Below is feedback Dr. Lowman has received regarding her column in the Herald-Tribune: A science mom’s priorities.  Some of the feedback will be followed by Dr. Lowman’s responses.

Judy writes:

Thank you, thank you, thank you for speaking your truth in today’s Herald Tribune.

Thank you for emphasizing the critical issues facing our country.

Thank you for pointing out which candidates grasp the important issues and which ones should go back home (to Arizona and Alaska).

Thank you especially for asking others to “walk the talk” as you so ably do.

Thank you for the clarity with which you wrote.

Thank you for so eloquently expressing what so many of us know to be the truth.

Thank you for standing up and being counted as a spokesperson for the world we will leave our children.

Thank you for being the special woman you are, you are greatly appreciated.

Big hugs to you!

Judy

Suzanne writes:

Hello Meg, just a brief note to say thank you for an outstanding outing last Saturday at Red Bug Slough. Your students were terrific and actually give me renewed hope for the future of this country. I was thrilled to find out that the Virginia Creeper that I brought for your identification is something that can be easily kept under control on our cabbage palms here at Mira Lago.
If you have a mailing list for your talks and activities, I would very much like to be included on it. All my best, Suzanne

Below is feedback Dr. Lowman has received regarding her column in the Herald-Tribune: An iguana in every pot.  Some of the feedback will be followed by Dr. Lowman’s responses.

Don from Venice writes:

Meg, I have suggested to Irwin Starr that we ask the Sara Bay club, our new venue for the Roundtable, to consider putting Iguana Stew on their menu for us. All this being contingent on you being kind enough to snare one for us and get it to their kitchen in time for whatever needs to be done. I thought this was the least I could do inasmuch as Python seems to be out of the question. I did have a Florida panther (juvenile) cross the street near this house during my walk last week. Panther pie entered my mind until the youngster stopped and gave me a look that changed my mind. Just trying to help.

George writes:

Darn! They’re not kosher! (Great article.)

Kent writes:

I enjoyed reading your column last week about the solution to Florida’s iguana infestation. I have never eaten iguana BUT I’m finally writing the email I *intended* to send when I read your Aug 11 article about python infestation.

I’ve been travelling to and working in Thailand since 1990. I’ve eaten some interesting things there…ant eggs, live “jumping” shrimp, horseshoe crab eggs, water beetle essence (actually in lots of Thai curries), most organ meats, and plenty of fried grasshoppers (a great bagged snack, especially when hanging out at bars frequented by tourists).

I’ve drawn the line at brain and drinking snake’s blood.

But in the early 90’s I visited a “jungle restaurant” in Chiang Mai a few times and one exotic meat really stood out. It wasn’t the cobra…a black meat served in sausage patties because it has lots of fishlike bones. It was yellow python. I liked that one so much I returned about 6 months later and had it again.

Python was, hands down, one of the best meats I’ve tasted. A thick, tender piece of white meat a little firmer than fish (I’d compare it to swordfish) and a bit more delicate than pork tenderloin.

Actually, the swordfish comparison is pretty good. Both times I had it the same way “gratiam prik thai” which is a pan fried Thai dish style based on “garlic black pepper.”

The snake was cut into a section about 5″ long…join your thumbs and middle fingers together in an “O” and it was a bit bigger than that. They used a big snake so it was like a chateaubriand in size.

But what amazed me is that, once the snake is cleaned there’s nothing there but meat__Lots of meat__and a few large bones that just fell right out (like they do in tender pork ribs). The skin also fell right off, just like swordfish.

I’ve eaten alligator many times in Florida…tough and chewy for the most part. And anything deep fried…well what’s not to like? (-:

Python is much better, much more delicate and downright tasty! I could only find one python eater online here http://www.beastfeaster.co.uk/2008/04/how-to-cook-python-fangers-and-mash.html but I can tell you looking at his fillets that the Vietnamese sent him a measly python. He also said it was chewy, which was totally unlike my experience.

So, another non-native Florida animal infestation solved…with the right cooking class!

With best regards,

Kent

PS - My wife is Thai. Her food rule is that she won’t eat things that eat people…so no shark or alligator! When we moved back to the states we sought out some unusual (to me, anyhow) organ meats; pig intestine, which I don’t really care for and veal kidney. Veal kidney is amazing, at least the way she prepares it.

The funny thing is that when we first got here in 1995 the local stores considered veal kidney a “trash meat”…you know, for feeding your pets. It was 50 cents a pound and a cheap delicacy (like lobsters in the 18th century New England jails). But don’t you know that when the butchers figured out people ate it the price skyrocketed by more than 1,000%. Now that most food stores don’t butcher the whole animal we can only find veal kidney as special order frozen for $6+ per pound.

So let’s stock up on python steaks before you put the word out! (-;

Kent,
Thanks for your wonderful convictions about the art of eating sustainably! I am thrilled to get your input on python consumption — and perhaps you should publish a recipe book for invasive species? Florida certainly has a growing problem (no pun intended) and it would be great if folks collectively could work to thwart these exotics before they become ridiculously expensive to control.
Happy cuisine,
Meg

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

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