The Calusa Herpetological Society Of Southwest Florida

Thursday, May 2, 2019 - 7:00 pm

SPEAKER & TOPIC: Tonight's speaker is Daniel Parker.   Daniel is a biologist with DRMP and University of Central Florida (UCF). He is also a volunteer for Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation
Commission (FWC) and the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF). Parker is 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. He hopes that his work has helped to promote an increased understanding of Florida's natural environment and the wildlife that lives there.

       Parker's photographs have been published in books such as the newly-released *Amphibians and Reptiles of Florida* and *Amphibians and
Reptiles of Sanibel and Captiva Islands: A Natural History*. His photos have also appeared in *Reptiles*, *Reptilia*, and *Herp Nation* magazinesas well as numerous other publications world wide.
       For the Calusa Herp Society, Parker will be presenting *Field Herping Adventures on Florida's Nature Coast*. This presentation will cover years of field experiences with herps and other critters in one of Florida's last great wild areas. The Nature Coast is a region of deserted islands, extensive salt marshes, dark and beautiful coastal hammocks, and even desert-like sandhills and scrub. Its wild lands provide habitat for
rattlesnakes, kingsnakes, box turtles, terrapins, and many other interesting herps. Special varieties of garter snake and rat snake are endemic to the region, meaning that they are found nowhere else in the world. Parker's quest to find the most elusive creatures of the Nature Coast has led him to drive many miles on dusty roads and slog through thesoggy muck. Come join the adventure!

  See you there!

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 15 – 35 people attending every meeting.

Cookies and cold soda, a nightly raffle of live herps, herp products, and books follow each speaker's talk, and lots of herp camaraderie, gossip, and fun can be counted upon at all meetings !

For more info , call (239) 728-2390 or (239) 481-3525 or  EMAIL: info@calusaherp.org