GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The Florida Museum of Natural History will host the 42nd annual Herpetology Conference March 23-24 at the Wyndham Garden, about a mile south of the University of Florida.

The conference is the nation’s longest-running regional herpetology symposium and convenes amateur and professional herpetologists to discuss reptile and amphibian research, education and conservation efforts. It is underwritten by the Reptile and Amphibian Conservation Corps and the Florida Museum.

“The conference brings together some of the country’s foremost experts and most enthusiastic devotees of reptiles and amphibians in a friendly environment,” said Florida Museum herpetology curator Max Nickerson. “We always enjoy and learn from each other.”

Keynote speakers at this year’s event are Jayme Waldron of Marshall University, who will discuss monitoring and conservation of eastern diamondback rattlesnakes, and Dale DeNardo of Arizona State University, who studies the desert survival strategies of Gila monsters.

This year’s conference will feature book signings by Kevin Enge and Paul Moler of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and authors of the recently published “Amphibians and Reptiles of Florida” and Robert Robins, Florida Museum collection manager of ichthyology and lead author of “Fishes in the Fresh Waters of Florida.”

Book sales and signings are open to the general public.

Registration is required to attend the herpetology seminars, which will include presentations and monetary awards for the best presentation in three categories: general, student and poster. Registered conference attendees will also enjoy silent and live auctions, a social and dinner.

Registrations will be accepted at the door. Those who register at the event, however, are not guaranteed a dinner ticket. For schedule and registration information, visit https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/herpetology-conference/.

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Source: Max Nickerson, maxn@flmnh.ufl.edu, 352-273-1946
Writer: Natalie van Hoose, nvanhoose@flmnh.ufl.edu, 352-273-1922