ASIH 1997 Joint Meetings

COORDINATORS: L. Jones, K. Kelsey, and M. Adams

Many species of native herps from the Northwest will be displayed. The high rainfall and cool climate of the west coast supports a number of endemic taxa of amphibians, including the primitive, yet specialized tailed frog (Ascaphus truei, Ascaphidae); the torrent salamanders (4 species of Rhyacotriton, Rhyacotritonidae); and the impressive giant salamanders (4 species of Dicamptodon, Dicamptodontidae). A variety of reptiles and arid-adapted amphibians inhabit the Great Basin east of the Cascade divide. Interesting reptiles include the slug-eating sharp-tailed snake (Contia tenuis), the rubber boa (Charina bottae), and the beautiful California mountain kingsnake (Lampropeltis zonata).

Photographers will be allowed to shoot their favorite denizens of the Northwest during time blocks closed to general viewing. People wishing to be scheduled for a photo-shoot can sign up at the Society for Northwestern Vertebrate Biology/Pacific Northwest Amphibian and Reptile Consortium (SNVB/PNARC) booth during general viewing; animals will be available for photography on Saturday, June 28, 11 a.m.-4:00 p.m., and Monday, June 30, 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

The display has been approved by the University's Animal Care Committee and collectors and displayers will have the proper state and federal permits. A checklist will be provided; collection and natural history information will accompany each animal. The display is presented by SNVB/PNARC, SSAR, and HL. It is sponsored by the University of Washington's College of Forest Resources and Center for Streamside Studies, and the Pacific Northwest Herpetological Society.

The display (and photo booths) will be set up at Fisheries Teaching and Research (FTR), 1140 Boat Street, on the Southwest Campus, rooms 113, 125, and 129). Viewing times are Thursday, June 26, 4:00-8:00 p.m.; Friday, June 27, noon-4:00 p.m.; Sunday, June 29, noon-4:00 p.m.; and Tuesday, July 1, 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.