South Australian Herpetology Group

South Australian
Herpetology Group
Newsletter No. 147
Spring/Summer 2010
(Australian) Coral Snake (Brachyurophis australis)
Picture taken in Billiatt Conservation Park, November 2010, by Ian Williams
The SAHG…
Objectives of the group: The study, conservation and keeping of reptiles and amphibians.
These objectives are fulfilled through regular meetings, field trips, educational displays,
talks, special projects, and involvement with government and non-government conservation
groups.
Meetings: Second Tuesday of the month, 7:30pm, Royal Society Rooms (behind the State
Library near the Natural Science Division of the SA Museum). Non-members welcome.
Field trips: conducted approx twice per year. Information regarding upcoming trips available
at meetings. Non-members, people with any range of experience welcome. A good opportunity
to learn about & study reptiles in the field.
Membership: $35 adult; $30 student, junior/country; $40 family. Membership includes
subscription to the SAHG Newsletter, the journal Herpetofauna (2 issues per year) and
discounts at selected pet shops.
Newsletter: Published 4 times a year in March, June, Sept & Dec. Articles from members
and non-members welcomed. Articles, information, feedback, pictures, „wanted to buy/sell‟
etc all welcome & may be submitted by email or passed on at meetings to the editor.
All Correspondence: SAHG, c/- The South Australian Museum, North Terrace, Adelaide.
Committee for 2010 - 2011
Role
Name
Phone
Email address
President
Peter Matejcic
0400292311
pmatejci@bigpond.net.au
Secretary
Brian Burke
0438424560
dbur2510@bigpond.net.au
Treasurer
Peter Whitehead
0400777646
pwhitehead@mgiadelaide.com.au
Membership
Belinda Copland
0412212849
belindacopland@hotmail.com
Scientific
Zoe Bowen
0408850809
bowenz@rpsgroup.com.au
Meetings
Committee
0400292311
pmatejci@bigpond.net.au
Website
Cameron Watson
0404311389
camwatson89@gmail.com
Education
Peter Majoros
0437715892
reptilepete@adam.com.au
Librarian
Luke Eskau
0409694880
eskau@bigpond.com
Newsletter
Ian Williams
0427732058
iwillfam@bigpond.com
Fund Raising
Brian Burke
0438424560
dbur2510@bigpond.net.au
Raffle
Shawn Doyle
0433575279
colubridcapers@optusnet.com.au
Meeting beverages
Anne Thomas
82637254 (h)
General member
Daniel Hossack
0413303487
duncandhossack@bigpond.com
Paul Meegan
0423937475
pmeegan@adelaidecitycouncil.com.au
1
In this issue........
President‟s report
4
Obituary - Ted Mertens
6
Meetings report
7-10
Census of SA Vertebrates – herp maps
11
Willunga Almond Blossom Festival
13-14
From the scientists - snakebite
16-17
Blasts from the past
19
Keeper‟s Corner
20-21
Herp personality
23-24
For sale
25
Quiz
26
Financial statements
29-30
Name the reptile?
Cover picture
There is understandably a lot of attention given to our
potentially dangerous venomous elapid snakes, such as
the Eastern Brown Snake. However, amongst the
approx 100 or so elapids found in Australia (35 in
S.A.) there are some smaller, less frequently observed
snakes that are beautifully patterned and coloured.
The Coral Snake featured on the cover of this
Newsletter is an example of one such snake.
The (Australian) Coral Snake is classified into the
Genus
Brachyurophis, commonly referred to as
Shovel-nosed snakes, in reference to the wedgeshaped snout that assists the snakes to burrow
beneath leaf litter and soil where they spend much of
their lives. There are 7 species of Shovel-nosed
snakes described in Australia (3 in S.A.).
Although venomous, herp books state that these
snakes don‟t usually bite when handled and his was
certainly the case with the 2 coral snakes observed on
a recent SAHG field trip to Billiatt CP. The diet of
coral snakes is thought to be predominantly small
skinks and reptile eggs.
2
Editorial
I apologise for the late arrival of the Newsletter - been out lookin‟ for reptiles.
Exciting times again for herpers – spring & summer - our reptiles are out & about again. For both
keepers/breeders & those who venture out into the bush on field trips, it‟s a busy and interesting time.
Members have been out on several field trips
over the spring-time. On the October longweekend we undertook a reptile survey at the
relatively newly named Caroona Conservation
Park (that includes Tourilie Gorge), northeast of Burra. The weather was good &
included a mild evening with a few spots of
rain that brought out some interesting
reptiles. Some coastal survey work is also
being undertaken at Tennyson dunes and
nearby areas. Over a 2-day weekend in late
November a small group of members revisited Billiatt CP, north of Lameroo,
following up on our survey in April.
Southern Blind Snake (Ramphotyphlops bicolor) observed on a field
trip to Caroona Creek CP on October long weekend this year
An interesting list of reptiles resulted, including several Coral snakes (Brachyurophis australis) and a
Brown Ctenotus (Ctenotus brachyonyx).
After all of the rain over the last 6 months, especially up north, there will be plenty of food & cover
available for wildlife, including reptiles, so it should be a good breeding season. Can‟t wait to go bush
next Autumn to observe how reptile numbers have responded to the good conditions.
We have also conducted several successful public reptile displays, including the Willunga Almond
Blossom Festival in July and the Gawler Show in August.
A big thankyou to Jason from Reptile City for his sponsorship of the group. Jason has been an
extremely generous donor to the SAHG, in particular the raffle prizes our monthly meetings. These
prizes have included a number of pythons – how good is it to be able to have a chance to win a python
worth several hundred dollars for the cost of a 50 cent raffle ticket. So please support REPTILE
CITY with your future herp purchases.
