2026 THS Officer Slate and Prospective Directors

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2026 Officer Slate

Robert Villa

Incumbent THS President

I am a native Tucsonan with several years of experience as a naturalist, field biologist, ethnobiologist, and consultant for media projects in the Sonoran Desert region. I am running as incumbent President of the THS, and have enjoyed leading the THS in a way that is concerned with public outreach, and international conservation and research. In 2025 I plan on encouraging interested members in public outreach and involvement in the THS, offering more field trips, continuing to collaborate with Mexican colleagues, and begin conversations with the Tohono O’odham community and Nation about potential collaborations. My favorite herp is the one that I’m able to observe or help out of harm’s way.

Patrick Brown

Incumbent THS Vice President

As the current Vice President of the Tucson Herpetological Society (THS), I am honored to submit my candidacy for re-election. Serving in this position has provided me with invaluable opportunities to build relationships with people and organizations that share our mission of conservation, outreach, and education. These connections have allowed us to further our impact in the community and in the field, aligning with the core values of the THS. Over the past year, I’ve had the privilege of participating in fieldwork, including the Ditmars Horned Lizard expedition and the Bolson Tortoise field trip. In addition, I organized, facilitated, and/or volunteered at numerous outreach events, such as the Tucson Reptile Expo, the University of Arizona Festival of Books, and a variety of STEM initiatives at schools and within the community. These efforts are part of my ongoing commitment to increasing awareness and appreciation for herpetology. Looking ahead, my primary goal is to enhance engagement from our membership, particularly in our outreach and education efforts. I aim to improve our outreach materials and displays, while strengthening our relationships with conservation, natural history, and educational organizations. I believe we can achieve even more by working together and expanding our presence in the greater Tucson area. My experience in the field of herpetology spans a variety of research projects, including Madrean montane rattlesnake research and amphibian studies in southern Arizona. My passion for herpetology was instilled in me at a young age, influenced by my father, who is a lifelong herper and naturalist. In recent years, I have enjoyed participating in THS outreach events, particularly those involving children, as I believe engaging young people is key to building future conservationists. If I had to choose a favorite herp, it would undoubtedly be the rattlesnakes. They are often misunderstood but are incredibly fascinating creatures with remarkable adaptations. Their diversity and ecological significance continue to inspire my work. I hope to continue serving as your Vice President and look forward to the opportunity to further the important work of the THS.

Ryan Perry

THS Treasurer Candidate

My name is Ryan Perry and I am running to become the THS Treasurer for 2026. I am a math and science teacher here in Tucson and have been keeping reptiles for about 20 years. After being a THS member the past few years I decided to take on a more involved role this year by joining the THS Board. I have learned a lot this year as a board member and working with Maggie Fusari, the current treasurer, on how to handle the details of the Treasurer’s job. Maggie is retiring as Treasurer and now I want to take the next step in my involvement with the society by running for the Treasurer position. This year, I worked closely with THS officers in setting up and running school and outreach events, teaching others about our native herps and fundraising. As treasurer, I would continue to support expanding our education, outreach, and fundraising efforts by setting up more events, increasing membership and donations, and working with other likeminded organizations.

Karen Watson

Incumbent THS Secretary

Actually, just being a part of THS is what I like the best. This position provides me the opportunity to meet many new people and have enriching experiences with other folks that share a passion for herpetology. Being an officer allows me to gain more knowledge through other officers and members. This past year, I have not accomplished as much as I wish, due to my work schedule. I have taken over the merchandise role, which I like. I have also gained a larger overview how THS works and the overall relationship of each of the officer’s tasks. My goals for next year are to be better organized to answer THS emails and be more on top of merchandising. If my work schedule permits, attend more bimonthly meetings. My experience in herpetology is lifelong. Bringing blue racers home at the age of 4-years-old. This passion of many, many years lead me to obtain a master’s degree in Environmental Studies with a concentration in herpetology at the age of 55 and beginning a whole new career. Part of this path included an internship at the Kentucky Reptile Zoo and the Brown Tree Snake project in Guam. The experiences of the past 7 years have helped me arrive at my current position as a field biologist for the Amphibian and Reptile Conservancy. All herps, all the time!! My favorite herp is a Protobothrops mangshanenesis, a Mangshan pit viper. Adorable!

