**read me** looking for help with conservation efforts

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: As some of you may know, funding for the eastern indigo snake research project on Kennedy space center in Florida was unexpectedly terminated as of December, 2001. : The ultimate goal of the project was to collect sufficient data to create a population viability analysis that will enable the successful creation of habitat modules throughout the range of the indigo. : To date, this is the most aggressive project involving the attempted recovery of wild indigos snakes. : Like all of you, I would hate to see this project end incomplete because of lack of funding. One of my initial thoughts was to call on herp societies and individuals to contribute to the funding the remainder of the project. : As I thought about it…I came up with an idea to help ensure the success of such a campaign: : Many herp societies pay big bucks to get speakers of interest in to perform programs. I have a program that I have prepared, with slides of both the Kennedy space center project, and of captive indigos, reproduction…etc. I will be happy to do programs for societies within driving distance of my home (Cincinnati, OH) in exchange for a contribution to the cause. I can’t however, travel around the country doing such programs. That’s where all of you come in. : If I can line up a network of you throughout the country willing to do the program, I could loan out the slides…and you all could get personally involved in this effort. So…If you have an affiliation with or are close to any herp society, and are willing to do a talk…then you’re in! : While making money to help save indigo snakes, you will be contributing to the education of many folks about these animals. : Here are some of the things the money is needed for: : Intensively continuing to track and x-ray females : Trying to locate nests : Capturing and researching and tracking juveniles : Answering wild indigo reproduction questions : Conducting genetic studies on populations. : It’s about time to get the herp community some good press right? If / when this happens, I will do my best to get publicity to the effort…i.e.… “Herp societies nationwide work to save endangered snake” etc etc. : I’m looking for all input right now…and those willing to step up and volunteer. : Dean Alessandrini

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