SSAR’s RENOWNED AUDIOVISUAL SHOWS
NOW ONLINE FOR SOCIETY MEMBERS TO ENJOY
Thousands of herpetologists since 1979 have seen one or more of SSAR’s famous AV productions, beginning with “Amphibians of the Appalachians.” These shows have been enjoyed over and over again at the society’s annual meetings and, beginning in 1989, at the world congresses of herpetology. These shows have continued to be revised and technologically upgraded over the years, but many herpetologists have never had an opportunity to see them. Until now!
SSAR has just placed the three shows on this website, with the aid of the Gans Collections and Charitable Fund, so that all society members can enjoy them again and again. Login below for details about each program and how to view the shows.
SSAR’s AUDIOVISUAL PROGRAMS
Currently we present the following past slideshows with descriptions following. Each show is 25–30 minutes long. More to come!
Quick Links:
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Amphibians of the Appalachians-without captions
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Amphibians of the Appalachians-with captions
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Herpetologists Past and Present
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Herpetological Namesakes
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Amphibians and Reptiles of the American Southwest
Amphibians of the Appalachians
Version A (without Latin species names)
Version B (with Latin species names)
This show—created by David M. Dennis for the 1979 SSAR annual meeting where he was assisted by J. Eric Juterbock—depicts a full year in the lives of the salamanders and frogs of the Appalachian Mountains of eastern North America. The photography, all done in the field, Illustrates the large species diversity and spectacular landscapes. Later, Dennis and Juterbock went into the field to re-photograph the entire show over several years using modern digital methods. Version B was made for the benefit of overseas audiences, but the Latin names will be of use to anyone not familiar with the Appalachian herpetofauna.
Herpetologists Past and Present
This show, which features the herpetologists of the world, was commissioned by SSAR as part of its 25th anniversary celebration in 1982. Kraig Adler wrote the script and collaborated with David M. Dennis in creating the show. J. Eric Juterbock assisted in later revisions. The show is in two parts: (1) The herpetologists of the past, all deceased, the distinguished group of people who founded and developed our discipline, and (2) the current generation of herpetologists, perhaps not so distinguished-looking but very lively indeed! The change in the background music marks this difference in their appearance and style of work.
Herpetological Namesakes
This show focuses on species of amphibians and reptiles that are named for people. Some of these names are obvious, but others are not. The images are organized like a quiz: first, a photo or two of the animal appears, then comes a portrait of the person after whom the species was named, followed by a short pause to see if the viewer can guess the names of the species and person before the details are revealed. The show was written by Kraig Adler and technical collaboration was provided by David M. Dennis and J. Eric Juterbock.
NEW: Amphibians and Reptiles of the American Southwest
For many years, David M. Dennis and J. Eric Juterbock have made photographic excursions throughout the American West, supported by SSAR, to create a new herp-themed show. Finally it premiered at the SSAR Meeting in Ann Arbor in June 2024. It was recorded digitally over 11 years of field work in the Great Plains, Colorado Plateau, Great Basin, and Southwestern deserts including the Mojave Desert and Sky Islands. The show features the great herpetological species diversity in this area and numerous photos of habitats and panoramas. The background music is Igor Stravinsky’s “Firebird Suite” and “Petrushka.” This show lasts 29 minutes.