Search found 1144 matches

by Bryan Hamilton
September 26th, 2016, 8:22 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: An interesting article on the place of science in society
Replies: 68
Views: 42140

Re: An interesting article on the place of science in societ

Academic Research in the 21st Century: Maintaining Scientific Integrity in a Climate of Perverse Incentives and Hypercompetition

http://online.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/ees.2016.0223
by Bryan Hamilton
September 14th, 2016, 2:16 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Videos of salamanders eating in the rain
Replies: 9
Views: 4257

Re: Videos of salamanders eating in the rain

That is some cool footage! Thanks for sharing.

I've been doing a lot of work with bats lately. They really hate the light and squint and close their eyes. Maybe it is an intensity issue?
by Bryan Hamilton
September 12th, 2016, 1:45 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: An interesting article on the place of science in society
Replies: 68
Views: 42140

Re: An interesting article on the place of science in societ

Filled with possibly, maybe , could be, probably must be etc. To me, that is the definition of science's place in society. Pushing the bounds of possibility, maybe and could be. That's what its all about. Great folks doing great science. Watch out for the sharp end Ernie. I hear those things can ma...
by Bryan Hamilton
September 7th, 2016, 4:30 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: An interesting article on the place of science in society
Replies: 68
Views: 42140

Re: An interesting article on the place of science in societ

Do you have a citation for that abstract? I'd like to read it.

Like it or not, the open source journals are here to stay. Whether they completely replace the society journals, complement them, or something different I don't know.
by Bryan Hamilton
September 6th, 2016, 6:26 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: When is habitat restoration for herps a good thing?
Replies: 42
Views: 28326

Re: When is habitat restoration for herps a good thing?

Recent paper: Johnson, B. D., J. P. Gibbs, T. A. Bell, and K. T. Shoemaker. 2016. Manipulation of basking sites for endangered eastern massasauga rattlesnakes. The Journal of Wildlife Management 80:803-811. Generating open-canopy basking sites via manipulation of vegetative cover has been proposed a...
by Bryan Hamilton
September 6th, 2016, 11:03 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: An interesting article on the place of science in society
Replies: 68
Views: 42140

Re: An interesting article on the place of science in societ

Yeah, the people problems I consider scientifically "easy" but technically very hard. That's why we've been passed the baton and will probably pass the baton to our successors on many of these issues. I keep coming back to bighorn sheep but that was my conservation wake up call. I thought ...
by Bryan Hamilton
September 5th, 2016, 7:39 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: New Mexico Questions
Replies: 11
Views: 3869

Re: New Mexico Questions

Well best of luck. If you get rain the snakes all seem like possibilities. I found a Gyalopion several years ago, highlight of my trip. It did the cloacal popping.

New Mexico is a whiptail paradise (or nightmare) depending on good you are with keys.
by Bryan Hamilton
September 5th, 2016, 7:21 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: New Mexico Questions
Replies: 11
Views: 3869

Re: New Mexico Questions

Any species in particular you are interested in?
by Bryan Hamilton
September 5th, 2016, 7:18 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: An interesting article on the place of science in society
Replies: 68
Views: 42140

Re: An interesting article on the place of science in societ

Using enclosures and exclosures can be a great tools to understand mechanism. The part about why changes are happening. Sometimes using the enclosures impacts the study organisms and the project results. Sometimes not. A lot of time and effort goes into the experimental design to minimize the effect...
by Bryan Hamilton
September 5th, 2016, 5:50 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: New Mexico Questions
Replies: 11
Views: 3869

Re: New Mexico Questions

A couple vital tools I recommend. A big atlas/gazateer of New Mexico, like the Delorme Reptiles and amphibians of New Mexico book You can find a lot of good stuff with these and find some nice areas to road cruise. I don't have any good recommendations for camping. I usually just find a place that I...
by Bryan Hamilton
September 5th, 2016, 5:37 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: An interesting article on the place of science in society
Replies: 68
Views: 42140

Re: An interesting article on the place of science in societ

There's not nearly enough presented on the forest canopy study to say if its flawed or not. Ideally they would have used control sites and compared those to their treated sites. Besides abundance, there are other demographic parameters that could be measured that are more relevant than abundance. Eg...
by Bryan Hamilton
September 4th, 2016, 11:22 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: An interesting article on the place of science in society
Replies: 68
Views: 42140

Re: An interesting article on the place of science in societ

We hold the Manhattan project in such high regard. They figured out how to blow it up. We still haven't figured out how to harness the energy safely. Or make the case to society that we can do it safely.... I think there are two categories of conservation problems. The easy ones tend to be more peop...
by Bryan Hamilton
September 2nd, 2016, 2:56 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: An interesting article on the place of science in society
Replies: 68
Views: 42140

