Amphibian Steward Network

[Ed]

Well folks after all of this time, its finally up and running. The guidelines, the pocket guideline, the applications and accession forms to register amphibians are finally up on the Tree Walkers International website. (for those who have not checked it out yet please see http://www.treewalkers.org/ .

The Amphibian Stewardship network can be seen at http://www.treewalkers.org/projects/ASN/.

I strongly suggest that everyone check it out and join. There is also a journal that goes with membership in Tree Walkers (see http://www.treewalkers.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=47&Itemid=66 ).

Ed

 

[freves]

Thanks for the update Ed. It's a good organization with fine goals. I am a member but have to admit that I only checkout the website once every couple of weeks or so.
Chip

 

[caudataman]

Ed and Chip,

I haven't had time to download the manuals, but based on your experience, will this be another frog group or will there be meaningful inclusion of amphibians that have tails? I know frogs are the headliners, I'd just like a place for us somewhere on page 3. I wish someone could restore access to the US caudate registry!

Brian

 

[Ed]

Hi Brian,

There is a meaningful place for the caudates, it all depends on whether or not the caudate people choose to participate... If there is participation, then the animals involved are going to be weighed on thier own merit and risk not only of extinction in the wild but sustainability in the hobby.

Frogs are the "headliners" because they have a larger appeal and there are currently many more frog people than those who are interested in caudates and caecilians (and there is a place for caecilians as well).

If you think its going to be frogs all the way, check out the steering committee..... you'll see that caudates have a voice there..

Ed

 

[ajc]

I'd be interested to participate, but:

i) I'm in Europe

ii) Having read the docs, I would not be able to strictly comply with all the regulations (e.g. separate building for quarantine and a few other points).

 

[Ed]

Hi Alan,


Being outside of the USA doesn't prohibit participation in TWI.. We are actually looking for people outside the USA to participate.

As for the quarantine issues, those standards were adopted so we can work towards inclusiong in population repatriation/reintroduction at the highest levels. Keep in mind that most institutions like Zoos and aquaria also cannot meet those standards. The goal is to get some form of routine quarantine procedure in place with those working with animals for reintroduction to reach those standards.

Does that help answer your questions?

Ed

 

[ajc]

Yes. So how do I get started with my N. kaiseri?

 

[John]

Brian, what's wrong with the USCR and how come no one told me?

 

[John]

Regarding Tree Walkers, I think it's pretty telling that all of the photos are of frogs.

 

[caudataman]

Thanks Ed,

I meant to include caecilians in my "tailed amphibians" category, because they are by far, the MOST overlooked amphibians. I'm sure between you and Dante, caudates and caecilians will get fair mention, which is all I would ask for. Do the different donor levels afford addl. benefits? I looked a bit for an overview, but aside from a bigger write-off and greater help to a worthwhile cause, I didn't see any difference between the levels.

-B-

 

[Ed]

Hi John,

If people have nice caudate pictures they want to donate we will be happy to incorporate them......

For example the backyard amphibian habitat section is called operation frog pond but we are also looking at improving and supplying caudate habitat. As part of this work we are right now in the middle of pulling together the literature on mosquito treatment and its possible effects on the habitats. At this time the literature shows a decreased overall invertebrate population the year following Bt treatments for mosquitos which can have a significant impact on aquatic caudates in those habitats...


Ed

 

[Ed]

Hi Brian,

At this moment we are not offering different perks its simply different tax write offs (this is in part to how much money we have to use at the moment. We are working to get sufficient funds together to start a number of projects including grants for working with amphibians). As we get more established we can try to offer more perks but this is apparently also an issue because if the tax people view it as selling items then we have to use different forms so we are still working out the kinks there.
Its been a lot of work to date without any form of pay except for the feeling of a job well done.


Ed