FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3rd

5:00pm Registration Begins

6:00pm Welcome Remarks and Evening Buffet

7:00 – 9:00pm Socialize, Fun Evening Activities, Cash Bar.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 4th

9:00am – 12noon Morning Presentations

                                 Silent Auction begins

2:00pm – 5:00pm Afternoon Presentations

5:00 – 6:30pm Break

6:30pm Banquet and end of Silent Auction

7:30-8:30pm Keynote Speaker: Jeff Briggler (MO State Herpetologist)

8:30pm Live Auction Begins, Cash Bar,  and Socializing

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 5th

Field Trip to Dickerson Park Zoo is FULL and no longer an option.  An ‘on your own’ field trip to Branson’s Wild World is available with registration.

2025 Midwest Herpetological Symposium

Presentations and Description

Dr. Jeff Briggler (MO State Herpetologist)

The Life and Times of a State Agency Herpetologist

Description:  This presentation will provide a summary of the job responsibilities of a State Herpetologist.  Job responsibilities range from research, survey, monitoring, regulations, and educational efforts.  Emphasis will be placed on recovery activities associated with several rare or endangered amphibian and reptile species in Missouri.

Dr. Brian Greene (MO State University)

Sources of variation in the diet and foraging behavior of Northern Cottonmouths (Agkistrodon piscivorus)

Description: Cottonmouths feed on a wide variety of prey types which vary with location and snake size.  Feeding behavior also varies with type of prey and the temperature of the environment.  The presentation will integrate dietary data from wild snakes with results from laboratory experiments to explain the feeding ecology of these remarkable snakes.

Dr. Ashley Exendine (College of the Ozarks)

Stewardship of Herpetofauna at College of the Ozarks

Description: College of the Ozarks (C of O) is committed to increasing awareness and appreciation of reptiles and amphibians both on campus and in the surrounding community. Through educational programs, interactive herping competitions, and the safe, ethical relocation of native species, C of O students actively contribute to the conservation and protection of these treasured resources.

Dr. Day Ligon (MO State University)

Conservation and Ecology of Mesoamerica’s Endangered Central American River Turtle

Description: The Central American River Turtle, also called ‘Hicatee’ in Belize and ‘Tortuga Blanca’ in Guatemala and Mexico, historically achieved remarkable population densities due to its herbivorous tendencies. However, it has declined precipitously in recent decades and is now listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN and is regarded as among the world’s most endangered turtles by the Turtle Conservation Coalition. Beginning in 2019, the Turtle Ecology Lab at Missouri State University embarked on an effort to determine the species’ status in the heart of its range in Belize, and to study aspects of its biology that help to inform conservation efforts. In this talk, I will highlight those efforts and provide an up-to-date assessment of the species’ prospects for survival into the future.

Dr. Bridget Zacharias, DVM Galloway Village Veterinary

Advancing and Improving the Lives of Our Reptile Companions

Description: Enhancing the lives of captive reptiles by stimulating natural behaviors, promoting physical and mental well-being, and preventing boredom. It will cover various aspects like environmental enrichment, cognitive enrichment, and enrichment activities, all tailored to the specific needs of the reptile species.

Daniel Yates

Neurobiology of Reptiles

Description: This presentation will explore the anatomy of the reptile brain and how different portions influence how they interact with their world and other organisms. Comparisons of a variety of reptile brain structures will show how form follows function as well behavior.

YOUNG HERPETOLOGISTS

Kate Blau

Green Anoles: An Overlooked Reptile Gem

Description: This will be a discussion of green anoles, their unique characteristics and proper care. This presentation focuses on explaining the history of green anole herpetoculture and how to take care of one.

Lillian Hinds

The Conservation of Blue Poison Dart Frogs

Description: This is a discussion of where the blue poison dart frogs live and thrive. It will include some characteristics about them and why they are special. I will also talk about how and why we should help conserve them. I will finally talk about why they are special to me.

Regular Registration is OVER. An ‘Adjusted Registration will be open until Noon on September 29th. After Noon on September 29th only Late Registration will be availble.

Adjusted Registration  = $90

Adjusted Registration includes 2 evening meals, but no shirt or Sunday Field Trip.

Late Registration  = $50   

Late Registration DOES NOT include any meals, shirt or Sunday Field Trip.

On September 29th (noon), only LATE Registrations will be accepted.

Registration includes:

      – Sponsor Materials

      – Access to all presentations

     – All social and networking opportunities