The Calusa Herpetological Society
Of Southwest Florida |
Thursday, June 4, 2015 - 7:00 pm
Urban ecology using wildlife cameras: Gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) and Burrowing Owls (Athene cunicularia) burrows
Tonight's
speakers are Dr. John Herman
from Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) and his students Alexandra
Benton, Kathryn Brewer, Samantha
Burkett, Nikol Irizarry, Jade Johnson, and
Courtney Wilson. The status of the State Threatened Gopher Tortoise
(Gopherus polyphemus) as a keystone
species is well documented with over 300 species utilizing their burrows.
However, little attention has been given to tortoise populations in urban
environments, let alone the urban commensals that might be utilizing their
burrows. In this research project, conducted by undergraduates from FGCU, we
explore not only tortoise behavior at the burrow but also catalog commensal
burrow use by way of wildlife cameras. In addition, we set wildlife cameras up
on the burrows of the Burrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia), which is a State Species of Special Concern, at
these same urban sites. We have “captured” some amazing behaviors and
surprising visitors to these burrow systems over the course of the study as
well as some serious conservation threats that come with urban ecosystems.
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Herp of the Month (June 2015)
The herp of the month is the Green Anole (Anolis carolinensis), a native Florida species. There will be a short 5-10 minute presentation on this species and a live example.
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After Meeting Dinner
Do you want to talk herps for another hour or two after the meeting? Don't forget to come out to Stevie Tomatoes (a sports bar and grill) on Daniels Blvd and I-75 after the meeting, for food and plenty of informal herp talk with the speaker and other meeting attendees.
WHO'S INVITED ? You are! Anyone with an interest in any aspect of herpetology or herpetoculture is welcome to attend, learn, and exchange their experiences with our friendly membership. Come out to meet others who keep, breed or study reptiles and amphibians, and let them share their fascination with you. We average 20 – 35 people attending every meeting.
Cookies and cold soda, a nightly raffle of live herps, herp products, and books follow each speaker's talk, and lots of herp camaraderie, gossip, and fun can be counted upon at all meetings !
For more info , call (239) 728-2390 or (239) 481-3525 or EMAIL: info@calusaherp.org