The Calusa Herpetological Society Of Southwest Florida

Thursday, August 5, 2021 - 7:00 pm

SPEAKER & TOPIC:  This month’s speaker is an avid herp enthusiast and self-taught skink connoisseur Dakota Nivens. Dakota is going to be giving us a live animal presentation on the blue-tongued skinks of Indonesia and Papua New Guinea (Tiliqua gigas ssp.) Dakota will be discussing with us their natural history, the ethics of keeping, their specialized husbandry, breeding notes, and subspecies determination.

Dakota has been keeping blue tongue skinks for over 10 years and has been an active member in the community for 8 of those. Dakota’s early interest in the New Guinean bluetongues has led him into some interesting opportunities over the years: he has two photographs of his skinks published in the book: “A Guide to Keeping Australian Skinks in Captivity” by Dr. Danny Brown, he authored an article for an e-magazine on blue-tongued skinks for the Madison Herpetological Society, and he bred and produced both the Merauke and Northern blue-tongued skink by age 19.

In addition to his presentation, Dakota will be displaying his herpetological artwork available to buy; they are framed prints of his original work on wildlife. Half of the proceeds will be donated back into Calusa Herpetological Society. Consider supporting a local artist; I encourage you to bring some cash!   We meet at the Iona House at the Calusa Nature Center. We will go to dinner afterwards at Texas Roadhouse on Six-mile Cypress Blvd, just south of Colonial Blvd.

WHO'S INVITED ? You are! Anyone with an interest in any aspect of herpetology or herpetoculture is welcome to attend, learn, and exchange their experiences with our friendly membership. Come out to meet others who keep, breed or study reptiles and amphibians, and let them share their fascination with you. 

For more info, call (239) 810-9425 or  EMAIL: calusaherpsociety@gmail.com