* = Primary target for 2010.

01 Rocky Mountain Toad (Anaxyrus woodhousii woodhousii)
...Could be tough to find a "pure" specimen in AR.

02 Western Narrow-mouthed Toad (Gastrophryne olivacea) *
...Might have to sneak over into OK for a "close enough" specimen.

03 Eastern Spadefoot (Scaphiopus holbrookii)
...Not sure on this one; might have to take a shot at it some spring break if it rains hard...probably not this year.

04 Marbled Salamander (Ambystoma opacum)
...Yes, for all the people that seem to turn these up, I have yet to claim my own.

05 Ozark Hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis bishopi) *
...Have an "in" for these; plan to knock it off the list this summer.

06 Red River Mudpuppy (Necturus maculosus louisianensis) *
...Pretty much know where and how to find these, just haven't gotten around to it yet.

07 Western Lesser Siren (Siren intermedia nettingi)
...Know some people who would probably help me find these, just haven't gotten around to it yet.

08 Texas Coralsnake (Micrurus tener tener) *
...Will continue to try for these tricky little buggers until successful.

09 Slowinski's Cornsnake (Pantherophis slowinskii)
...Just talked to Kelly about these recently.  Apparently there aren't any specimens for AR, so it probably deserves "hypothetical status" anyway.

10 Variable Groundsnake (Sonora semiannulata semiannulata) *
...Know the spots for these; should make an attempt or two for them this spring.

11 Mississippi Green Watersnake (Nerodia cyclopion)
...Know some people who could help me with these, they're just far away and trickier to find.

12 Graham's Crayfish Snake (Regina grahamii)
...Don't really have many leads on turning up one of these.

13 Western Slender Glass Lizard (Ophisaurus attenuatus attenuatus)
...Know a spot or two where these have been found, just haven't had success with them yet.

14 Great Plains Skink (Plestiodon obsoletus) *
...Same as 02.

15 Southern Prairie Skink (Plestiodon septentrionalis obtusirostris) *
...Same as 02.

16 Alligator Snapping Turtle (Macrochelys temminckii) *
...Might join in for some turtle trapping this summer for these?

17 Western Chicken Turtle (Deirochelys reticularia miaria)
...Don't really have much for leads on these.

18 Ornate Box Turtle (Terrapene ornata ornata)
...Same as 02, though I'd really like to turn one up in AR.

19 Razor-backed Musk Turtle (Sternotherus carinatus)
...Have a spot for these, just have to make the time for them.

20 Midland Smooth Softshell (Apalone mutica mutica)
...Don't have a motorboat and these are on bigger rivers.

If I'm not working on this list, I'll be spending the spring (at least) in search of Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnakes.  I also have a longer list of species I'd like to get better photographs.  So, I'll have more than enough to keep me busy!

I figure if I can knock off WDR, get at least 3-4 from my list above, and get improved photographs for a few others...it will be a successful year.  If I can ever get my Coralsnake, I've got to try for all the venomous in AR in a single year.  I think that would be cool.

Who? AHS field trips are open to members and nonmembers alike.  If you are interested in finding herps in the wild and meeting with others who like to do the same, you are invited and encouraged to join us.

What? It's a field trip!  AHS field trips are a fun experience if you have never attended one.  Our ranks include newbies, hobbyists, graduate students, science professionals, and even youngsters (our "herpetologists in training").  We share a family-like camaraderie and welcome newcomers with open arms.

When? April 23rd- 25th, 2010.  What most people will do is arrive Friday evening and leave Sunday midmorning.  Most of the herpin' FUN will happen on Saturday.

Where? Lutheran Camp of Petit Jean, 110 Montgomery Trace, Morrilton, Arkansas.  We will also have access to herp Ed Gordon Point Remove,   Petit Jean River - WMA Zone 510 and Galla Creek WMA.

Facilities include:  Park facilities include Group Camp area;  bath house, water and electricity within approx. 100ft

Directions: Take Highway 9 (Exit 108) off I-40 at Morrilton. Travel South 9 miles to Oppelo.  Then head West 12 miles on Highway 154.

(Follow Petit Jean State Park Signs.)

OR

Take Highway 7 (South) off I-40 or Highway 7 (North) from Hot Springs. Turn East when you reach Highway 154. 

(Follow Petit Jean State Park Signs.)

Once atop Petit Jean Mountain, travel into Petit Jean State Park on Highway 154.  Turn North on Red Bluff Drive (marked by a blue Conway County Road sign and the road indicated toward Winrock Farms and Lutheran Camp.).  This turn is approximately 1/4 mile West of the State Park Visitor's Center and approximately 1 mile East of Mather Lodge.  The road goes down and crosses over Davies Bridge then curves up to Montgomery Trace. Turn right onto Montgomery Trace.  Travel 1/4 mile.  Park is on the right.  Look for the triangular sign with the cross in the center.

Cost? There is NO COST for attending the trip itself.  Camping fees will be $5.00 per person, whether you stay one night or both.  A donation jar will be available to accept camping fees and help offset the cost of group meals. Fees and Donations can also be prepaid via PAYPAL

Food? Group meals will be prepared and served fireside on Friday evening, Saturday morning and Saturday evening. Attendees should plan to bring their own lunches, drinks and snacks.

