COUNTDOWN TO THE RENDEZVOUS!

DATES: Starts Thursday, September 25; ends after breakfast on Monday, September 29th.
LOCATION: Simpsonwood Conference Center in Norcross, Georgia, about 45 minutes northwest of Atlanta’s Hartfield-Jackson Airport.

Climbers are gearing up for the 7th Annual Tree Climbing Rendezvous! In just about 4 weeks, we’ll be having the time of our lives climbing, playing, and sleeping in the treetops, and learning together in some great workshops. It’s truly going to be an unforgettable event!

Here are some recent updates in ‘Vous-related activity:

• To date ninety people have registered, and many more have promised to sign up. What a great opportunity to meet and climb with so many new folks!
• A second team went to Simpsonwood (site of the Rendezvous) in late July, this time to scout along the river for additional climbable trees. We found lots of nice trees, but the best was actually in the woods. It’s a 48-52″ DBH pine with gorgeous branch structure, about 130 feet tall with a good view of the river. Along with many beautiful oaks, beech, poplars and hickory trees, there will be no shortage of great climbing trees.
• The “Tree Golf Competition,” being organized by Tree Tramp, is coming along great. We’ve located a good area for it, and we are even receiving donations of prizes from various companies, including Petzl (a Sequoia saddle and Elios helmet), AllGear, and New Tribe.

If you haven’t registered yet and need just a little more inspiration to push you over the edge, here is “Canopymeg” Lowman’s description of the keynote lecture she will give on Saturday night, “Life in the Treetops - Exploration of the World’s Forests”:

“What have we learned from the treetops? And why are forest canopies important to every citizen in the world? Globally, forests are one of the most mysterious, complex and exciting areas of exploration and research. Like SCUBA gear was to coral reef research in the 1950s, single rope techniques facilitated the first studies of the treetops in the 1970s. Since then, canopy biologists have creatively expanded their took kit to include walkways, hot air balloons, cherry pickers, scaffolds, towers, and even construction cranes. With these innovative methods to access tall trees, scientists have discovered that the canopy is home to almost half of the world’s biodiversity, and that the treetops is an important global machine affecting our climate, health, and atmosphere. In short, the canopy “rocks”!

As a veteran with thirty years’ investigation of forest canopies, I will share some of my favorite forests, methods, and adventures and also discuss future challenges for forest conservation. My family has lived and worked in the trees, and hopefully our stories will inspire conservation and education outreach for scientists and citizens alike. The talk will be followed by a book-signing of my new book, It’s a Jungle Up There, co-authored with my children, that aims to inspire a family conservation ethic for any readers who love trees.” [Copies will be available for purchase--psj]

Dr. Lowman’s presentation, along with evening talks by Robert Fulghum and John Gathright, would be worth coming to Atlanta for–even if you weren’t a tree climber!

More information

Lauren writes:

I don’t know if you remember me, but I did a book report on your book Life in the Treetops about two years ago, when I was in 7th grade. I got so busy after I turned the book report in that I forgot about taking a picture of the puppet I made of you! I am now in 9th grade and starting high school. While remodeling my room, I came across the puppet, and figured better late then never. So here it is; your puppet!
I hope you’re doing well!

Lauren,
Wow and many thanks for sharing! You can go on my website and see what different projects I have been up to over the past 2 years — hope school is going well for you and that you continue to enjoy science.
Can I put this photo on my website? I love your puppet!!!!
cheers,
CanopyMeg

Below is feedback Dr. Lowman has received regarding her column in the Herald-Tribune: ‘Anoles on steroids’ adapt well.  Some of the feedback will be followed by Dr. Lowman’s responses.

Elfton writes:

Curiously, on Saturday - before your article appeared on Sunday - a neighbor came to my door saying he had a “bid lizard” in his back yard. I’m general manager at PETCO and have worked with reptiles, so he thought I should see.

Well - I wasn’t prepared. His kids had treed a monitor lizard - six feet long. I was truly amazed. Its forepaws and claws are easily the size of my hand. I’d say its girth is 24″.

