01 January 2007

Conservation group to hold

'Tomistoma' workshop

 

The Tomistoma Task Force (TTF), the conservation group of specialists who pursue conservation measures for the benefit of the Malayan Gharial (Tomistoma schlegelii) species, will conduct a conservation workshop in Pattaya, Thailand, March 23-27, the group has announced.

 

The main tasks of the TTF are identifying the threats to which the Tomistoma (also known as the Malayan Gharial or False Gharial, Tomistoma schlegelii) as a species is exposed, and to promote as well as implement appropriate conservation actions.

 

The TTF expects to achieve the development of a formal Action Plan for Tomistoma Conservation, whose implementation may become a reality beginning by mid-2008.  A manual on Tomistoma husbandry, as well as plans for an Asian captive population studbook will also be finalised at the meeting.

Crocodile Specialist Group and TTF members are invited and strongly encouraged to attend this workshop. Also invited are those 'Friends of Tomistoma' and others who are interested in working with us towards the conservation of this wonderful crocodilian species.

For more information, visit the TTF website.

 

31 December 07

Gharial conservation group

Launches website

 

The Gharial Conservation Alliance (GCA), the group of crocodilian specialists focused on the conservation of the highly endangered Indian Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) has announced the launch of its website.

 

GCA's Internet site features sections such as "News & Events," "Notes from the Field," "Kids Gharial Gallery," and other resource and information sections.

 

The website is located at http://www.gharials.org.

 

30 December 07 

In Sri Lanka, a croc comes to town

 

A Sri Lankan item on ‘Bertram’ the Saltwater Crocodile (known as Gata Kimbula, locally) who’s apparently set up an unexpected home along the capital city’s Wellawatte canal bank.

 

The sympathetic writer notes that “Dr. Anslem de Silva, a renowned herpetologist and member of the IUCN’s Crocodile Study Group declared that there are fewer than 300 Salt-water Crocodiles are surviving in natural environments in Sri Lanka and it is surprising to see a healthy animal in a polluted waterway like the Wellawatte canal”.

 

There are two species of crocodiles living in Sri Lanka -- the Salt-water or Estuarine Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) which prefers brackish water and the Mugger Crocodile (Crocodylus palustris) known in Sinhala as Hala Kimbula, estimated to number around 1200 in fresh water habitats.

 

The item then goes into some modest detail about the natural lifestyle of crocs in Sri lanka and the governments attempts to protect them.

http://www.sundaytimes.lk/071230/Plus/plus0001.html

 

29 January 07 

Gator research showcased at bowl

 

The University of Florida has created a mobile showcase of UF research that will be located at various venues in Orlando in the days preceding the Capital One Bowl on Tuesday.

 

UF is a leader in alligator research, including the work of distinguished zoology professor Lou Guillette and his associates. Guillette is internationally recognized for his research examining environmental contaminants and reproductive/endocrine disruption in various wildlife species, and policy work in human public health.

 

He has served as an expert witness to the U.S. Congress and as a science policy adviser to various governmental agencies regarding environmental contamination and health. His recent work examines the effect of pollutants on the development of the ovary and testis in wildlife, especially alligators in Lake Apopka, near Orlando.

 

The schedule for the mobile showcase is as follows:

-- Sunday, 2:30 - 4:30 p.m. ? J.W. Marriott Grande Lakes, 4040 Central Florida Parkway, Valencia Terrace. (Rain location: Convention Porte-Cochere.)

-- Monday, 10:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. ? J.W. Marriott Grande Lakes, 4040 Central Florida Parkway, Valencia Terrace. (Rain location: Convention Porte-Cochere.)

-- Tuesday 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. ? FanFest Jamboree adjacent to the stadium.

http://www.pensacolanewsjournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071229/NEWS01/71229032