The Pondcast, Episode 11

Prehistoric Connection

John Weir, Anthony Pierlioni and Steve Enders

John and Tony bring you the The Pondcast, Episode 11: Prehistoric Connection. This show was created to tackle topics related to herpetoculture, in an educational manner, for hobbyists who are looking for some discussion related to their unique interests. John and Tony have decades of combined hands on experience with turtles, tortoises, lizards, snakes, and amphibians. Conservation, field herping, legislature, literature, captive husbandry, expos, websites, and other topics will be discussed. An audio-only version is also available for download. Visit ThePondcast.com to learn more about the show.

Some of the news items mentioned on the show:

Not a brand new piece of news, but Giant Side-Necked Turtle Fossil Discovered

Research was just published showing that turtles are more closely related to birds, crocodilians, and dinosaurs than lizards and snakes.

The Espanola Island Giant Tortoise (Chelonoidis nigra hoodensis) has made a ‘miraculous’ stable recovery.

Audio Version

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About the Authors

John Weir

John is the Creator and original Co-Host of The Pondcast, theTurtleRoom's monthly video podcast. He has been a reptile enthusiast for his entire life, starting with Sunday trips to reptile shows with his father as a boy. John has worked with various species of reptiles throughout his life including many species of snake, gecko and turtles. Most recently he has worked with the Diamondback Terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin), Mata Mata (Chelus fimbriata) and Brazilian Rainbow Boa (Epicrates cenchria). Throughout life John has been very passionate about raising awareness for issues related to human interaction with all types of fauna, especially our little coldblooded friends. John's other passion is basketball, and most times you run into him, you can be sure reptiles or a basketball court are nearby.

Anthony Pierlioni

Anthony was the "Best of 2017" Editor's Choice for "Chelonia Personality of the Year" by The Reptile Report. As the Senior Director of theTurtleRoom, Anthony oversees educational efforts, including video and audio media production, like The Pondcast. Anthony has also written a book on the Geoemyda genus, published by Living Art Publishing as part of their “Turtles of the World” series, and several articles in magazines such as including REPTILES, The BATAGUR, Testudo (Italian), and RADIATA (German).

Anthony has a B.A. from Rhode Island College and works in management for VCA Animal Hospitals. He lives in the Northeast with his wife, Shannon, and daughters, Cambria and Maddalena. He and his family are often on the move, giving turtle presentations at schools, nature and science centers, herpetological societies and conferences.

Steve Enders

Steve is the President, Executive Director, and Founder of theTurtleRoom (tTR), a husband, teacher, athlete, and musician. He has over a decade and a half of experience with turtle husbandry and has worked with more than 50 different species. As President and Executive Director, Steve has overall strategic and operational responsibility for tTR’s staff, programs, finances, expansion, and execution/achievement of its mission and goals. He also takes on leadership and assistant roles on individual projects within the four departments of tTR. Steve completed his Master of Education Degree in Mathematics in 2018 and holds two Bachelor of Art Degrees in Music and a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate (the equivalent of a third Bachelor’s degree). When Steve is not working on projects for tTR, he can be found teaching, relaxing with his wife Lisa, watching sports, playing music, or building LEGO Star Wars.

The Pondcast, Episode 11