Issue 002 | June 2017          
Reptiles and Amphibians
In this issue, we feature reptiles and amphibians, not-so-cuddly but nevertheless fascinating members of the animal kingdom, including Alligator mississippiensis, the American Alligator. The alligator's more commonly encountered reptile relatives include turtles,lizards, and snakes, while amphibians common to our area include frogs and toads.
DFW Herpetological Society
Do you like to search for and/or collect reptiles and amphibians? DFWHS is a non-profit society whose membership is open to anyone, professional or amateur, with an interest in reptiles and amphibians. In addition to regular meetings, the group's activities include opportunities to participate in field trips and herp surveys.
 
More information can be found at http://www.dfwherp.org. 
Citizen Science
Frogs, toads, and other amphibians are not only interesting to observe, but also an important barometer of the health of environments we share with these and other inhabitants of our natural world. Texas Parks and Wildlife's program Texas Nature Trackers: Texas Amphibian Watch offers an opportunity to participate in important scientific research involving the Amphibia class of the animal kingdom.  
Alligators - Secretive Neighbors
Although sightings of alligators in the Dallas area may be relatively infrequent, alligators' range in Texas extends into DFW. Within the Metroplex, a small population (15-25 "gators") resides at the Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge. 
 
Captive specimens of herp species occurring in Texas may be viewed at the Dallas Zoo Herpetarium.  Also, check out the "Snakes of Texas" exhibit at Texas Discovery Gardens, featuring 16 native snake species. 
 
Nature Expo & Podcast!
We invite you to deepen your knowledge of the beautiful natural world that is all around us and to connect with others who share your passion. Join us for the free community Nature Expo. Listen to our podcast. All in the spirit of lifelong learning!
 
Featured Books 
American alligator : ancient predator in the modern world
by Kelby Ouchley

A natural history of the American alligator.  The author is a retired biologist who spent thirty years managing alligators and their habitats for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Turtles, tortoises and terrapins : a natural history
by Ronald I. Orenstein

"Turtles, Tortoises and Terrapins explains the astonishing ways turtles cope with their environment, explores the debate on their origins and describes the latest discoveries about their often surprising lives .... Turtles, Tortoises and Terrapins explores the threats face around the world. on land and sea, and the efforts being made to conserve them. Fostering awareness about these unique and threatened creatures is among the main goals of this book." -- Dust jacket wrap
Texas snakes : a field guide
by James Ray Dixon

"Field guide to all snake species in Texas with a color photo, range map, and information on identifying characteristics and behavior for each snake"--Provided by publisher
Amphibians and reptiles of Texas : with keys, taxonomic synopses, bibliography, and distribution maps
by James Ray Dixon

"The authoritative guide to amphibians and reptiles in Texas, by one of the most respected herpetologists in the state ... the book includes an extensive listing of the literature on Texas amphibians and reptiles that goes back to the historic writings of Berlandier, in the early nineteenth century, and is updated to reflect the most recent research."--Provided by publisher 
Eye of newt and toe of frog, adder's fork and lizard's leg : the lore and mythology of amphibians and reptiles
by Martha L Crump

"In this ode to toads and snakes, newts and tuatara, crocodiles and tortoises, herpetologist and science writer Marty Crump explores folklore across the world and throughout time ... a beautiful and enthralling brew of natural history and folklore, sobering science and humor, that leaves us with one irrefutable lesson: love herps."--Provided by publisher. 
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