Suggested Provisions and Supplies?
* Blaze orange hunting vest
* Camera
* Camping gear
* Cold gear
* Food and drink
* GPS
* Herp collecting equipment
* Rain gear
* Waders

Special Thanks?
* Torry Chapman, our camp cook.
* Kelly Irwin, Herpetologist, Arkansas Game & Fish Commission.
* Chris Lawrenz, Director, Lutheran Camp

Contact? Torry: the5chapmans@suddenlink.net, cell 870-404-8961. Or send PM by clicking the tab in this post. Please include your attendance confirmation with total number of persons in your party.

RSVP and Cancellations? Please RSVP so that preparations can be made for the group meals.  This field trip will NOT be canceled due to weather.  Please call, even if it is a last minute decision, to indicate any change in your plans.

CNAH ANNOUNCEMENT
The Center for North American Herpetology Lawrence, Kansas http://www.cnah.org 10 March 2010

PYTHON HUNTING SEASON IN FLORIDA

Florida's special Python Hunting Season is underway. From 8 March 2010 until 17 April 2010, any person with a hunting license who pays for a $26.00 permit can take these alien reptiles on state lands around the Everglades in southern Florida. Last year, Florida officials decided to take a more aggressive stance against the invasive species, creating a Python Hunting Season and issuing broader permits to experts to kill as many as possible.
The state has held workshops for those folks inexperienced with Pythons; the workshops focused on how to identify, stalk and capture these reptiles. In addition to the introduced and established Burmese Pythons, Northern African Pythons, and Nile Monitors, permit- holders can also take the as yet not-established Green Anacondas when encountered.
For more information, go to

So, my question is...what do ya'll think about this?  My thought...i wonder how many EDB's or Indigos will die at the hand of some dummy who doesnt know about snakes?   But my other thought...if you lived down there, would you hunt/kill one?  I think I would.  For sure.  A huge python skin hangin on the wall would be awesome. 
Anyway, I had seen some posts on other boards about it, thought I'd bring it up here...a couple years ago there was a lot of emotion stirred up by some guy that killed a ball python he'd found under his porch somewhere here in AR...

fire away!

I know several educators and park interpreters visit this site.  Please consider taking the opportunity on (or about) April 30th to help save the frogs through celebration, education, and/or donation!

I'm a graduate student working on wood frogs, and I'm looking for a good place to find them in Arkansas. Does anyone have any suggestions?
Thanks!

At the mouth of the den found this little fella

Standing on a ridge I look down and see this

Worked down the slope to get a better angle

Further down the slope, tucked away in a nice little corner was this

Early spring beeders...

Wood Frog Audio

I only for sure saw male Wood Frogs...no definite females, no amplexus.  At one pond, the leaf litter around the edge was writhing with Spotted Salamanders!

SPECIES LIST
Dwarf American Toad (Anaxyrus americanus charlesmithi)...>10
Spring Peeper (Pseudacris crucifer)...TNTC
Cajun Chorus Frog (Pseudacris fouquettei)...TNTC
American Bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus)...1
Southern Leopard Frog (Lithobates sphenocephalus utricularius)...>20
Wood Frog (Lithobates sylvaticus)...>20
Spotted Salamander (Ambystoma maculatum)...TNTC

March 27, 2010
1 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Reptile Show-n-Tell

Lake Fort Smith State Park
Meeting place: Visitor Center Lobby

Meet Brad Birchfield, a member of the Arkansas Reptile Association, for a look at native snakes inhabiting Arkansas. This program includes venomous and non-venomous snakes. A hands-on activity is included for those who are snake enthusiasts.
Admission: Free

CONTACT:
Lake Fort Smith State Park
P.O. Box 4
Mountainburg, AR  72946
Ph: (479) 369-2469
lakefortsmith@arkansas.com

Man, they must have pulled your arm super hard to give up a PRIME herping day, afternoon even!  I'll be sure to post pictures of all the cool stuff I find while you are stuck inside teaching the kiddies.      

Oh, and hey, since when did you start a rival "Arkansas Reptile Association"???  Is our group not good enough for you anymore???  Hahaha!

Some bad Iphone pics.

Little Missouri Falls

Seining

Good camera time.

Dr. Bacon teaching the 4 out of 14 students that went on the trip

Dragonfly larva

FISH time. Darters to be specific. Dr. Bacon had a viewing chamber. My first time using one and next time I will use some Windex.

Banded Darter

Greenside Darter

Orangebelly Darter, what a beautiful male in full breeding colors.

Now time for some herping.

Found several Spotted Sallie egg masses.

And several of these guys...

I am actually from MO, not AR. My goals are simple 1) See some cool herps 2) Learn a little about them 3) Leave their habitat about as well off as I found it. I plan on taking some trips down to AR, hopefully see a thing a two I don't see around here, and maybe even meet some like minded folks in the process.

4 Prairie Lizards (Sceloporus consobrinus)
3 Ground skinks (Scincella lateralis)
Numerous Spotted Salamander egg masses (Ambystoma maculatum)
1 Striped Bark Scorpion ( Centruoides vittatus)

Spotted Salamander Egg Mass (Ambystoma maculatum)

Striped Bark Scorpion ( Centruoides vittatus)

He kept stinging the glove when I tried to get him off

Prairie Lizard (Sceloporus consobrinus)

The blue was much more vibrant than the picture shows

Smaller Prairie Lizard (he was more willing to stay still for photos)

He took refuge in a camera case for about 5 mins

SO, that is my finds so far. Hopefully next weekend will prove more rewarding!

Anyone else having more luck?