Amphibians of New England - Species, Natural History, and Habitats with Notes on Captive Care of Amphibians
By Richard J. Rego
Rick will talk about the amphibian species (frogs, toads and salamanders) found in Rhode Island and southeast Massachusetts. In addition to telling us which species are here, and their natural history, he will mention which ones we can legally keep in captivity and how to care for them.
We will also have a small auction of fish or plants you are submitted for the BAP or HAP. Members may also bring up to 3 lots for a Buck-a-Bag auction. We also plan to have refreshments, a raffle and a short business meeting. All are welcome and membership is not required to participate.
The Rhode Island Sportsmans Association is located at 19 Mohawk Drive, Riverside, Rhode Island.
Richard J. Rego has been keeping fish for over 30 years, in addition to reptiles and amphibians. His interest lies mostly in wild-type livebearers and North American native fishes. In the past he has maintained nearly 100 aquariums in his personal fish room, though as of late has thinned down due to other obligations. He was past President of TFSRI, past chairman of the Northeast Livebearers Association, and also served on the Board of Governors for the Northeast Council of Aquarium Societies.
He is currently involved in several reptile and amphibian related research projects in Massachusetts as a state-level and private contract biologist. Rick also works with the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) Marine Mammal Rescue and Research based in Yarmouthport on Cape Cod. He also works with the marine mammal and sea turtle rescue response team at Mystic Aquarium. He responds to live and dead stranded marine mammals and also performs necropsies on various whale, dolphin, and seal species.
Rick is the coordinator of the small animal, large animal, and wildlife anatomy teaching lab at Tufts University's Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine in Grafton, MA, and is responsible for the anatomy course and dissections labs for 110 first-year DVM candidates.
Rick also owns South Coast Scientific, a company specializing in new, used, out-of-print and rare aquarium and fish-related books and other natural history publications. South Coast Scientific also provides animal care equipment and diets for educational and research use, specializing in herpetological and ichthyological research both in the lab and in the field.