Australia has a magnificent reptile fauna. The SAHG offers members great opportunities to get very
close to it. Being a member is rewarding - we learn heaps and have a lot of fun sharing experiences.
As this will be the last newsletter before Xmas, it is opportune to wish everyone all the best for the
festive season. Hope 2011 is a good year for you.
[PS - The reptile head pictured at top of page 2 is the Desert Skink (Liopholis inornata)
A-Z of herp terminology.........if you didn’t know
Display
Behavioural actions or activity undertaken by reptiles during courtship & mating
rituals, territorial advertisement, or in defence. Used for communication to other
reptiles or other animals. A classic defensive display is the sleepy lizard open
mouthed gape and blue-tongue that is familiar to all of us.
Distribution
The total geographic range of a reptile species or group of reptiles.
Diurnal
Active during daylight hours
3
President’s report
The SAHG remains a respected non-government organisation of community volunteers concerned about
environmental issues affecting South Australia and committed to field surveys involving the study of reptiles and
frogs. We support members and those making enquiries about the keeping needs of reptiles and frogs. Our
success as a group is due to our individual passions and our combined knowledge, which we are willing to share with
others.
As President I would like to say THANK YOU to the OUTGOING SAHG COMMITTEE MEMBERS; to Shaun
Thomas as past Secretary, and to Gavin Kluske now in Naracoorte with his family and new life away from Adelaide.
THANK YOU to the dedication and commitment by continuing SAHG Committee members;
Peter Whitehead for managing our finances.
Ian Williams for his skill in producing our Newsletter.
Zoe Bowen for keeping us on task and attending to the Scientific Permit requirements.
Peter Majoros for his organisation of displays and involvement in public talks.
Belinda Copland for her efforts to take on the challenges as our SAHG Membership Officer.
Cameron Watson for maintaining our website and assisting on displays.
Luke Eskau as librarian and active participation on displays.
Paul Meegan for his enthusiasm and contribution on field trips and committee meetings.
Shawn Doyle, Chris Fleming and Brian Burke for their time and efforts to fundraise and organise monthly raffles
each month, and to Brian for taking on the vacant Secretary‟s position later in the year
Anne Thomas for organising tea and coffee at our monthly meetings &, contribution assisting displays. and lastly
to Bernie Ryan for joining our SAHG Committee and his participation on recent SAHG activities.
A huge THANK YOU to Jason & REPTILE CITY as our main sponsor, for the significant contributions to our
fundraising and raffle prizes and the expertise he has provides to members needing advice and wanting to make
purchases; to Steve Giddings for organising food supplies regularly needed by members; to Mark Hutchinson,
Curator of Reptiles with SA Museum for mentoring and advising our group and individual members, identifying
herps and for providing accurate information and updates and to Carolyn Kovach at the SA Museum for also
assisting SAHG members. On behalf of the SAHG I would like to formally thank the Nature Conservation Society
who provided their conference rooms free of charge each month for us to hold Committee meetings.
In the last 12 months the SAHG committee has been operating more formally with minutes to manage behind the
scene events and issues. We developed a document titled Protocols for SAHG Field Surveys and Camping . This is
to maximise camping and field survey experiences for families, younger members and to provide further guidance
to leaders by outline roles and responsibilities. Thank you to Paul Meegan for initiating the document and to Zoe
Bowden for editing the final version.
THE FUTURE always contains its challenges, as a group like ours keeps changing. While the current SAHG
Committee has the experience and skill to meet the needs of our group, it is important to encourage new SAHG
members to participate on our committee. By developing a bigger picture, improving skills, gaining experiences, we
can support and nurture members to lead and with guidance take on responsibilities. We always encourage and
welcome members to contribute to Newsletter articles, document their herp experiences, to participate on
displays and assist leading surveys.
While it has been difficult with some committee members living further away to attend Committee meetings at
the NCSSA rooms on the second Tuesday each month, a decision was made for the Committee to trial 6pm
Committee meetings on the second Tuesday before our 7:30 meeting. This will require greater organisation behind
the scenes to attend to details before our meetings.
There is also the need for brief weekend walks and excursions getting to know local areas and to support other
community groups involved with environmental issues, without becoming overcommitted. Lastly a future review and
update our Old Constitution needs to occur. This should reflect changes within the SAHG, the needs of our
members and provide insight into our roles and responsibilities.
KEEP IN TOUCH and HAPPY HERPING.
Peter Matejcic (SAHG President July 2010)
4
Heard this one.................
This joke‟s been going around recently:
As I tell this story my bruised & black eye is hurting.
„Got my eldest son an iPhone for his birthday the other week,
And recently got my other son an iPod for his.
I was excited when the family got together and bought me an iPad for Father‟s Day,
...............................so I got my wife an iRon for her birthday
And that was when the fight started............................
5
January Members Meeting
Tuesday Jan 8th 2011
An evening walk in Black Hill Conservation Park
Meet at top of Addison Rd, Athelstone at 1800hours for 1830 start
Note – in January there will not be the usual meeting at the Museum Science Centre
More information: contact Peter Matejcic (home phone 82589875, mobile 0400292311, or
Ian Williams (home phone 82616070, mobile 0427732058)
The walk may be cancelled if weather is extremely hot & there are fire bans or park closure
Obituary
It is with great sadness that in June this year we
said farewell to one of South Australia‟s early
herpetology pioneers, Ted Mertens. Although Teds
life has been filled with other interests in recent
years, including the establishment and curation of a
War Museum at the Port Pirie RSL Club, for most of
Teds 62 years his heart and soul was devoted to
environmental awareness, with a strong lean
towards reptiles and in particular snakes.
