We're happy to say that we've been able to get Dr. Gavin Smith from the Australian National University to come and give us a presentation on the progress of the Canberra Snake Tracking Project. Gavin and his students are working hard to understand human-wildlife conflict and the role that snake translocation has on Eastern Brown Snake ecology.
Michael McFadden the Unit Supervisor, Herpetofauna, Taronga Zoo Sydney and a PhD candidate at the University of Wollongong will be giving us a presentation about the new Reptile and Amphibian facility at Taronga.
Theo Tasoulis is an Honorary Associate Lecturer in the Clinical Toxicology Research Group at the University of Newcastle. Theo is an expert in Australian snake venom and will be giving us a jam packed presentation on all things venom. He will give a global overview on snake venom and how people study venom, the pharmacology of the different protein families, genetics and molecular biology of toxin evolution, and then deep dive into his research on the Australian elapids. Be prepared to hear about the venoms of Hoplocephalus stephensii, Vermicella annulata, Acanthophis antarcticus, Pseudechis porphyriacus. Finally, his presentation will finish off looking at how costal taipan (Oxyuranus scutellatus) venom varies within the species.
Dead reptiles on the road are ubiquitous across Australia. Yet, we know actually have little formal information on what's happening. Mitchell will present an overview of the reptile roadkill research from across the globe, before narrowing down onto what is being done in Australia and how the AHS has helped to contribute to our understanding of reptile roadkill ecology. He'll also explain how members of the society can actively contribute to our understanding of reptile road mortality.
Another regular trip that the AHS used to run was to Yengo National Park. Yengo is a great spot in the greater Sydney Basin as several of the dry adapted species present in the Hunter Valley enter the park. Targets include Goulds monitors, Rosenberg’s monitors, and Punctate Worm-skink.
Note this trip will incur a fee to cover cost of accommodation (which is provided) in the national park.
21/02/2025 – 23/02/2025
The AHS’ annual trip to Smith’s lake is upon us again! This trip is a multi-day affair at the UNSW Smith’s Lake field Station. Target species include Stephen’s banded snakes, rough scale snakes and adders. Plenty of lizards and frogs to be seen as well!
Note this trip will incur a fee to cover cost of accommodation (which is provided) at the Smith’s lake station.
A trip to Blue Mountains National Park looking for some the ‘cooler’ herps in the Sydney basin. Day trip component will focus on species like mustard belly snakes, blue mountains water skinks, copperheads, and more. The evening will be targeting adders, small-eyed snakes, broad heads, and adders. Depending on weather we may also get some frogs including giant burrowing frogs or red crowned toadlets.
Members can register for either part of the trip (day or night) or both.
A night walk through Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park targeting a wide array on Sydney herps including death adders, bandy-bandys, scalyfeet and more.