Re: An interesting article on the place of science in societ

On the other hand, the folks at fivethrityeight make a strong case that science is doing just fine. Maybe we have solved the easy problems, and the problems at hand are just more complex.

http://fivethirtyeight.com/features/sci ... nt-broken/
by Bryan Hamilton
September 1st, 2016, 2:23 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: An interesting article on the place of science in society
Replies: 68
Views: 42140

Re: An interesting article on the place of science in societ

For me, the real win, win in conservation and ecology is to do both. Answer the applied question and try to get at some bigger questions too. Its not always possible but often times there is considerable overlap. So anyway...I guess I'd have to admit I'm a strong proponent of managing research. I ag...
by Bryan Hamilton
September 1st, 2016, 9:43 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: An interesting article on the place of science in society
Replies: 68
Views: 42140

Re: An interesting article on the place of science in societ

Thanks for posting this article. I read it with interest. As someone trying to finish a dissertation, I felt a lot of pressure to emphasize the novelty of my research and show that my research was pushing the boundaries of knowledge. This is what good science should do, and this applies to basic and...
by Bryan Hamilton
August 7th, 2016, 12:44 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Why You Dont Collect
Replies: 279
Views: 1425167

Re: Why You Dont Collect

Generalizations are without exception a great tool for making enemies.
I see what you did there and declare you my enemy for life. :x
by Bryan Hamilton
August 4th, 2016, 3:51 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: When is habitat restoration for herps a good thing?
Replies: 42
Views: 28326

Re: When is habitat restoration for herps a good thing?

I agree that decisions should be made on a case by case basis. Also, what kind of restoration, passive or active? With any restoration, there will be winning and losing species. Everything decision, including the decision to not act, has consequences and involves trade-offs. A couple positive exampl...
by Bryan Hamilton
July 29th, 2016, 11:54 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Dishonesty in government
Replies: 121
Views: 40750

Re: Dishonesty in government

Thanks for the follow up comments Richard. I'm fortunate enough to live in a state where research is pretty easy but I do have experience in other states where its not so easy. That link doesn't work btw.
by Bryan Hamilton
July 29th, 2016, 11:06 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Gila Monsters threatened by climate change?
Replies: 32
Views: 15603

Re: Gila Monsters threatened by climate change?

Possibly different but lots of similarities. In almost all terrestrial vertebrates, respiratory moisture loss is a big part of their water budget. That's controlled primarily by the difference in humidity between saturated respired air and the environmental air. Gilas have two lungs, boas one functi...
by Bryan Hamilton
July 29th, 2016, 10:20 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Gila Monsters threatened by climate change?
Replies: 32
Views: 15603

Re: Gila Monsters threatened by climate change?

Interesting though RIchard. Thanks for sharing. I'm not even sure that condensation is necessary as long as the relative humidity is high in the burrows. For example, a lot of water is lost during breathing. Kangaroo rats and other heteromyid rodents maintain positive water balance partially by spen...
by Bryan Hamilton
July 28th, 2016, 9:46 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Gila Monsters threatened by climate change?
Replies: 32
Views: 15603

Re: Gila Monsters threatened by climate change?

Because the only thing that matters for a reptile species is that its main food is abundant. And gilas only feed on quail. And quail will certainly respond well to climate change. And gila monsters only occur in Arizona. And rainfall will certainly increase under every climate change projection. And...
by Bryan Hamilton
July 28th, 2016, 7:25 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Why You Dont Collect
Replies: 279
Views: 1425167

Re: Why You Dont Collect

As someone doing mark recapture, I appreciate this perspective.
by Bryan Hamilton
July 28th, 2016, 7:17 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Gila Monsters threatened by climate change?
Replies: 32
Views: 15603

Re: Gila Monsters threatened by climate change?

Thanks Van for taking the time to make those posts. Very good points and remarkably civil. I wish I could communicate scientific thought as concisely as you.
by Bryan Hamilton
July 28th, 2016, 7:12 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Dishonesty in government
Replies: 121
Views: 40750

Re: Dishonesty in government

I can appreciate your frustration. I've been there. I do think that overall non-game departments are doing just what you want them to in terms of prioritizing habitat for many non-game species. Its incongruent to many that a species that needs management and requires land aquisitions should then be ...
by Bryan Hamilton
July 28th, 2016, 5:13 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Dishonesty in government
Replies: 121
Views: 40750

Re: Dishonesty in government

I resemble that remark but my horse isn't high. I don't live in Colorado. I understand the principle thing. I've just learned to choose my battles.
by Bryan Hamilton
July 28th, 2016, 4:25 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Dishonesty in government
Replies: 121
Views: 40750