Ted was catching venomous snakes by the time he
was six and after his return from serving in the
Vietnam War, he nurtured this passion by opening a
pet shop, „Fins, Feathers and Fangs‟, in Port Pirie,
with his wife Angela. This lead to dreams of
greater ventures that resulted in the establishment
of Bowman Park, a Reptile/Fauna park at Crystal
Brook. During these years Ted pushed the
conservation message through his reptile shows at
the Park, and other community events around the
State. He was well known as the „Snake Man of
Pt Pirie‟, and saved many an innocent creature in
backyards around the region. In his pursuit to raise awareness and funds for conservation Ted set a
world record for sitting in a pit with 50 venomous snakes for 72 hours and was also involved in
collecting venom to assist CSL in production of antivenom. He conducted TAFE environmental courses,
and in his unofficial role as a great mentor and teacher, wrote 7 childrens‟ books on snakes which were
circulated in 24-countries.
In the past Ted has shared his knowledge and enthusiasm with the SAHG membership and the older
members will remember his antics and the natural bond he held with the creatures we all love and
respect.
On behalf of the SAHG we pass on our respects and sympathy to his family, wife Angela, children
Justin and Nicole and daughter-in-law, Melissa.
Darren Niejalke & Helen Owens
6
Meetings report
June Meeting
About 40 members attended the June meeting. „Show & tells‟ were interesting with Gary Stokes
showing several of his small skink species, the Adelaide snake-eye (Morethia adelaidensis), Common
Snake-eye (Morethia boulengeri), & Spotted Slider (Lerista punctatovittata). Gary has written several
articles on keeping & breeding Morethia spp & one appears later in this newsletter. Jess brought in an
adult & a juvenile Central Bearded Dragon ( Pogona vitticeps). Guest speaker on this evening was the
well-known Mark Hutchinson, Senior researcher & Curator of Reptiles at SA Museum. Mark‟s topic for
the evening was „Herp Diversity News – A subtraction, some additions & more to come‟. He provided an
entertaining update on the recent taxonomic changes to some of our reptiles, including new species and
name changes. Several have already been described in earlier newsletters. Amongst his species topics
he spoke about the name changes to the stone gecko genera Diplodactylus & Lucasium, & the
description of new species including the Southern Sandplain Gecko ( Lucasium bungabinna) found in the
southern deserts of SA & WA.
He also
mentioned
that a
second
specimen of the recently described
Central
Ranges
Taipan
(Oxyuranus
temporalis) has possibly been found in
May near Ilkurlka Roadhouse on Anne
Beadell
Highway
in
Great
Victoria
Desert. The specimen identity is being
confirmed at WA Museum.
Pictured at right, Mark Hutchinson with
some „grape juice‟ presented to him after
his talk at June Meeting
July Meeting
This was the AGM & a new Committee was elected.
August Meeting
Another good attendance of 40 members. Unusually there were no „show & tells‟ at this meeting.
Our President, Peter Matejcic showed some
interesting pictures taken on a recent short walk
in Black Hill Conservation Park. An unusual find
under a rock was a Tawny Dragon (Ctenophorus
decresii) curled up in close contact with a Banjo
Frog (Limnodynastes dumerilii).
The second speaker, Ian Williams provided a
picture show of his July trip to the flooded
Cooper Creek in the far north of S.A. He spent 4
days camped near the temporary ferry crossing
on the Birdsville Track. Some of his pictures are
presented later on in the newsletter.
..............cont‟d next page
7
Meetings report
cont’d
September Meeting
32 people came along to the September meeting to hear several interesting presentations. For „show &
tells‟ Shaun Thomas displayed his 2 year old Tiger Snake ( Notechis scutatus) named Curious. We
always love to see elapids & they certainly „grab‟ the audience‟s attention.
Then long time member & past President Helen Owens, from the Science section of DENR, provided an
update on the revised herpetology section of the „Census of S.A. Vertebrates‟. This resource
comprises listings and distribution maps for all of the reptiles and amphibians found in S.A. It is a very
valuable resource for members to have access to, and Helen has kindly provided a written summary
that is presented later on in the newsletter.
The main speaker for the
evening
was
Mr
Nick
Crouch, a TAFE lecturer &
member of the Tennyson
Dunes Coast Care Group.
Nick
spoke
about
the
history of these 6000 year
old
dunes,
their
significance, some of flora
& fauna present, and most
importantly the threats to
the
Tennyson
including
feral
Dunes,
plants,
erosion & human activity.
Paul Meegan with September guset speaker, Nick Crouch
He also spoke about the rehabilitation work being undertaken by the Coast Care Group and protection
measures that are & will be needed if the dunes are to survive.
Laura & Shawn drawing the raffle at Sept meeting
Not normally shy
..............cont‟d next page
8
Meetings report
cont’d
October Meeting
Peter Matejcic spoke about a weekend visit to the Coorong National Park. He stayed at the Coorong
Wilderness Lodge on the banks of the lower Coorong Lakes on the 25 th & 26th September. The Coorong
Wilderness Lodge offers powered and un-powered camping sites suitable for caravans & tents, as well
as cabins for those desiring more comfort. He described his opportunistic walks along the exposed
limestone ledges, sand dune slopes, and wetland areas. The weekend included a visit to Parnka Point a
narrow opening, which separates the north Coorong lakes from the southern lakes. Parnka Point within
the Coorong National Park also offers bush camping. Herps encountered included: 3 Bougainville‟s
Skinks (Lerista bougainvillii), 6 Four-toed
Earless Skinks (Hemiergis peronii), 3 Inland
Bearded Dragons (Pogona vitticeps), an
adult Lined Worm-lizard (Aprasia striolata),
an adult Eastern Brown Snake (Pseudonaja
textilis), 7 live and 8 road-killed Sleepy
Lizards (Tiliqua rugosa) and 3 Southern
Grass Skinks (Pseudemoia entrecasteauxii),
photographed at right.