August 21 Presentation: Self-Reflections of a Conservation Biologist – Taylor Edwards

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Self-Reflections of a Conservation Biologist

Taylor Edwards

Dr. Taylor Edwards, Associate Staff Scientist at University of Arizona Genetics Core, will present a self-evaluation of his research and how his experiences have shaped his approach as he moves forward in the future.

Taylor is a conservation geneticist whose primary research focus for the last 20 years has been the desert tortoise. He was instrumental in revising the taxonomy of this group into what are now three independent species, including the newly described “Goode’s thornscrub tortoise.”

Throughout his career, Taylor has sought out interdisciplinary collaboration and research projects that inform and promote species conservation. In 2019, Taylor was part of an exhibition at the University of Arizona Museum of Art as part of the Next-Generation Sonoran desert Researchers 6&6 Project: Six Artists, Six Scientists—Merging Views of the Sonoran Desert.

With artist Heather Green, he explored an isolated population of chuckwallas near La Cholla, Sonora, Mexico.This transformative experience exposed him to a transdisciplinary approach that has inspired his tactics toward conservation.

About Dr. Taylor Edwards:

Taylor first moved to Tucson in 1992 to work in the Department of Mammalogy and Ornithology at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. This was his first introduction to the Sonoran Desert, and he’s been a passionate advocate ever since. He is currently an Associate Staff Scientist at the University of Arizona Genetics Core where he has been involved with a variety of genetic projects from fish to plants to people, including helping to oversee the public testing for National Geographic and IBM’s “Genographic Project.”

Taylor earned his Bachelor of Arts in Zoology from the University of California, Santa Barbara and then both his Masters and Doctorate degrees in Wildlife and Fisheries Conservation and Management from the School of Natural Resources and the Environment at the University of Arizona. He is a member of the Advisory Board of the Turtle Conservancy, a Scientific Advisor for the Turner Foundation for the Bolson Tortoise Captive Breeding and Repatriation Project and past president of the Tucson Herpetological Society. Taylor also works with National Geographic and Lindblad Expeditions as a “National Geographic Expert” and has accompanied programs to US National Parks, Costa Rica, Panama, Nicaragua, Peru, Ecuador, and the Galapagos Islands.

Meeting Time:
7:15pm

Meeting Place:
City Ward 3 Meeting Room – 1510 E Grant Rd – Tucson AZ 85719

Southeast corner of Grant and Vine between Campbell and Mountain Avenues

Pre-meeting Eats:
Karuna’s Thai Plate – 1917 E Grant Rd – Tucson AZ 85719

Northeast block of Grant and Campbell

August 28 Field Trip – Sabino Canyon Day and Night 2019

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We will spend a few hours herping in the morning, ending when temperatures are getting too warm for lizards and then re-converge in the late afternoon for a few hours at night. Weather-dependent.

Logistical Lead and Contact Info: Larry Jones. 520-730-5254; gilaman@comcast.net

NOTE: Plans are subject to change, usually due to weather, so keep your cell phone with you, especially the day before and day of the trip, and especially for the night portion, should nasty storms brew.

Location: Sabino Canyon Recreation Area, Coronado National Forest.

Target Taxa: The daytime is mostly for lizard watching through binoculars. Close-focus are best. Nighttime is mostly for snake-viewing. This is a good area for many species of snakes and lizards, including Sonoran Spotted Whiptail, Giant Spotted Whiptail, sometimes Eastern Collared Lizard, and a host of other common lizards, especially those of the Sonoran Desert. Snakes include Sonoran Lyresnake, kingsnakes, Black-necked Gartersnake, and other common desert snakes. Venomous species include Gila Monsters, Western Black-tailed Rattlesnakes, Tiger Rattlesnakes, Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnakes, and Arizona Coralsnakes. Amphibians include several toads and Canyon Treefrogs. Sonoran Desert Tortoises are reasonably common here.

Herp Handling Requirements: This is a no-touch zone.

Meeting Area/Rendezvous Point: Meet at the front of the Visitor’s Center. There is a parking fee that the participants must pay themselves. Hang onto the stub, and use it for re-entry.

Meeting Time and Date: On the morning of 28 August, meet at the visitor’s center at 0630 AM. It is likely to be hot, so an early start is necessary for the day portion. Then after the long lunch and dinner break, meet again at 6:30 PM for the evening portion.

Leaving Time and Date: During the morning, probably leave by 11:00 or so. At night, probably leave at 10:30 PM or so. This is determined as we go. Leaders and helpers of smaller groups will have walkie-talkies and or cell phones to communicate.

