Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi Brian, I know you answered this at some point awhile back, but I can't find it in my archive search-
Is this group a registered non-profit? For purposes of donations of PTS(s) and equipment and tax write-offs. I have been contacted by a local- I am interested, but I am not an non-profit...
I am posting this on the forum, so you can repost SFCRC info for hopefully easier finding for people.
Cheers, Jess b

SOUTHERN FLORIDA CORUCIA RESEARCH CENTER (SFCRC)

Location: LEE/1.

Hi Jess,

I didn't see a response to my last letter to you, but I'll refer to you as Jess on the forum since that is the way you sign.

The SFCRC is always in a money crunch. I looked into being registered non-profit but in Florida at least, it was prohibitively expensive. Up to now, it would only have been beneficial for food-donations. I may try to take up a one day aweek side job and set-up a SFCRC fund with that. I take donations from people but I give that to the WC free animal clinic. Ron Dupont gives his heart, time and costs to helping people and their animals-mostly reptiles at no charge taking only donations. Recently, someone stole $600 in donated funds from the clinic so I have been spending every spare moment trying to collect money to reimburse this loss. Ron is in the same financial shape as we are so I know this was a terrible blow to him financially and emotionally. To take advantage of such a kind program is so sad and has affected me deeply as well.

Anyhow, back to your letter. There is a SFCRC website that is costing $45 amonth but lack of funds and equipment is keeping it unfinished and in limbo. I don't know when it will be on line and in fact, if it sits idle too long, I may have to scrape it to save the $45/month.

Locations LEE/1 and LEE/2 will eventually merge into one locale-bringing more genetic diversity and the potential for more output from the SFCRC. When this comes to fruition, it will be announced. Also, A scientific paper is on the verge of publication it will be titled: Trophic Level Analysis of Extinct Scincidae Species: Macroscincus coctei. I will let everyone know of this when all is said and done.

What is it Jess that you are interested in? The goals of the SFCRC? Please elaborate further, and I'll be happy to oblige.

With all the Neonate deaths that have been occurring with Corucia for other people, I would like to communicate more on our set-ups since it seems you and I have had the most success with births (LEE/1 is still at a 100% survival rate.) Perhaps, working together, we may unravel what others may be lacking in being more successful. Let me know Jess if you are interested.

To my Fellow Corucians (we worship the skink LOL!) The SFCRC has and will always try to help you with your questions and problems if we can. Working together, We can achieve the greatest knowledge and understanding in providing the best for these little green Gnomes of the Rainforest.

Also, The SFCRC has Blue Tongues and is interested in dialogue concerning Tiliqua as well.

Way, way back somewhere on this Forum, (Spring of this year), I did post the goals of the SFCRC. Perhaps, the monitors( no, not the forked tongue variety ) deleted it thinking somehow it was a commercial piece. Again, let me know and I can try to repost it.

In the immortal word of Jess: Cheers!

Brian
SFCRC

I enquired about the non-profit status because I am searching for a place to direct a local PTS hobbiest who has 2 breeding families and set-ups who wants to donate their animals and vivariums to a non-profit (zoo or other) who will keep the groups intact. They want the non-profit status so they can donate, and claim a tax write off. Finding a good home is not the issue, I could even take a group- but I am a private individual. They would also be willing to sell to an individual with the same stipulations, but I think they prefer to donate and claim the tax deduction.

As for my breeding success- I am pleased that my PTS families are doing well and are reproductively active- by my 'n' is pretty darn small. I have one pair (Gertie and Chip) with three juvies (twins and a single), plus Gertie is gravid with twins currently. I have Dan's trio which I think is 2 males and a female. The female is expecting a singleton. They will be moving to their new digs on the east coast as soon as the baby is out and stable. You know I love to share diet ideas- I think my small success is due to a darn big and healthy Gertie, plus a compatible male. AND a good diet. Consistent bask zones and vertical enclosure I am sure also help. My humidity varies as I have a hard time keeping the humidifiers functioning. I have currently resorted to twice a day heavy hand spraying.
Cheers, Jess b
ps- I replied to your name question in the previous post.

SOUTHERN FLORIDA CORUCIA RESEARCH CENTER (SFCRC)

Location: LEE/1.

Hi Jess,

I might suggest Contacting (If you haven't done so.) Mike Teller At the Woodland Park Zoo. If he can't take them directly, he may be able to tell you who can.

At LEE/1, We have had 4 births this year with 6 expecting. All have been Singletons. In fact, No twins have every been produced here. You have one (Actually more than one!) up on us.

I would very much like to try Mulberries as you have. Being in Southern Florida, They cannot be had. Here's your big chance, Market a powdered Mulberry supplement. I'll be first in line.

Sincerely,
Brian
SFCRC

If you seriously want to add mulberry (or at least powdered mulberry) as a supplement- look up some of the companies that supply silk worms. Silk worms can be raised at home year round as reptile snacks, and the eggs come with packages of powdered mulberry leaves to be reconsituted into mulberry 'pancake'. You can find out what is actually in the mulberry powder if you are interested.
Though some of the goodness may be lost in processing- I tend to think the stuff is great because it has large amounts of fiber, is totally fresh when picked by myself, as well as high calcium.
cheers, Jess b

SOUTHERN FLORIDA CORUCIA RESEARCH CENTER (SFCRC)

Location: LEE/1.

Thank you Jess. I will research it.

Sincerely,
Brian
SFCRC