The second part of the meeting included
highlights and a summary of our October
long weekend field trip to Caroona Creek
Conservation Park. Photographs provided scenes of our group in action, reptile species recorded and
the five vegetation sites selected. The survey included opportunistic searches and spotlighting along
Caroona Creek, Tourilie Gorge, rocky ridges and areas of chenopod plain. A full report of the trip will
appear in a subsequent newsletter.
Sand Goanna (Varanus gouldii)
Eastern Brown Snake (Pseudonaja textilis)
Members & friends enjoying a break
Chris & son, Jake
........................cont‟d next page
9
Meetings report
cont’d
November Meeting
The 30 members who attended were entertained by some interesting „show & tell‟ wildlife, that
followed by presentations from several of our members.
As the pics (right) reveal,
Steve had his hands full
displaying his 2.4m Atherton
Tablelands
Jungle
Carpet
Python, named „Co‟.
Bradley (pictured below,far
right) showed us his Juvenile
Spotted
Python,
„Strike‟,
Gary
named
brought
in
several of his Morethia skink
collection,
including
some
hatchling M. adelaidensis
Occasionally members also bring in other animal besides reptiles, & at this meeting Chris & Shawn
showed us several very cute 3 month old squirrel gliders (Petarus norfolcensis).
The final presentation for the evening was given by Paul Meegan, one of our very experienced „fieldies‟.
Paul spoke about his July trip to Bellingen, which is approx 20km south-west of Coffs Harbour in NSW.
He showed pics from several of the local national parks, & although the weather was not the best for
herps, he still managed to locate & photograph a few herps. In addition to the herps pictured below, he
also observed and photographed an Eastern Small-eyed Snake (Cryptophis nigrescens) and some
interesting mammals.
Our
first
popular
speaker
member
&
was
Luke Eskau (picture near
right). Luke described
the orchids that he has
observed whilst out in
bush, including Hale CP.
He then showed us his
captive juvenile Frilled
Lizard both in picture &
reality.
Skink
pictured
near
right,
at
the
Southern Calyptotis
(Calyptotis
ruficauda)
Frog at far right is
Keferstein‟s
or
Bleating Tree Frog
(Litoria dentata)
10
Reptile & amphibian distribution maps
Updates to Herpetology Section of ‘Census of SA Vertebrates’ by Helen Owens, DENR
The “Census of South Australian Vertebrates” was first published in 1985 in hard copy form as “A list
of the Vertebrates of South Australia”. A second edition was published in 1990 and a third in 2000.
The 3rd edition was the first to include distribution maps for all species based on records from the
South Australian Museum and the Biological Database of South Australia (BDBSA). The Census
provides users with a complete listing of the current taxonomy, conservation status and distribution of
vertebrate species in South Australia
The 4th edition has taken on a new electronic (eBook) format, replacing the traditional hardcopy. This
will allow the information to be updated more regularly, incorporating taxonomic changes and new
discoveries. Of course there is still a need for a hardcopy, particularly for use in the field, so users
are encouraged to print of the chapters and updates from the internet as required.
The 4th edition was first released in 2009 via the internet with the updated Amphibian chapter.
A second update has just been completed which adds the Reptile taxonomy and distribution maps and
recent taxonomic revisions to the Amphibian chapter. The next update is planned for early 2011 and
should add Bird taxonomy and distribution maps and Mammal and Fish taxonomy.
The reptile and amphibian maps represent a collation of over 118 000 records. A high percentage of
these are verified by museum specimens, and all have been validated by vetting committees, resulting
in the production of very high quality species distribution maps. Major sources of data include the
South Australian Museum and the systematic field work of the Biological Survey of South Australia
carried out by the South Australian Department of Environment and Natural Resources, SA Museum
personnel and volunteers over the past 30 years. Thanks also to the SAHG members who have provided
feedback on draft maps and to everyone involved in field trips over the years that have collected
valuable data.
Western Blue-tongue pictured above with a copy
of its distribution map from the DENR „Census
of SA Vertebrates‟
The Census is available for download through the DENR website
http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/science/bio-discovery/census-vertebrates.html
11
Trip report
The Cooper’s in flood.........a few pics........by Ian Williams
Over the years I‟ve heard a lot of people talk about the flooding of the Cooper Creek. It was opportune to go and
see for myself. So in July this year my wife & packed the camper trailer & headed about 800 north of Adelaide to
where the Cooper had flooded the Birdsville Track. The pictures below show the massive amount of water that
had come down the Cooper as a result of heavy rains in SW Qld, and the single car ferry used to transport
vehicles across the flooded creek. Being July, herps were scarce but a couple were observed.
Flooded Birdsville Track
Water everywhere
A keen young herper had captured the gecko during his
travels
MV Tom Brennan – used years ago to cross the creek
Single car ferry in use permitting vehicles to cross flood
12
Reptile Exhibition
On Sunday 25th July members of the SAHG
provided a reptile display at the annual Willunga
Almond Blossom Festival. This year the weather
was fine & sunny and the public were out in large
numbers to attend both the Street Parade & Fair
Day.
And as usual our reptile display was very popular
with adults & especially children.