Directions: At east end of Tucson, in foothills of Santa Catalina Mountains, at entrance to Sabino Canyon

Accommodations (e.g., campground): Hotels and camping in and near Tucson, but nothing right there.

Facilities: Visitor’s Center, restrooms with flush toilets. There is no food at Sabino Canyon; one would have to bring their own, or head out after the break. There are paved roads and good trails.

Carpooling: No arranged carpooling. However, if participants from the West side want to carpool to Sabino, go for it.

Maximum Number of Participants: 15 persons.

Off-limits Areas: Adjacent private lands are off-limits. Walking will be limited to roads, trails, and possibly the riparian area; however, in the event of monsoonal rains, the riparian area may be dangerous, so at night, it is mandatory to stick by a trail and/or stay with the group helper.

Site-specific Safety Alerts: Daytimes can get very hot, so be prepared. We have no plans to guide the field trip during the heat of the day, so participants are on their own. During moderate weather, rattlesnakes and Gila Monsters may be common, as well as stinging insects. In the afternoon and evening, flash floods, rising stream levels, and lightning are potential safety hazards. If the conditions look too hazardous, we will cancel or postpone the evening field portion. Participants must always stay close to their group helpers, or announce when they are headed back. If were are in underbrush, snakes are a hazard, and leather boots and snake gaiters are advised, and may be mandatory.

What should Participants Bring?: General field gear (e.g., boots, sunscreen, hat, food, water), binoculars (especially close-focus), cell phone, camera, FLASHLIGHT/headlamps required for nighttime portion. If you want to get off the pavement on trails at night, snake-gaiters may be required.

Purpose of Trip (e.g., photograph and release at point of capture): No-touch, photograph in situ the abundant reptile and amphibian fauna of this area. There are ¾ million visitors per year, so the lizards are often tolerant of humans, and it is often easy to get photographs of many species. This is a moonless time during the monsoon, so is categorically the best time for snakes, although it is dependent upon the local conditions.

Nearest Emergency Room with 24/7 Physician on Duty: Saint Joseph’s Hospital, 350 N. Wilmot Road, Tucson, AZ 85711. (520) 873-3000. Call 911 in an emergency.

Other Information as Needed: Because this trip is weather-dependent, be ready to change plans at the last minute. Watch for emails, texts, or phone message updates, especially in the days preceding the trip and the day of the trip.

Field Trip: Scorpions of the Tucson Mountains and Avra Valley

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On June 22, 2019, Saguaro National Park West will host a morning presentation by esteemed scorpion expert Larry Jones, and when the sun goes down, you can join scorpion enthusiasts for a night of sightings.

IMPORTANT: To register for the FIELD TRIP, you must contact Saguaro National Park at 520-733-5158. Registration is not required for the morning presentation.
Presentation: 22 June 2019, 10:15 AM

  • Special presentation by Larry Jones in the Saguaro National Park West Theater
  • No sign-up or registration necessary
  • Sponsors and Collaborators: Saguaro National Park West (SNPW), THS, Ironwood Forest NM (IFNM; BLM), Friends of IFNM, and Pima Co. Parks and Recreation

“During the past three years, I have studied scorpions of this area and amassed some 13,000 records of habitat and microhabitat use by six species of scorpions found in the area. I will discuss my research and give an overview of how to identify the species found there, as well as information on venom, precautions, and what to do if stung. Because this is also be a good area for snakes, we will have assistance from the Tucson Herpetological Society (THS) to look for the many interesting serpents of the Avra Valley, the area for the proposed I-11 corridor.”

Field trip (scorpions and any herps encountered): 22 June 2019

  • Meet at 8:30 PM, in front of the Visitor’s Center (VC). We will end around 11:00 PM
  • Sign-up by reservation only, through Saguaro NP 520-733-5158 (after announcement on website in mid-May). Do not sign up through THS!
  • Bring: Headlamps/flashlights, black lights, water, snacks, water, close-focus binoculars, sturdy hiking boots, cell phone, and camera with zoom and/or macro lens.

First, we walk around VC, then caravan to Avra Valley. For those not wishing to do the whole thing, they can leave after the VC portion (but you’ll be missing out!)

This trip targets most species of scorpions in the area, but we also hope to see some of the native snakes.

