Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I need some help in locating some lizard species in that specieifac county........Let me know.
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Phrynosoma.com

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signature file edited. [phw 11/14/04]

What species are you looking for?
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Chris Harrison
San Antonio, Texas

Hey Chris! It's Lou Hamby, I finally did get a permit to study reticulatus, we are trying to determine the eastern most range, I understand there have been sightings of this specie in Uvalde County, and since I live in Medina we are a hop, skip, and a jump from Uvalde. I have talked with several people who have observed these in Frio County off Highway 140 just over the border of Uvalde. We will also be developing captive husbandry for this specie and of course documenting all sightings - pretty straight forward nuts and bolts stuff. Have you ever seen these in Uvalde County? Although there have been no sightings reported by a professional, we are convinced that they are there. We will begin within the next week or so. Hopefully we will be able to find some hibernating individuals under rocks or old tins, pack-rat nests or what ever.........Cheers-good to hear from you!!!
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Phrynosoma.com

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signature file edited. [phw 11/14/04]

We will also be developing captive husbandry for this specie

Now why would you want to do that?

Although there have been no sightings reported by a professional, we are convinced that they are there.

Have you contacted Troy Hibbitts?
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Chris McMartin
www.mcmartinville.com
I'm Not a Herpetologist, but I Play One on the Internet

>>We will also be developing captive husbandry for this specie
>>
>>Now why would you want to do that?
>>
>>Although there have been no sightings reported by a professional, we are convinced that they are there.
>>
>>Have you contacted Troy Hibbitts?
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>>Chris McMartin
>>www.mcmartinville.com
>>I'm Not a Herpetologist, but I Play One on the Internet
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Chris Harrison
San Antonio, Texas

Chris McMartin, I have talked to by e-mail over the years and am familiar with you as well--I don't understand the question? You sound a little smug? I am looking for help, if you would like to discuss this off the forum I would be glad to. But for starters do you know how many eggs are laid on average, whether these double clutch or not, do you know the growth rates of neonates, are there any charachteristics that have not been observed in the wild that may be observed in captive envirionment, is there a difference between those raised in an outside enclosure as opposed to artificail light, do males fight during breeding season, how much water do they require as a normnal intake, are there differences in popuilations from differing areas, there are host of questions that have never been answered, so don't go with the idea that we are starting some kind of breeding thing here, these are protected animals. This is informational only to be published later, offspring and captures will be donated to zoos and other organizations of study....so if you have a problem with that we'll just have to agree to disagree as to whether finding out about the natural history of this specie is important or not to the further of science and understanding.... Now to my original question have you at all observed these in the Uvalde area? I would appreciate any insights....Cheers!
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Phrynosoma.com

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signature file edited. [phw 11/14/04]

I don't understand the question? You sound a little smug? ...
so don't go with the idea that we are starting some kind of breeding thing here, these are protected animals.

I was just having a little fun, hence the smiley.

But on a serious note, regarding the protected status, I don't necessarily agree with protecting an animal solely on the basis of limited distribution. I'd be more for protecting the habitat from development, and allowing (limited) take of the animals. Same goes for the other TX reticulatus.

Anecdotally I'm under the impression reticulates are locally abundant if you know where to look and have landowner permission (I have neither of these critical bits). You're talking to a guy who can't even find brevis in the wild!

And yeah, check your email.
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Chris McMartin
www.mcmartinville.com
I'm Not a Herpetologist, but I Play One on the Internet

Actually I have the same concern with resepct to some horned lizards as well. And yes in Maverick, Zavala, La Salle and other counties they can be found I wouldn't say abundant though. Again any type of "program" you mentioned would have to have several facets to it, and as mentioned before having a chip or leg ring or some identifier to make the difference from wild caught or poached animals would have to be incorporated in the program.....

Check out Helotes Texas, was once known for brevis per Hobart M. Smiths book. I have found these old observations to be reliable..........

Last of all with such a program instituted for a short period, no longer than three years, there would be no need for take from the wild once the gene pool was established, so any animals without a chip or papers would be subject to possible violations of the law. In other words there is no reason to allow permits to be released unless it's for scientific study that requires attachment to wild populations etc. Captive born is always better and usually more healthy..........

I know there are a few very responsible people who have mentioned this in the past as well.......
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Phrynosoma.com

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signature file edited. [phw 11/14/04]