John Janssen & Education Officer, Peter Majoros
Thanks to Scott Dexter, Shawn Doyle, Chris
Fleming, John Janssen, Joy Marafiote, Peter
Matejcic, Shaun Thomas & Ian Williams for
bringing along reptiles, providing reptile handling
for
the
public,
and
answering
their
many
questions. In particular a big thanks to Jason
from Reptile City for providing the goanna display
(pictured
left)
and
to
Peter
Majoros
for
coordinating such a successful event.
Chris Fleming educating a group of interested kids
.....................cont‟d next page
13
Reptile Exhibition –
Willunga Almond Blossom Festival cont’d
Member‟s reptiles & amphibians on display
included:
Green Tree Frog (Litoria caerulea)
Central Bearded Dragons (Pogona vitticeps)
Cunningham‟s Skinks (Egernia cunninghami)
Eastern Water Skinks (Eulamprus quoyii)
Ridge-tailed Monitors (Varanus acanthurus)
Carpet Pythons - Bredl‟s, Coastal, Diamond,
Inland, Jungle
Eastern Tiger Snake (Notechis scutatus)
Eastern Brown Snake (Pseudonaja textilis)
Shaun Doyle with one of his carpet pythons
Shaun Thomas with some interested on-lookers
Scott Dexter and Sleepy Lizard
Joy Marafiote & her Green Tree Frog (right)
14
Interesting finds
A possible new species of tree frog found in Arkaroola Sanctuary & reported in The Advertiser in
June this year.
And from Tanya Milne:
My parents found this Red-bellied Black
Snake on the road near Back Valley. It was
dead and rigor-mortise had set in (they had
been past one and a half hours before and it
hadn‟t been there then, so had only been
dead max. 1.5hrs), no mark on it. No one else
lives on the road, so no-one put it there, and
it didn‟t appear to have been run over. It
looks like it had decided to slither through a
can ring-pull top, and I guess the way snakes
move meant that the ring-pull was forced
down its body before it died.
15
From the scientists
Snakebite
Snakebite causes many tens of thousands of injuries, permanent disabilities and deaths around the
world each year. A much greater public awareness is required to help address the problem.
To give readers more insight into this very significant public health challenge, some facts are
presented from a number of recent scientific papers highlighting the problem.
Here‟s some of the facts:
The information available on the incidence and consequences of snakebite is from most countries
only an estimate. Some developed countries have adequate and reliable statistics, but many
countries, especially poorer ones, do not have adequate reporting systems. With inadequate
statistics the problems resulting from snakebite are under-recognised leading to inadequate
funding for treatment. In poorer counties medical attention may not be available or even sought by
snakebite victims, but if available treatment is often ineffective because of the unavailability of
antivenom.
It is estimated that each year from 1.2 to 5.5 million people are bitten by snakes world-wide.
About 400,000 victims require amputation of a limb.
From 20,000 to 125,000 people die from snakebite each year.
The highest burden from snakebite occurs in South & SE Asia, sub-Saharan Africa and Central &
South America.
The snakes of greatest medical importance
include the Asian elapids (kraits & cobras),
Asian & African adders/vipers and American
pit-vipers. Whilst snakes such as the North
American
rattlesnakes
and
the
Australian
elapids are potentially very dangerous and
highly capable of causing fatality, injury and
death rates are low in comparison to the snakes
mentioned above due to factors such as
population density, geographic location (snakes
not in highly populated areas), agricultural
practices,
and
availability
of
high
quality
medical treatment for snakebite victims.
The lance-head pitviper, Bothrops asper, is responsible for
many cases of envenomation and death in its range from
southern Mexico through Central America to northern South
America.
Snakebite is most common in rural areas of poorer tropical countries, largely affecting agricultural
workers and their families where snakebite is a daily occurrence. Most bites are to the legs and
feet whilst working in fields, but also occur, for example at night when people are asleep on the
ground in their homes.
In our close neighbour PNG, up to about 30 people a year are reported to die from snakebite.
Actual incidence is higher due to under-reporting, especially from the more remote regions of the
country. The majority of serious bites are caused by the Papuan taipan (Oxyuranus scutellatus
canni) and death adders (Acanthophis spp).
..................cont‟d next page
16
From the scientists
cont’d
Snakebite
Despite having amongst the most venomous snakes in the world, in Australia there are of the order
of a thousand or so snakebites per year with only several fatalities. The low incidence is due to
population, geographic location, agricultural practices, good public education, first aid measures
and most importantly medical treatment. Antivenom is affordable and available when needed.
Recently, a group of medical and scientific professionals have recently launched „The Global
Snakebite Initiative‟. It is a project of the International Society of Toxinology, and several
Australians, including staff from the Australian Venom Research Unit in Melbourne & Prof. Julian
White from Womens & Childrens Hospital (& an ex SAHG member), are behind this initiative that
will hopefully help reduce the human suffering and death resulting from snakebite.
Amongst the aims of the Global Snakebite Initiative are to assist countries and communities where
snakebite is a major public health problem to:
-
improve reporting of snakebite and make it a notifiable disease so that accurate information is
available about incidence, injury & death from snakebite
-
improve community engagement and education about snakebite, including use of first aid
measures. Educate & develop measures to help prevent snakebite
-
improve medical management, education & training of medical & paramedical personnel
-
improve production of safe & effective antivenoms and to make them more available at more
affordable prices in poorer countries.
I think you will agree that the world-wide figures estimating injury and death resulting from snakebite
(described on the previous page) are staggering. In PNG the death rate from snakebite is somewhere
from 10-100 higher than in Australia. Let‟s hope the Global Snakebite Initiative, the WHO and other
organisations can help reduce injury and death resulting from snakebite.
