discussing the captive breeding of Diamondback Terrapins. Members of the public may comment.

See the agenda here: https://myfwc.com/about/commission/commission-meetings/september-2022/

FWC Commission Meeting
Hilton Miami Dadeland
9100 North Kendall Dr
Miami, FL
September 28-29, 2022 8:30am

For too long, Florida's reptile breeders have been deprived of the opportunity to economically benefit from this native, non-invasive turtle species.

Bans on the captive breeding of turtles as recommended by law enforcement officials do not have conservation benefits supported by scientific studies.

The availability of captive-born offspring to supply markets has been shown to reduce poaching in other reptile species.

Florida breeders want the opportunity to work with legally acquired captive-bred terrapins, not wild-caught terrapins. They are not asking to work with "wild animals" or "wildlife."

FWC already has a permitting system for captive terrapins that requires detailed photos for identification purposes.

FDACS division of Aquaculture has been very supportive of our proposal and has told us that they can administrate the program so there will be no additional cost to FWC.

Governments and organizations all over the world are embracing captive breeding as a conservation solution.

The government of Colombia has endorsed a captive breeding program for Dart frogs to supply to market with captive-bred animals as an alternative to wild-caught.

Farming and commercialization of many crocodilian species have been recognized by the IUCN crocodilian specialist group as being essential to conservation efforts.

McVeigh Fundraiser

"Ryan traveled from the Chicago area to south Texas to make a business call at Gladys Porter Zoo. While driving in the middle of Texas nowhere, he had a bad accident in his 2020 Dodge. Fortunately, Ryan and his passenger are ok. Unfortunately, due to a communication issue, the auto he thought was insured - was not. After recently starting his own business, sustaining this damage to his uninsured, financed vehicle is a setback that could devastate his business and his family."

View the fundraiser at https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-get-ryan-mcveigh-home.

Herpetological Conservation International Fundraiser

As you all know HCI is a grassroots reptile and amphibian conservation organization with several projects around the world funded by a mix of gracious donors, members, and our fundraisers like T-shirts and the annual auction. Over the past two years, we took an auction hiatus due to the pandemic, but it's coming back! That means we need donations of art, books, and collectibles.

Art Auction Details:
Submission Deadline November 12th
Auction dates: November 13-19th

All we need from you by the deadline is a photo of the work, your name, website, and the best email address to contact you. If the item is shipping internationally, please indicate it as such. Send all submissions via DM to the HCI page. Thank you all for being the support that makes HCI possible.

HCI page: https://www.facebook.com/h**pconservation/

Gladys Porter Zoo Raffle for a new Jeep Wrangler

Gladys Porter Zoo is celebrating its 51st year in 2022! And to make it extra special, we are excited to announce that Boggus Tipton is donating a 2022 Jeep Wrangler to be raffled as part of our annual Zoofari fundraiser. Tickets are now on sale for $100 and can be purchased at the Zoo office, at gpz.org, or from a Valley Zoological Society board member. Tickets will be available for purchase online at gpz.org until 11:59 p.m. on Friday, October 7, 2022.

Get full details at https://gpz.org/wrangler/.

Find A Vet

Need a good h**p veterinarian? The Association of Reptilian and Amphibian Veterinarians (ARAV) can help. ARAV provides a free Find-A-Vet service at http://arav.site-ym.com/search/custom.asp?id=3661.

Photo: Dendrobates tinctorius 'Azureus' | Blue Poison Dart Frog © Lawrence Lee Photography