We have photos - not very good, which I will attach.

I’m wondering if Amber Roux has a dog ready to sniff. It would certainly be a prime specimen. Sarasota County folks have been called, and are interested to have more information - but their interest is probably not scholarly.

What do you advise.

Elfton,
Wow, this is a nightmare story that we are all hoping to avoid. I am copying my two students who study invasive reptiles, in hopes they might have time to come to your neighborhood and check this out. If you are willing to share your address, and if it truly is around and easy to spot, we would love to come down for a sight visit.
Quite frankly, it needs to be removed so I do hope the County acts on it. Please keep me posted.
Cheers,
Meg Lowman

Greg writes:

Ms. Lowman, I’ve read a couple of your articles with great interest as I’m very concerned about invasive species in the US, Michigan (my home state) and Florida, in particular. I sure wish that you’d have published some numbers and approached this Nile Monitor Lizard as more of a critical situation, as I believe it to be.

I read a couple of years ago where the University of Florida Biology Dept had opened a new field office in Cape Coral, because the numbers had grown into the hundreds and perhaps even a few thousand of these in that area. I remember seeing an article back in the later 90s, I believe in the Port Charlotte paper, (perhaps the Ft. Myers paper) where some resident had trapped one in his back yard (which either backed up to the Peace river or Caloosahatchee) and he’d already trapped several of them, 14-15-16, something like that !!!!

The fact that these DO eat virtually everything, alarms me greatly and I think the public will realize how big of an issue it is the more this is continuously emphasized, especially putting out the scary numbers. Ditto for the Pythons in the Everglades, Myakka State Park, and everywhere else they happen to be at this point.

Several years ago, I was traveling up the Florida Turnpike going through Boca (early on a Saturday morning) and spotted a huge Nile Monitor Lizard along the shoulder of the turnpike. At first I assumed it was a Gator as I could see it from a half mile down the road, and it was so huge (at least 8-9 ft.). Then as I got close and could see the head I was sure it was a Komodo Dragon. Knowing what I know of them, and how dangerous they can be, plus knowing that Nile Monitors only get to 5-7 feet and this was much bigger, I turned my car around and actually drove off on the shoulder of the road towards it. As this ‘Dragon’ proceeded to head for the canal along the shoulder, it got it’s head & front leg caught in the fencing. I called the animal control dept and reported that I had this thing ‘pinned’ up against the fence with my car, but after a 25 minute wait, they still hadn’t shown up, and I needed to continue on to Orlando so I drove away. The following Monday I phoned Ron Magill curator at Miami Zoo and we spoke for 10-15 minutes about this situation and he assured me it was NOT a Komodo, but in fact an African/Nile Monitor Lizard. He explained to me how many are loose around the southern half of Florida, and how this climate & terrain is perfect for them, not to mention no natural enemies and an abundant food source. He said that even though the norm is 5-6 feet, they’ve seen 8-9 footers in his area so we have a huge problem. Wouldn’t you agree?

Bryan writes:

I noticed your column on Nile Monitors in Cape Coral. You might be
interested to know that as I’ve notified Todd I believe a couple of years
ago, I can testify to the fact that Nile Monitors were present, at least in
captivity no less in northern Cape Coral as far back as about 1977-8, as I
held them in my hands there.

Tom Crutchfield, a prominent international reptile breeder and exotic pet
vendor had a reptile exhibit there at the site of the relocated “Rose
Gardens” back at that time, and had Nile Monitors on exhibit, and perhaps
already for sale. I recall even having my photograph in the NewsPress with a
Monitor crawling over my head as I tried to hold on to it.

UPDATE (9/8/08): Nile Monitor Lizard Hotline

Below are fliers and photos to help identify the monitor lizard along with contact information for the Nile Monitor Lizard Hotline:

The Nile Monitor Lizard (Varanus niloticus) grows to over 6 ft in length. It is dark brown with yellow spots forming bands around the body of the lizard.