References
Articles:
Cheng, A., Currie, B. (2004). Venomous snakebites word-wide with a focus on the Australia-Pacific
region: current management and controversies. Journal of Intensive Care Medicine, 19, 259-269.
Currie, B. (2000) Snakebite in tropical Australia, Papua New Guinea & Irian Jaya. Emergency Medicine,
12, 285-294.
Gutierrez, J., Williams, D., Fan H., Warrell, D. (2009) Snakebite envenoming from a global perspective:
towards an integrated approach. Toxicon, 54, 1-13
Warrell, D. (2010) Snake bite. The Lancet, 375, Jan 2, 77-88.
Williams, D. (2010) The Global Snake Bite Initiative: an antidote for snakebite. The Lancet, 375,
Jan 2, 89-91.
[eds note – if you can‟t access a copy of any of these references, please contact editor for a copy]
Websites:
Australian Venom Research Unit. www.avru.org
Global Snake Bite Initiative. www.snakebiteinitiative.org
Book:
O‟Shea, M. (2005). Venomous snakes of the world. New Holland publisher
17
Herp postage stamps
This time from Gary Stokes‟ collection of stamps, several from PNG and Solomon Islands ,featuring
reptiles of familiar genera.
We are all familiar with our Blue-tongued
Skinks, notably the prominent display of their
large flat blue tongues as a part of defensive
behaviour.
In Australia, we have 6 species of bluetongues in the Genus Tiliqua. But another
species exists in PNG & on some Indonesian
islands. T. gigas is variously known as the New
Guinea Blue-tongued Skink, the Indonesian
Blue-tongued Skink & other common names
depending on locality.
Like most our blue-tongues, T. gigas is
diurnal, viviparous and omnivorous.
Commonly called the Pacific or Mangrove Monitor,
Varanus indicus is found in Top End, Northern
Territory & top of Cape York Peninsula in Australia, in
some western islands of Indonesia, in PNG, Solomon
Islands & several other Pacific islands.
First described in 1802 as a single species it is now
recognised as a complex of species with at least 10
being described from the original.
The name „indicus‟ is evidently Latin for India , relating
to Indonesia or East Indies as the country was called
when the monitor was first described there.
This carnivororus lizard is well-adapted to its habitat
of mangroves, marshes and damp forests near coastal
rivers and areas. It is always found close to the
water‟s edge being semi-aquatic and a powerful
swimmer. Food largely comprises fish and crustaceans.
Recent work indicates that the Mangrove Monitors
found in Australia and up until recently described as a
single species is actually 3 species.
No need to say much about this well-known,
much photographed and written about,
beautifully coloured python. It is a very
valuable captive pet as you well know.
The Green Python‟s, current correct
scientific name is Morelia viridis rather than
its previous Genus name Chondropython (as
labelled on the postage stamp).
If you are interested in pythons, then the
book Boas & Pythons of the World by Mark
O‟Shea (New Holland Publishers) is highly
recommended with very readable text and
great photographs.
18
Blasts from the past
Here‟s some fun from herp newsletters of the 1990s:
From Newsletter 97, Winter 1997:
And a couple of cartoons from Newsletter 84, March 1994
And an extract from Newsletter 86, Spring 1994, describing the origins of the SAHG:
„THE HERPETOLOGY GROUP. This section of the Field Naturalists‟ Society came into being on the 3 rd
August 1971, after approval was given by the FNS Council. A small group of local interested
herpetologists decided to co-ordinate and establish communication between the ever increasing
numbers of reptile enthusiasts, and after preliminary enquires by Mr. H.F.W. Ehmann, a committee was
formed.........‟
There is one current member who was on the original SAHG committee way back in 1971. Do you know
his name? More about those early days in next newsletter.
19
Keepers Corner
Initial experiences keeping the Adelaide Snake-eye, Morethia adelaidensis
by Gary Stokes
The Genus Morethia comprises 8 species in Australia of which 4 are found in S.A. They are relatively
small skinks (SVL 45-55mm) that are diurnal and terrestrial in habit, oviparous (egg-laying) and have
well-developed limbs each with 5 digits. They are often observed basking on or moving amongst leaf
litter. The throats of breeding males of most Morethia species are a striking red-orange in colour,
although in M. adelaidensis the colouring occurs on the lower sides of the body.
In my article in the previous newsletter I described my experiences keeping and breeding the Common
Snake-eye (Morethia boulengeri). This time I can describe some initial experience and success keeping
the Adelaide Snake-eye (Morethia adelaidensis). This lizard is also named by some as the Saltbush
Snake-eye or the Samphire Skink
Pictured above, the Adelaide Snake-eye (Morethia adelaidensis)
Picture taken by Ian Williams at Bundey Station, near Burra, S.A.
in March 2008
I had been interested in keeping M. adelaidensis skinks for quite a while, but they have not been
available through captive sources. After having success with M. boulengeri recently (refer to
newsletter 146) I decided to contact Department Environment & Natural Resources (DENR) seeking to
collect some M. adelaidensis from the wild, with the intention of establishing the species in captivity,
to learn more about their behaviour, and with a longer term intention to possibly write a book on small
skink husbandry. DENR gave permission to collect 6 skinks from around the Pt Prime area. On the 26 th
April this year I was lucky enough to capture a pair. Subsequently on 3 rd June I captured 2 females, in
late August & late September several more males, giving me three pairs to establish in captivity and
hopefully to have success breeding.