Re: Dishonesty in government

This is all such a pointless discussion. If there is no demand, then who cares if collection was banned? Not me. It pains me to say it but BRIAN HUBBS is right!
by Bryan Hamilton
July 28th, 2016, 1:59 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Why You Dont Collect
Replies: 279
Views: 1425167

Re: Why You Dont Collect

Thanks for the kind words Thom. I happen to know that you know the snakes in your area better than anyone. I've seen the pictures! Really interesting perspective on availability and access. I notice the same thing. I used to be obsessed with western rattlesnake species. Now knowing I'm short drive f...
by Bryan Hamilton
July 28th, 2016, 1:15 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Why You Dont Collect
Replies: 279
Views: 1425167

Re: Why You Dont Collect

The more I learn about snakes, their social lives and natural histories, the less likely I am to put one in a box for the rest of its life. They are far more complex than we give them credit for.
by Bryan Hamilton
July 27th, 2016, 11:04 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Why You Dont Collect
Replies: 279
Views: 1425167

Re: Why You Dont Collect

I collect occasionally for science and museums, very rarely for myself. I collect a lot of data which to me is critical to effectively manage and protect reptile and amphibian populations. I also do more and more observing. I enjoy just standing back and watching and taking in the situation. Science...
by Bryan Hamilton
July 19th, 2016, 5:02 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: TN and VA Salamander location help
Replies: 2
Views: 1464

Re: TN and VA Salamander location help

I'd love to get exact locations in order to cut down on the amount of time spent hiking and maximize the number of lifers. I know locations are not given due to collection reasons. So you know that locations are not allowed but thought you would ask anyway? Some of the fun for me is learning about ...
by Bryan Hamilton
July 19th, 2016, 12:04 pm
Forum: Reading Room
Topic: Why do snakes cross roads (or not)
Replies: 1
Views: 11081

Why do snakes cross roads (or not)

I really enjoyed this paper. Another well done study by Colorado State and the USGS.

http://www.sciencemag.org/news/2012/07/ ... -mind-gaps

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1 ... 2.1292/pdf
by Bryan Hamilton
July 7th, 2016, 7:18 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: NEW BOOK: Snakes of Mexico
Replies: 90
Views: 106961

Re: NEW BOOK: Snakes of Mexico

Scotttriv wrote:I would bet you a beer that I have forgotten more about snakes and snake hunting then you will ever learn
That's why we write books, so we can remember what we forget.
by Bryan Hamilton
July 7th, 2016, 7:13 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: What would you do if you found a Copperhead in your yard?
Replies: 16
Views: 7300

Re: What would you do if you found a Copperhead in your yard

I've always thought it odd that a snake that has been somewhere for who knows how long, is suddenly an emergency because its detected.

Sounds like you have enough space for her. Pretty awesome you're willing to co-exist with a venomous snake. I do appreciate that.
by Bryan Hamilton
July 5th, 2016, 5:27 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Arizona Sistrurus
Replies: 8
Views: 4667

Re: Arizona Sistrurus

Very nice! I've herped that area before and I'm glad to hear its still possible to find numbers like that. Love Sisturus!
by Bryan Hamilton
June 30th, 2016, 12:06 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: USGS Fraud brought to light
Replies: 9
Views: 4865

Re: USGS Fraud brought to light

We do have fun on here. How exactly would a mass spectrometry lab affect field herping? The lab we're discussing measured isotope ratios of inorganic samples.

To the boardline robin...
by Bryan Hamilton
June 23rd, 2016, 10:05 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Anuroctonus phaiodactylus collecting methods
Replies: 7
Views: 3754

Re: Anuroctonus phaiodactylus collecting methods

Welcome desert scorps. You might consider introducing yourself on the biography or roll call post. You're pretty new here and while I doubt anyone really cares if you collect and breed a few scorpions, bringing up collecting right away raises some red flags. Keep in mind this is a reptile and amphib...
by Bryan Hamilton
May 25th, 2016, 5:37 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: .
Replies: 3
Views: 3771

Re: Spring lutosus encounters.

Nice work Jason. Those snakes are breeding in the spring? They need to read my paper and learn that they are supposed to breed in the summer and fall.... Really cool observations.

I also like the picture with the cheatgrass in the background. I might use that if you wouldn't mind?
by Bryan Hamilton
May 24th, 2016, 3:53 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Introduction of Myself - New Herper - Advice on Books, etc.
Replies: 9
Views: 6180

Re: Introduction of Myself - New Herper - Advice on Books, e

The new edition of the Peterson field guide to eastern reptiles and amphibians is critical.

