Cha practices using a portable ultrasound machine to visualize developing follicles in a lizard. Masks are to reduce COVID19 risk. From left to right: Lindsay Cosmi, Dr. Mike Wenninger, and M.S. student, Cha Thao.
Recently, the TREE lab received a Wildlife Conservation Fund grant from the Fresno Chaffee Zoo to purchase a portable ultrasound machine. The purpose of the ultrasound is to allow us to monitor egg development in federally-endangered blunt-nosed leopard lizards (Gambelia sila). This is part of a joint collaboration between the USBLM, Fresno Chaffee Zoo, and TREE lab to monitor and study a relict population of blunt-nosed leopard lizards in the Panoche Hills west of Fresno.
Zoo veterinarian, Dr. Mike Wenninger sexing a Gila Monster via ultrasound. From left to right: Dr. Mike, new keeper, Steve, and reptile curator + friend of the lab, Mark Halvorsen.
However, before we could use it with endangered species, we needed some training! So, the zoo invited MS student Cha Thao and PI Rory Telemeco to work with zoo staff to learn the ropes! To start, zoo veterinarian Dr. Mike Wenninger and vet tech Lindsay Cosmi walked us over to the Herpetarium (i.e. reptile house) and gave us crash course in radiology. We then got to practice with some of the zoo’s animals, including some pregnant spiny lizards (Sceloporus), and a rock lizard (Petrosaurus). Then, we helped the zoo out by using the ultrasound and our new skills to help sex the Gila Monsters (Heloderma) in the collection, although Dr. Mike made the final call (turns out there were 2 males and 2 females).
Finally, Cha and I returned the favor as best we could and showed the vet and herp staff at the zoo how we lasso lizards, and especially the knots we use for our lassos. As a group, we then stalked the zoo catching naturally-occuring western fence lizards on the zoo grounds, which we then practiced our ultrasound with before eventually releasing them.
It was an eventful, amazing day. Everyone learned new skills and we strengthened relationships for our upcoming collaboration. Next stop: leopard lizards on the Panoche!