I keep the lizards in a bank of „Ikea cages‟, as shown in newsletter 146. They are kept on red sand
substrate with approximately half the substrate covered with dried eucalypt leaf litter and the other
half covered with slate „tiles‟ and a concrete block for basking. Water is supplied in a small flat bowl
and a small plastic tub containing sphagnum moss is provided for egg-laying.
.......................cont‟d next page
20
Keeper’s Corner
cont’d
Lighting is supplied via a 13W UV light and heating via a 28W „basking‟ light.
These skinks have been absolutely delightful
to keep. They have adapted easily into
captivity and fed immediately after capture.
One pair was observed mating less than 24 hr
in captivity. The skinks could be hand fed
within a few days of capture. The skinks
readily
feed
on
small
crickets
and
cockroaches. They are capable of swallowing
food larger than their heads, with large prey
items appearing to me to be swallowed in a
goanna-like manner. Other behaviours also
remind me of goannas - their courtship
„dance‟, twitchy head movements and tongueflicking.
Cage set-up
Showing leaf litter and slate-tile basking & feeding areas
On 29th September one of the females laid 4 eggs in a sphagnum moss nest container. These were
transferred to a container having moist vermiculite. In early October the other females also laid eggs
but not in their sphagnum nest containers with a total of 9 dried out eggs discovered buried in the
sand in their cages. With some minor alterations to cage arrangements and access to the nest
containers, hopefully next time the females will lay eggs in the containers.
Captive M. adelaidensis basking
Eggs incubating on vermiculite
On the 29th October, 30 days after the 4 eggs were deposited in the nest container, all of the eggs
hatched successfully. Interestingly all hatchlings had orange tails, a phenomenon described for most
species of Morethia, but described by Greer in Biology & Evolution of Australian Lizards (1989) not to
occur for M. adelaidensis and M. obscura. The hatchlings were approx 20mm in length and all were
feeding on tiny crickets within several days. A week later all were still doing well.
In summary, so far my experiences keeping and breeding several species of Morethia have been
rewarding and successful, and have provided additional observations on them. As I write I have 9 eggs
of another Morethia sp. incubating. More information in the next newsletter. I am in the process of
acquiring some more local small skink species. I would encourage others to try them out also.
21
New Books
Geckos of Australia
by Friedrich Henkel
Published by Chimaira, 2010
160 pages
A4 sized, hard cover
$85
This book is essentially a picture „atlas‟, of the
geckos (including pygopods) found in Australia.
There is very little text apart from the
introduction which is in both English & German
languages. Each species has a distribution map.
With about 540 high-quality, good-sized
photographs, most being 88mm X 60mm & some
180mm X 140mm, it is a very useful book to
assist with the identification of our gecko fauna.
[Eds
note:
The distribution maps for
Diplodactylus furcosus & D calcicolus need to be
swapped around, this error occurring due to an
error in the original paper of Hutchinson et al,
2009 that describes the revision of the stone
geckos of southern Australia]
A Biological Survey of the Nantawarrina
Indigenous Protected Areas, S.A.
by Nick Neagle & Dave Armstrong
Published by Dept for Environment & Heritage,
SA Government, 2010
172 pages
Soft cover
ISBN 978-1-921800-00-9
This book publishes the results of a biological
survey of the Nantawarrina IPA conducted in
2009. Nantawarrina is located in the northern
Flinders Ranges approximately 500km north of
Adelaide. It covers an area of about 580 square
kilometres, was Australia‟s first declared
Indigenous Protected Area and is managed by
the Adnyamathanha people of the Nepabunna
Aboriginal Community.
The results complement those of 2 other
surveys in the Flinders Ranges conducted in the
1980s and 1990s. A useful book for those who
want to visit Nantawarrina or spend time
identifying flora & fauna in the Flinders Ranges.
Site CAL003 – area where juvenile
dragon was found.
22
Herp personality
Our herp personality for this newsletter is
Paul Meegan
Paul has been a long-time member & contributor to the herp
group, having joined in 1986.
He knows his stuff & if you‟ve been privileged to go herping
with him, you‟ll know how good he is at locating herps in the
bush.
Most girls reckon he‟s a darned attractive bloke, but he‟s
taken, so cool off. And if you get to spend some time with
Paul, you‟ll soon get to know what he‟s thinking!!!
Q.
What is your „star‟ sign?
A.
„Pisces‟ I‟ve got to say that I do have many of the
traits, but there is lots of room for interpretation....
Q.
What are your favourite reptiles?
A.
Snake - apart from Murray (The Muzz), my pet
Murray-Darling Carpet Python, they‟re all incredible.
Lizard - it‟s too hard, next......
Q.
Tell us about your work.
A.
I could tell you, but then I would have to kill you....
Mwahahahahaha!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Q.
Scariest experience with a reptile?
A.
Would probably have to say when I was about 10, I
chased a blue-tongue moving through the grass
stubble in a paddock up the Flinders. I grabbed its
tail, only to find out there was 1m brown at the other
end - which turned around, had a crack and missed
by a couple of cm. (Note to self - always make sure
you know what you are trying to catch!)
Q.
Favourite spot in the bush?
A.
Anywhere there are herps, especially where there
are endless rolling red dunes with spinifex and a clear
blue sky.
A.
Weet-bix with UHT milk - breakfast of champions, all
the sustenance needed for a solid day‟s herping,
There‟s nothing worse than herping when hungry!
A.
April,2004 - Chris Loughlin and I attacked by midges
at Rockleigh! 147 bites-wee wee‟s on my face, neck
and hair-line. Looked like I had chickenpox and
couldn‟t stop scratching for a week!
A.