It is found near fresh water and its burrows.  It can dive under water for up to one hour .It is very agile both on land and in the water.  This carnivorous reptile is not native to Florida and poses a danger to Florida’s wildlife.

Biologists with the National Park Service are looking for information on sightings of the Nile monitor lizard or its burrows.  Please call the Nile Monitor hot line if you have information.

(305) 753-3557

Thank you for calling the Nile Monitor hot line.

Nile Monitor Flyer : English or Spanish

From the Herald-Tribune:

Meg Lowman, a noted ecologist, has studied jungle canopies for years and will share her stories at the Women’s Equity Day luncheon on Aug. 23. Lowman will speak about how gender inequality still affects science, and how she overcame challenges.

Read the full article.

Event details:

Date: Aug. 23; registration 11 a.m., lunch starts at noon.

Place: Bradenton Municipal Auditorium at City Centre, 1005 Barcarrota Blvd. in Bradenton.

Tickets: $30; call Vicki Waters at 753-9741. For exhibit information, call Gini Hyman at 961-7982. More info / buy tickets online

Contact: Yvette Kimm at yvettekimm@aol.com

Update:

• Articles about the event:
  • Bradenton Herald - Local women mark 88 years of voting rights
  • Sarasota Herald Tribune - Women celebrate voting
  • Bradenton Herald - Equity Day luncheon marks women’s right to vote
• Below are a few photos from the event and more can be found here.

Feedback Dr. Lowman has received concluding her talk can be found below:

I enjoyed your talk at the Women’s Equity Day celebration.  It brought me back to my father’s advising me to be a teacher “just in case.”  Fortunately I realized that life is not over and went back for a PhD in the field of my choice.  I admire you for your courage in standing up for being a whole person and not an appendage.
Thank you for your work in biology and on being a woman.
Sandra

Below are some e-mails Dr. Lowman has received regarding her latest column in the Herald-Tribune, Burmese pythons uncoil across Florida, followed by Dr. Lowman’s responses.

Donna writes:

Re: Response to your latest article

After reading the article in todays paper, I realized that there was nothing addressed to the issue re these animals that are purchased and then released into the environment. Why is there no-one held accountable for releasing these animals? Further, why is no one held accountable for selling them in the first place? This practice should be illegal and t;he perpetrators should be held accountable! Today it is an alligator or ibis, tomorrow it could be a toddler in someone’s back yard! Please address this issue!

Donna,
Our country is spending more money on wars with the middle east than protecting our borders from invasive species. Only voters can change these priorities. It is good to be informed, and perhaps we can work to educate folks about these issues. Sorry I don’t have any more positive news about control of invasive species, but it would require some federal mandates (I am told) to limit pet stores from selling snakes, or to require states or counties to control invasives. And the animal rights groups are very vocal about saving snakes and lizards, so go figure! If you have a creative solution, send a letter to the editor!
cheers,
Meg

MC Coolidge writes:

Re: wow. your story on parthenogenating pythons!

Okay, maybe I made up the verb in the subject line, but still … what a story! You really opened my eyes and provided a much needed education. I’ve never owned a snake and frown upon that in general, but still found your editorial to be compelling.

I hope you can sell that piece to other publications and somehow get it into the hands of children who might want snakes as pets. I also wonder why we allow this species to be brought into the U.S……

Anyway, great piece, as usual.

All best,
MC Coolidge (aka Reality Chick)

Mary,
Thanks for writing! I am happy to serve as a science educator for southwest Florida — we don’t have enough knowledge available about our ecosystems in the public channels, it would appear!
Yours,
Meg

Miles writes:

Re: Your Python article

Dr. Lowman

I suggest that you use your influence to get the importation and sale of these creatures outlawed. They have no place in our country. I am sure that other environmental and wildlife associations would be on board with the banning of them. There is no reason for anyone to possess them. How long will it be before one of then catches a small child??

Thank you for publicizing this danger to us.

