The Calusa Herpetological Society Of Southwest Florida

Thursday, June 5, 2025 - 7:00 pm 

Speaker Information: Our speaker for this month is Veronica Vargas from FWC. The title of his talk is FWC's Exotic Amnesty Program and Past Research on the Novel Turtle Fraservirus (TFV).  The Exotic Pet Amnesty Program is a unique, preventative management tool designed to reduce the release of nonnative species into the wild. The program does that by offering pet owners a free, credible, and legal option to rehome their exotic pets.  TFV is a newly described virus that has caused mass wild turtle morbidity and mortality events throughout the state of Florida since 2018. Veronica will go into her past field and laboratory work studying the virus, the clinical signs displayed by infected turtles, and what you could do to help further our knowledge of the virus.

       Veronica Vargas is a Nonnative Fish and Wildlife biologist withthe Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) who runs the day-to-day operations of the Exotic Pet Amnesty Program. With years of experience in invasive species research, as well as wildlife disease expertise, Veronica has supported efforts in developing and improving strategies for managing invasive species and addressing disease in captive and wild animal populations.

     After the meeting, you are invited to join us at a nearby restaurant (announced at the meeting) for more herp discussions and camaraderie over food and drinks. See you there! $5.00 for non-members per meeting or buy a year membership ($25 individual) or ($30 family/business). The address of the Calusa Nature Center is 3450 Ortiz Ave, Fort Myers, FL 33905.

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. We average 10 - 20 people attending every meeting.