Walking with V. giganteus (Perentie) on Todmordon
Station on the Bronze-Back Legless lizard trip in
2002, It was privilege to walk with such a grand
animal- an experience I will never forget.
A.
SEG (Scientific Expedition Group) trip at Glue-Pot
Station with the Peter and Nigel Matejcic & Chris
Loughlin. Spent the entire night spot-lighting in near
perfect conditions in superb herp country.
Q.
Q.
Q.
Q.
Favourite camping food?
Worst experience on a trip?
Best experience on a herp trip?
Most enjoyable field trip?
...............cont‟d next page
23
Herp personality
Q.
cont’d
Favourite food at home?
A.
Mexicano
Q.
Favourite TV shows?
A.
NCIS but I don‟t like watching too much mindnumbing TV unless it‟s a doco, and I‟m learning
something from it.
Q.
Favourite music/band?
A.
Slayer!!! An acquired taste.
A.
Governments and corporations who place the $ before
the importance and value of the environment and our
precious ecosystems.
Q.
What annoys you most in life?
There have been many influential people over the years
WiWWildlife
Q.
personality most admired?
A.
but I think that David Attenborough is the pinnacle
personality that has showcased this planet‟s diversity
of wildlife to the world.
Q.
What reptiles would you most like
to see in the wild in the future?
As many as I can, you can - start at page 172 in
A.
all herps you can just start at the beginning............
As many as possible, we are the luckiest country in the
What location(s) would you most
Q.
like to visit to go herping in the
Cogger‟s Reptiles and Amphibians of Australia and for
A.
future
world with our herps and we have so many species to
see, but I think that the „Top End‟ would be an
experience.
I attended my first SAHG meeting in 1986 -, once you
Q.
Why did you join the herp group?
A.
have been bitten, you know you will be back and can
never leave......come on, you know it‟s true!!!!!!
A favourite picture of a reptile:
Nobbi Dragon, Diporiphora nobbi in Billiatt CP, earlier this year
24
For sale
Rats & mice
Contact:Steve Giddings
Phone (08) 8255 6238 (H) or 0401 864 836 (M)
Prefers to sell bulk packs of 5 or 10 frozen rodents. Also woodies available in 200 or
400 packs. Minimum orders $20
Rats
Mice
Ex-breeder
$5.00
$2.00
Adults
$4.00
$1.50
Medium
$2.50
-
Weaner
$2.00
$1.00
Velvet
$1.50
$0.70
Pinkies
$0.70
$0.50
Common Snake-eye Skinks (Morethia boulengeri)
Contact: Gary Stokes
Phone: 82610135 or email bron8261@hotmail.com
5-6 month old advanced juveniles, feeding on baby cockroaches & crickets.
$40 ea
These small skinks are a real pleasure and relatively easy to keep, although a specialist permit
is required.
8 hatchlings will also be available in late December.
Members, if you have any reptiles, cages or equipment to sell, or if you want to buy similar,
please contact newsletter editor for advertising in the newsletter at no cost.
25
Herp quiz
Here‟s the Spring/Summer quiz. Something different this time – do you know where our reptiles live?
You‟ve been provided with the names of 4 reptiles found in S.A. & 4 distribution maps.
The maps are from Census of S.A. Vertebrates, 2009, Gov‟t of SA, DENR
www.environment.sa.gov.au/science/bio-discovery/census-vertebrates)
Match up each reptile with the map that best fits its distribution in S.A.
Which distribution map best fits the location of
the reptile in S.A. (circle number)
Reptile
Eastern Bearded Dragon (Pogona barbata)
1
2
3
4
Thorny Devil (Moloch horridus)
1
2
3
4
Eastern Brown Snake (Pseudonaja textilis)
1
2
3
4
Inland Taipan (Oxyuranus microlepidotus)
1
2
3
4
1
2
3
4
Answers page 28
26
Identify our reptiles
Last newsletter’s reptile to identify:
The distinctive pointed wedgeshaped snout together with the
snake-like body shape readily
identifies this reptile as Burton‟s
Legless Lizard (Lialis burtonis).
Those of you who have been on our
one or both of our last two field
trips will had the opportunity to
observe this beautiful lizard. To
inexperienced observers it may be
wrongly identified as a potentially
venomous snake and no doubt some
are killed as a result.
But the pointed snout, lack of ear openings and its flat, non-forked tongue distinguish it from a snake.
This harmless lizard is one of the most widely distributed reptiles in Australia being found throughout
most of the Continent, but not in lower SW of WA, in most of Victoria and Tasmania. It is variable in
colour and pattern, with the one pictured above from Billiatt CP, S.A. being essentially grey with
several lines of black spots down the body.
Its diet comprises largely other lizards, mostly skinks
This newsletter’s reptile to identify: (common & scientific names)
This skink species was observed in
significant numbers on a recent field
trip just north west of Quorn in the
Flinders Ranges.
Identification provided in the next
newsletter.
27
Quiz answers
How did you go. Here‟s the answers:
Which distribution map best fits the location of
the reptile in S.A. (circle number)
Reptile
Eastern Bearded Dragon (Pogona barbata)
3
Thorny Devil (Moloch horridus)
1
Eastern Brown Snake (Pseudonaja textilis)
4
Inland Taipan (Oxyuranus microlepidotus)
2
1
2
3
4
Visit the wonderful resource on the DENR website too view all of the distribution maps for our reptiles &
amphibians
28
Financial Report
Below is the financial report for the SAHG (ABN 59338458287) for the year ended 30 th June 2010.
A big thankyou to our Treasurer, Peter Whitehead, for his work managing our finances.
.....................cont‟d next page
29
Financial Report
cont’d
30