Miles

Dear Miles,
There is a strong lobby of people interested in defending animal rights, even in cases such as pythons where they are introduced and also kill local wildlife. Your best bet is to write your County Commissioners, asking them to take action. Or send a letter to the editor. My influence as a scientist is not nearly as powerful as your influence as a voter!
cheers,
Meg

George writes to provide an abstract and PDF of an article from the scientific journal Heredity:

I tracked down the original reference for python parthenogenesis. Convincing!

Molecular genetic evidence for parthenogenesis in the Burmese python, Python molurus bivittatus

Abstract

Parthenogenesis among reptiles is rare. Only a few species have the ability to reproduce asexually. Most of these are obligate parthenogenetic species that consist (almost) entirely of females, which can reproduce solely through parthenogenesis. Rarer are sexual species that only sporadically reproduce through parthenogenesis. A female Python molurus bivittatus(Reptilia, Boidae) from the Artis Zoo, Amsterdam, produced eggs in five consecutive years that contained embryos while she was isolated from males. These eggs might be fertilized with stored sperm, or might be the product of parthenogenesis. Parthenogenesis has not been shown for the Boidae family before. We performed parentship analyses on the snake and seven of her embryos using microsatellites and AFLP. Four microsatellite loci developed for this species combined with three loci developed previously for different snake species revealed too little variation to discriminate between sperm retention and parthenogenesis. With AFLP we were able to confirm that the Artis Zoo female reproduced parthenogenetically. Because the offspring are genetically identical to their mother, whereas in previous studies on sporadic parthenogenesis in snakes a loss of genetic information was reported, we conclude that the meiotic pathways that produce the diploid egg cells are different.

PDF of the article

Dr. Meg Lowman is presenting a talk on Florida’s Adaptation to Climate Change at the Oxford University roundtable conference entitled Sustainability: The Ultimate Quest during August 10-15, 2009.

SAVE THESE DATES!!!!!

5^th International Canopy Conference 2009
Forest Canopies: Conservation, Climate Change, and Sustainable Use
October 26-31 2009 Bangalore INDIA

Download the brochure

Forest canopies are the least explored habitats in the world. They not only support high terrestrial biodiversity, but also represent a critical interface between the atmosphere and the earth. Forest canopies also provide goods and services to support diverse human activities. Thus interactions between forests and humanity offer opportunities to explore sustainable use of such resources, particularly for sustaining local livelihoods. Sustainability is vital for environmental policies to foster conservation, sustainable use and mitigation/adaptation to climate change. This demands the integration of canopy science with physical science, social science and information technology.

The 5^th international canopy conference in 2009 will bring diverse professionals together to build inter-disciplinary links in canopy science to foster increased understanding of this unique subset of forest ecosystems. ATREE (Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment) is the major supporting institution for the conference, with Convenors Dr. Soubadra Devy (soubadra@atree.org) and Dr. T. Ganesh (tganesh@atree.org). Dr. Kamal Bawa and Dr. Margaret Lowman will serve as co-chairs. The goal of the conference will be to highlight the respect to important global challenges, especially climate change, sustainability, and conservation. The conference will provide an opportunity to build networks across continents, to facilitate capacity-building, and to address issues requiring information from multiple sites, within countries and across continents. The proceedings of the conference will be published in an edited volume, with a subset of papers published as a special issue of an international journal. Special sessions will be held on: Education; Climate Change; Ecosystem Services and Sustainability Initiatives; Innovative Tools; and an Emerging Issues Round Table discussion.

Special features of the conference include:

• All-day field trip to view Indian forests and inspire discussion
• Canopy film festival (similar to the successful programs from the 1^st conference)
• Canopy awards ceremony
• Student session
• Publiclecture to promote canopy education
• Opening Plenary talk by Thomas E. Lovejoy, President, H. John Heinz Center for Science, Economics and the Environment

Save these dates! A timeline leading up the conference will be:

1. Call for symposia - January 2009
2. Call for abstracts - March 2009
3. Registration by 10 April 2009
4. More information will be posted on www.atree.org

Please contact Soubadra or Ganesh (emails above) with suggestions for speakers that may represent new, unpublished, innovative canopy projects around the globe.