Uroplatus UVB Data Project

Scott Filimonow · #1 (**permalink**) 03-01-2008, 11:40 AM

This statement has been added to the thread after the initial post..........First off let me start by saying I am a private hobbyist and have no affiliations with any group. I have focused on keeping and breeding Uroplatus species for the last 9 years. I am in no way an expert, but have had a good amount of success with these little demons. My goal is to establish strong, self-sustaining, captive populations.

This project is well on its way to becoming a reality. There has been much interest from experts to novices alike in reguards to the Uroplatus UVB Data Project. I welcome you to read through the material presented in these posts and return to check up on how it is progressing. This is an ongoing endevor, and I will be updating the thread frequently over the months to inform you on our progression! I also encourage you to actively participate in the formulation of this project (be it a monetary pledge, helpful insights, web page design/formating assistance, etc.). WELCOME!

Sincerely,

Scott Filimonow
Buffalo, NY USA

Last Updated: December 10,2008

1. Scott Filimonow $20
2. Lawrence (Calfircap) $20
3. Mike Martin (miguel camacho!) $20
4. The Gilpins (L.A.C. Herps) $20
5. Jed (jeepboy 90) $20
6. Doug (D.B. Johnson) $20
7. Marty and Geckos Unlimited $100
8. Sarah (Lunar Gecko) $20
9. Derek Dunlop (DDReptiles) $20
10. clint545 $40
11. redtegu $20
12. Matt (Phantasy) $20
13. Rickard (Rotto) $20
14. Pierre Fleuret (Pierre) $20
15. Ed Watson (MonteQ's) $20
16. WhyteLocust $50
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Total Pledged: $450.00
Please do not hesitate to pledge a donation.
Thanks again to all of those who have contributed already.

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ORIGINAL THREAD STARTS HERE -

Would anybody be interested in participating in.......

A project that would require a reliable and trustworthy member of the forums who is going to be traveling to Madagascar for eco-tourism in the near future to be given a UVB meter to take UVB readings of Uroplatus species in situ while sleeping during daylight hours. The species name, location, hour and UVB reading (within inches of the animal) will all have to be recorded and freely shared via the forums.

The results will determine how much UVB is actually available for synthesis to these animals near the dark rain forest floor, during day light hours. This will allow us to better understand the supplimentation and simulated UVB lighting demands of captive Uroplatus.
The study could ultimately result in more consistent reproduction within our captive colonies.

If we find a serious volunteer to conduct the experiment, it would be necessary for us to raise the funds via donations to buy and ship the UVB meters and related equipment to the "researcher".

Is there any interest in this project........volunteers, donors?

Grep · #2 (**permalink**) 03-01-2008, 02:44 PM

Contact Mr.Bill Love in USA. He is constantly going to Madagascar and he will
in future also make project on Furcifer pardalis to collect some data in nature-also measure UVB as I know. So I think he is the right man if he has time and if he is ready to do these.

Scott Filimonow · #3 (**permalink**) 03-01-2008, 05:38 PM

That is a good idea. I will write him in the next few days.

Calfirecap · #4 (**permalink**) 03-02-2008, 02:19 PM

Scott,

Great idea. Count me in as a donor, wish I could be the researcher.

Lawrene

Scott Filimonow · #5 (**permalink**) 03-02-2008, 03:42 PM

That's great Lawrence.

If you would contribute to the fund in order to buy the equipment needed (UV meters,water proof tote bags).... add your name to this thread so when I find a researcher, I can quickly get a hold of pledges to collect the donation. Only add your name to this list if you seriously will donate 20 dollars via paypal, when requested. The more of us interested the cheaper it will be.
Also if a lot of people join the list I can point potential researchers to this thread for them to see all the interest which may play a big roll in somebody high profile helping us to get the readings.
So that makes two so far. It is a start.

Scott Filimonow · #6 (**permalink**) 03-03-2008, 10:31 AM

I sent an email to Bill Love this morning, I will post if and how he replied.

Scott Filimonow · #7 (**permalink**) 03-03-2008, 04:55 PM

Ok people, I got an awesome response from Bill Love. I am just making sure it is ok with him that I can post our email dialogue via the forum for you all to read. Check back later for the update.

Calfirecap · #8 (**permalink**) 03-03-2008, 08:32 PM

I'm game, but I don't know how to add my name to the thread.

Lawrence

Scott Filimonow · #9 (**permalink**) 03-03-2008, 09:11 PM

You are on it Lawrence. This will be the list. I am trying to get serious pledges now..........but the actual donation will not be collected until october. I will post more info tomorrow.

miguel camacho! · #10 (**permalink**) 03-04-2008, 12:02 AM

even out of the hobby, this is a concept that has intrigued me for a long time.

i would be more than happy to donate $20 out of the little bit of spare money i have, and bill is such a great guy i am not surprised he has been so accepting of the idea!

let me know when the time comes to actually submit my check!

awesome idea, scott!