Also Harry Greene's Snakes: The Evolution of Mystery in Nature.
by Bryan Hamilton
May 9th, 2016, 9:54 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: School Me on Size Sets
Replies: 7
Views: 5314

Re: School Me on Size Sets

I wasn't aware that female copperheads were larger than males. There are some odd behaviour in that species involving males. Chapter 5 of Snake Ecology and Behavior has a section on copperheads and gives a good overall paradigm for mating systems. Male combat is only a piece of the puzzle. I've hear...
by Bryan Hamilton
May 8th, 2016, 6:11 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: A day to remember - milk flip-a-thon
Replies: 12
Views: 7452

Re: A day to remember - milk flip-a-thon

That is some great work out there. I know how hard you work at this. Yesterday (Fri May 6) Mark H and I went out to the west desert on another of our usually quixotic pyro hunts, in which we look for them in places nobody else has ever found them. Usually - but not always - we have the same result o...
by Bryan Hamilton
May 3rd, 2016, 10:31 am
Forum: News
Topic: NILE CROCODILES IN SOUTHERN FLORIDA
Replies: 1
Views: 3563

NILE CROCODILES IN SOUTHERN FLORIDA

Cool paper by our own Mike Rochford. The introduction to the abstract is bomber

"The state of Florida, USA, has more introduced herpetofauna than any other governmental region on Earth. "

http://www.herpconbio.org/Volume_11/Iss ... l_2016.pdf
by Bryan Hamilton
May 3rd, 2016, 10:29 am
Forum: Reading Room
Topic: Herpetological Conservation and Biology
Replies: 0
Views: 12228

Herpetological Conservation and Biology

This is a great journal for herp conservation enthusiasts. All open source and very relevant to our community.

http://www.herpconbio.org/
by Bryan Hamilton
April 17th, 2016, 11:44 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: SnakeDays time again
Replies: 5
Views: 3578

Re: SnakeDays time again

What exactly are "SnakeDays" and how do we find out more about them?
by Bryan Hamilton
April 16th, 2016, 4:50 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Best GPS for field use
Replies: 16
Views: 6915

Re: Best GPS for field use

Another big advantage with the trimble units are their data dictionaries. They can really help organize and manage your data which is critical when you have a lot of GPS points. Especially critical when you have technicians or volunteers collecting data. For example you can have a drop down menu for...
by Bryan Hamilton
April 13th, 2016, 4:31 pm
Forum: Reading Room
Topic: Peterson Field Guide to Eastern/Central...Fourth Edition
Replies: 7
Views: 16855

Re: Peterson Field Guide to Eastern/Central...Fourth Edition

I just got mine today. I'll take a look and let you know what I think.
by Bryan Hamilton
April 12th, 2016, 10:05 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Mojave Desert in the spring, St. George, Utah Apr 2016
Replies: 8
Views: 6200

Re: Mojave Desert in the spring, St. George, Utah Apr 2016

Damnn son! That's how we do it!

Nice work Jeremy. That's an incredible pay-off.
by Bryan Hamilton
April 11th, 2016, 11:09 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Best GPS for field use
Replies: 16
Views: 6915

Re: Best GPS for field use

I've noticed the newer models with color and touch screens, do not have the battery life of the older, cheaper models. I used to get 2-3 days of use from my garmin now I can't get a full day of batter life.
by Bryan Hamilton
April 11th, 2016, 10:56 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Fungal Disease in Wild Snakes?
Replies: 26
Views: 10909

Re: Fungal Disease in Wild Snakes?

Some updated information on salamander fungus:

National Wildlife Health Center
Wildlife Health Bulletin 2016-03
Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal):
An Emerging Disease of Salamanders

http://www.nwhc.usgs.gov/publications/w ... 0Final.pdf
by Bryan Hamilton
April 11th, 2016, 10:55 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Don't Tread On Me... BLEACH & BOOTS
Replies: 43
Views: 16824

Re: Don't Tread On Me... BLEACH & BOOTS

A recent report by USGS on salamander fungus:

National Wildlife Health Center
Wildlife Health Bulletin 2016-03
Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal):
An Emerging Disease of Salamanders

http://www.nwhc.usgs.gov/publications/w ... 0Final.pdf
by Bryan Hamilton
April 11th, 2016, 10:53 am
Forum: News
Topic: Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal): An Emerging Diseas
Replies: 0
Views: 3924

Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal): An Emerging Diseas

National Wildlife Health Center
Wildlife Health Bulletin 2016-03
Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal):
An Emerging Disease of Salamanders

http://www.nwhc.usgs.gov/publications/w ... 0Final.pdf