June 19th Presentation: Herp Population Dynamics at Leslie Canyon NWR

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WHEN: Wednesday, June 19 at 7:15 pm
WHERE: Ward 3 City Building, 1510 E Grant Rd., Tucson, AZ

Mr. Bill Radke, Refuge Manager at Buenos Aires NWR, Leslie Canyon NWR, and San Bernardino NWR, will present a fascinating account of the population dynamics of reptiles and amphibians at Leslie Canyon National Wildlife Refuge.

The presentation will focus on the exciting results of an intensive 15-year sampling project at Leslie Canyon National Wildlife Refuge in Cochise County, Arizona, which culminated in October 2014.

Studies such as this one are important for helping document species richness, understanding ecological trends, investigating population dynamics and the roles of rare species, and in helping justify resource management decisions.

Not only did this study document population dynamics and “spikes”, information gleaned from this extraordinary effort included:

  • Species richness
  • Periods of activity
  • Success of various trapping techniques
  • Longevity information
  • Response to precipitation
  • Relative abundance

Additionally, the project resulted in the capture and identification of a new mollusk species, and helped with the determination of a new mammal species.

Join us for pre-meeting eats at 5:30 pm:
Blue Willow
2616 N Campbell Ave.
Tucson, AZ

May 15th Presentation: Komodo Dragons in the Field

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Thermoregulation, movement patterns and energy use by Komodo Dragons in the Field

Dr. Hank Harlow, Professor Emeritus, University of Wyoming

Hank Harlow is Professor Emeritus, Department of Zoology & Physiology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming. He is interested in Comparative, Integrative, and Ecological Physiology of Vertebrates, Thermal Biology of Terrestrial Endotherms and Ectotherms, Biochemistry of Fat and Protein Utilization, Physiology of Stress, Spatial and Temporal Use of Terrestrial Landscapes. His studies have addressed animal adaptations to stressful environments, whether it is habitat loss influence on Sun bears in Cambodia, sea ice loss effect on Polar bear survival in the Arctic or invasive prickly pear cactus on big lizards in Indonesia. This talk will focus on addressing why it is not a large mammal, but a reptile, that is the top carnivore on five islands in Indonesia. The spatial and energy profiles of Komodo Dragons was created with the use of temperature loggers, VHF tracking, heart rate monitoring and respirometry to understand the behavioral and physiological adaptations of different size groups of dragons allowing them to coexist and effectively utilize limited resources.

When & Where:
7:15 p.m.

Tucson City Council Ward 3
1510 East Grant Rd.

Please join us for a pre-meeting gathering:

5:30 p.m. at Blue Willow
2616 N Campbell Ave.

 

April 17 Presentation: Herping with the Taliban in Afghanistan

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Ted Pappenfus, UC Berkeley, will share his experiences as a herpetologist in Afghanistan at the April 17 meeting of the Tucson Herpetological Society.

Ted is a research herpetologist at the Museum of Vertebrate Zoology. For over 25 years his field work has included expeditions to arid regions in West Asia, the Middle East, the Arabian Peninsula, and the Horn of Africa in Somalia and Eritrea. He tries to visit historic type localities to collect fresh specimens and tissues for DNA and morphological studies of amphibians and reptiles from these countries.

In the year 2000, he contacted the Taliban rulers of Afghanistan and asked them if he could come to Afghanistan to “catch some lizards”. Ted was surprised how willing the Taliban leadership was have him “come catch lizards”.

It took several months for the Taliban to arrange the trip. He was met at the Pakistan border town Quetta, smuggled across the border and driven to the Taliban stronghold of Kandahar, Afghanistan.
Osama bin Laden was living in Kandahar at the same time Ted was there, but due to conflicting schedules they never met.

Where:
Tucson City Council Ward 3
1510 East Grant Rd.

Please join us for a pre-meeting gathering:
When: at 5:30 PM at Rubio’s
Where: 2906 N Campbell

March 20 Presentation: Chasing Lizards in the Namib Desert

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20 March, 7:15 pm, Ward 3, 1510 E Grant Rd, Tucson.

Chasing lizards in the Namib Desert:  Insights into the ecology of sand lizards and day geckos, presented by Ian White Murray
Download the meeting announcement here:

Meeting Location:

Tucson City Council Ward 3
1510 East Grant Rd.
Tucson, AZ 85719

(Southeast corner of Grant and Vine, between Campbell and Mountain Avenue)

Pre-meeting dinner at Rubios 2906 Campbell, 5:30 pm.

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