Reptiles at Risk

Cold Weather Adaptations

Posted by Jeff Hathaway on October 31, 2009 at 5:13 PM

Our touring of schools is slowing down as we reach our targets set in the funding proposals (and those funds run low). This doesn't mean that we are slowing down our mission to educate everyone about the fantastic things our Ontario reptiles can do.

As the weather gets colder and threatens to bring the snow, it is interesting to consider how our ectothermic reptiles and amphibians deal with this weather. Where do they overwinter? Do they stay cold, or find warm places? What is rectal breathing in turtles? Do some creatures actually freeze solid only to thaw out in the spring?

For the month of November we shall investigate these adaptations to winter, focusing on species found in Ontario. I hope that these adapations will delight and enlighten you as you stay warm in your houses or get bundled up to enjoy the winter weather.

M.

Eastern Ontario Outreach!

Posted by Jeff Hathaway on October 23, 2009 at 7:31 AM

So the team is currently taking on Eastern Ontario, specifically north of Kingston. This is a great area of reptile diversity, sporting Black Rat Snakes, Map Turtles, Stinkpot Turtles, Blanding's Turtles, Milk Snakes...the list can probably go on. This is the last week that Eric and I will be doing programs together, as his contract is up after today. It was a good fall run, but I definitely hope to be doing some more work around Ontario. This was a great week to end on, as we were thouroughly impressed by the students and teachers at many of the schools. Their knowledge of reptiles at risk was fantastic to see. As was the development of species at risk booklets that centered on their own areas!

This week also held some firsts, the best of which was spotting my first ever wild Black Rat Snake. It's pretty late in the season for snakes. Being ectotherms, they are often staying near their overwintering sites (hibernacula) at this point in case of a sudden chill. Our Black Rat was crossing the road near the cabin we've been put up in, as if it was a wonderful summer day. It definitely made my day wonderful though!

-M.