The Calusa Herpetological Society Of Southwest Florida

Thursday February 4, 2016 - 7:00 pm

The speaker for this evening will be Calusa Herpetological Society member Daniel Parker. The title of his talk is the "The Road and the Forest - The wildlife of a historic natural area in Central Florida and the road that divides it.". This presentation will cover an extensive University of Central Florida (UCF) study on the impacts of state of State Road 40 on wildlife in Ocala National Forest, Marjorie Harris-Carr Greenway, and Silver River State Park in Marion County, Florida. This area is known in herpetological circles as the former home of Ross Allen's Reptile Institute at Silver Springs, but it's rich history goes much deeper than that. This presentation will include tidbits on the colorful history of the area, as well as notes on other historical projects.

     Daniel is a biologist with University of Central Florida (UCF) and DRMP. He is also the owner of Sunshine Serpents (www.sunshineserpents.com). Through his company he guides reptile-themed eco-tours, gives educational presentations, photographs herps, assists with TV and film production, and breeds captive reptiles. Parker's photographs have appeared in Reptiles, Reptilia, and Herp Nation magazines, as well as numberous other publications world wide. His biological interests have involved diverse species. These include indigo snakes, gopher tortoises,  sand skinks, Florida black bears, and many established exotics, such as the Burmese python. Parker hopes that his work has helped to promote an increased understanding of Florida's natural environement and the wildlife that lives here. Come out and join us!

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The Herp-of-the Month will be  ?

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After Meeting Dinner

Do you want to talk herps for another hour or two after the meeting? Don't forget to come out to Stevie Tomatoes (a sports bar and grill) on Daniels Blvd and I-75 after the meeting, for food and plenty of informal herp talk with the speaker and other meeting attendees.