The Reptile Smugglers
An important article about reptile smuggling and the dangers posed to our native herpetofauna (and the potential consequences for those involved in smuggling). Harrison Sollis was expelled from the NZHS in 2016.
An important article about reptile smuggling and the dangers posed to our native herpetofauna (and the potential consequences for those involved in smuggling). Harrison Sollis was expelled from the NZHS in 2016.
Fantastic to see new content published on New Zealand's incredible Herpetofauna! A mammoth effort from past Editor of the NZHS; Dylan Van Winkel , Marleen Baling and Rod Hitchmough. Get your copy pre-ordered now!! To be published in Nov 2018. More details and presale of book at: http://www.press.auckland.ac.nz/…/reptiles-and-amphibians-o…
Scientists at Uppsala University investigate how endocrine disrupting substance (linuron) affects reproduction in frogs (West African clawed frog, Xenopus tropicalis, used as a model organism).
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/06/180614095102.htm
A Marlborough (or manuka) green gecko (Naultinus manukanus) was stolen from the Fiordland Visitor Centre sometime between the 16th and 19th of July. Graham has been a long time resident at the visitor centre having lived in the same terrarium for 30 years.
The stolen gecko has a distinctive grey marking on his head. Anyone with information about the missing gecko should contact Te Anau police or the Te Anau Doc office: (03) 249-0200.
The 9th World Congress of Herpetology is to be held on our own doorstep! Dunedin, 5th - 10th of January 2020. For more information contact Terri Lowsley (terri@conference.co.nz).
Researchers in Switzerland have shown that scale patterns in lizards are a result of microscopic interactions among colour cells which cause the Turing mechanism to transform into the von Neumann computing system! Maths and biology united...!
One of our less well known icons, Duvaucel's gecko (Hoplodactylus duvaucelii), was featured by Radio Live this month. Dr Rod Hitchmough from DoC describes the history and character of the species, while Matt Maitland (Open Sactuary Officer) describes the Duvaucel's gecko recovery project at Tawharanui Open Santuary.
Researchers at Victoria University of Wellington captured rare footage of tuatara (Sphenodon punctatus) hatching. See the footage through TVNZ.
Congratulations to one of our members, Phil Melgren, on his exhibition at City Gallery in Invercargill. Phil has worked for many years to build a fantastic photographic collection of our native herpetofauna, work which culminated in his display 'CAPTURED IN COLD BLOOD'
With the arrival of summer it's time to be extra vigilant for wildlife poachers. If you see anything suspicious don't hesitate to contact DOC compliance officers or the Wildlife Enforcement group:
(09) 927 8025
weg@customs.govt.nz