93 | Exotic Parasites in Snakes Spreading Across North America

Dr. Jenkins sits down with Dustin Smith from the North Carolina Zoo to discuss a conservation program for Virgin Island Boas. They begin by discussing Dustin’s career trajectory and the dedication required to succeed in the zoo field. Next, they delve into the natural history of Virgin Island Boas, covering aspects such as their distribution, habitat, reproduction, diet, status, and threats. Then, they explore a comprehensive program aimed at conserving the boas, which includes field surveys and monitoring, captive breeding and reintroduction, as well as the control of invasive predator populations.

Connect with Dustin at the North Carolina Zoo.

Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.

Shop Snake Talk merch.

Dr. Jenkins sits down with Dr. Stephen Mullin to discuss his career as a herpetologist. While many academics concentrate on specific questions in science, landscapes, or species, Steve has chosen to be a generalist, exploring various questions in diverse landscapes and species. The conversation delves into the distinctions between being a generalist and a specialist. They also cover stories and research projects involving a broad spectrum of species, including hognose snakes, kingsnakes, and mangrove snakes.

Connect with Stephen at the Mullin Herpetology Lab. 

Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.

Shop Snake Talk merch.

Dr. Jenkins sits down with Dr. Jake Socha from Virginia Tech University to delve into the biomechanics of flying snakes. They begin the discussion by exploring how certain flying lizards inspired Jake to embark on the study of snakes. They discuss the general natural history of flying snakes before delving into the specifics of their biomechanics. The biomechanics discussion encompasses everything from launch to landing. You won't want to miss this one!

Connect with Jake at The Socha Lab.

Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.

Shop Snake Talk merch.

Chris discusses Pygmy Rattlesnakes with Dr. Terry Farrell, a professor at Stetson University in Florida. Drawing on his extensive 30-year experience in studying the ecology of Pygmy Rattlesnakes, Dr. Farrell shares information about this common yet understudied snake. Their conversation encompasses various aspects of natural history, including habitat, diet, movements, venom, and more. Additionally, they talk about long-term population monitoring in Florida. Dr. Farrell also shares his personal experience, detailing how his prolonged interaction with the snakes led to the development of a sensitivity and allergy to their venom.

Connect with Terry at Stetson University.

Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.

Shop Snake Talk merch.

Dr. Jenkins sits down with Blake Adams and Caleb Goldsmith. Blake and Caleb work for The Orianne Society where their primary focus is on the restoration and management of snake habitat. The discussion kicks off with an exploration of the Longleaf Pine ecosystem that dominates the southeastern coastal plain. The natural disturbance regimes that historically preserved this ecosystem have been disrupted, necessitating active management to sustain snake habitat. They delve into the restoration of native grasses and forbs, and the crucial roles played by prescribed fire and forestry in maintaining snake habitat in the region.

Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.

Shop Snake Talk merch.

Dr. Jenkins sits down with Dr. Alison Rabosky, the Curator of Herpetology at the University of Michigan Museum of Zoology, to talk about museum collections of snakes. They begin by talking about Alison’s research on color patterns and mimicry in lizards and snakes. They delve into the acquisition and management of museum collections, and highlight a recent acquisition that now positions the University of Michigan Museum of Zoology with the largest collection of snakes in the United States, if not the world. The conversation also addresses criticisms faced by natural history museums, emphasizing their significant contribution to understanding snake biology and conservation.

Connect with Alison at the University of Michigan.

Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.

Shop Snake Talk merch.

Dr. Jenkins sits down with Jenna Palmisano, a Ph.D. Candidate studying parasites in snakes. Focusing on pentastomes, they discuss the species native to North America and how they are different from the exotic invasive pentastome found in Florida. The parasite is thought to have come into North America from exotic snakes that are spreading across Florida, but the parasite has been found much farther north than the snakes that may have brought them in. They discuss how human activities have likely facilitated the move north and ways to potentially deal with the issue. You are not going to miss this one, these parasites have the potential to impact snakes across North America.

Connect with Jenna at the University of Central Florida and read more about her research.

Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.

Shop Snake Talk merch.

Dr. Jenkins sits down with Dr. James Bogan, Director of the Orianne Center for Indigo Conservation and Central Florida Zoo. They have an in depth discussion of Cryptosporidium (Crypto) in snakes. First, they talk about the disease itself and how it impacts snakes. Second, they discuss how to test for it and treat it. They also discuss how Crypto has been found in the captive population of indigo snakes that is being used for their conservation and how they have effectively managed it to prevent its spread within the captive colony and into the wild. If you are interested in snakes either in the wild or captivity, or if you are interested in conservation or diseases this is one you don’t want to miss.

Connect with James at the Central Florida Zoo.

Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.

Shop Snake Talk merch.

Dr. Jenkins sits down with Matt Buehler, a Ph.D. Candidate studying indigo snake genetics. They begin with how Matt found himself working with indigo snakes and cover some interesting steps in his career including studying Sea Kraits. They start the discussion of indigo snake genetics by talking about what has already been done, including a study using mitochondrial data that showed there are two clades of Eastern Indigo Snakes and a second study showing that there is gene flow between the clades. They talk about Matt’s research, including looking at population structure of indigo snakes and understanding the indigo snake genome. The results from all these studies are important for developing reintroduction strategies.

Connect with Matt on his website.

Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.

Shop Snake Talk merch.

Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.

Shop Snake Talk merch.

Dr. Jenkins sits down with Matt Patterson from New Hampshire. Matt is an incredible artist that focuses primarily on reptiles, especially turtles. They discuss how Matt’s interests in reptiles and art developed simultaneously. They talk about becoming a wildlife illustrator and aspects of having a career as a freelance artist. Matt also speaks about how he spends time in nature near his home, as well as afar, where he gains the inspiration and materials to develop his illustrations. Finally, they go through multiple books that he has illustrated and how you can purchase them.

Connect with Matt and see more of his work on his website.

Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.

Shop Snake Talk merch.

Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.

Shop Snake Talk merch.