Caudata Culture News

[Jennewt]

First a Thank-you to Jan Williams, who is working on assembling data (range, conservation status, etc.) for the species entries in CC. So far, she's gotten through the Ambystomatidae, Amphiumidae, and Cryptobranchidae. You'll see that the data in the top blue box for each species is now complete for these families, and we'll continue adding after the holidays.

Second, I am considering a graphics revision for the CC site. I'm open to all suggestions. I have a general idea about the re-organization on the structural level, but I need someone to make a new banner for the top of the page. Anyone with graphics talent and a good idea out there?

 

[Daniel]

I'd be glad to help you with the graphical work on the banner (if my semipro-level is sufficient) but at the moment I am not the most creative one to come up with ideas. Although...I think a part of these world-maps might make a nice background and (to promote the more scientific level) a picture of one of the developmental stages (egg/embryo) would be interesting.

Great work on the data, Jan!

 

[Nathan050793]

If Daniel doesn't want to do the graphic work, My dad is an Art Director, so I could ask him to make a banner if you'd like.

I'm glad CC is getting some fresh stuff, thanks Jan!

 

[Jennewt]

Another thank-you is due, this one to David Tobler for writing up some species info for the California Tiger Sal:
http://www.caudata.org/cc/species/Ambystoma/A_californiense.shtml

Daniel is working on a new banner image:happy:

And Jan is continuing to compile data for all the species entries:happy:

 

[John]

David didn't mention anything about the nose, which seems to be their most distinguishing feature?

 

[nate]

John, I'd say the nose on that particular animal is a little different, but not really indicative of californiense as a whole.

 

[John]

The photos are of several different animals?

 

[nate]

The page linked shows 3 different animals. The last two are captives at the cincy zoo.

 

[Jan]

Here's a few more pix to add to the discussion:
http://www.californiaherps.com/salamanders/pages/a.californiense.html

Several of these (and the ones we show) appear to have flatter heads than many ambystomas but then California tigers in some parts of their geography have hybridized with Eastern and Barred sals...perhaps why they (some) may not appear too different?

 

[Jennewt]

FYI: Jan and I have finished compiling (Jan) and pasting (me) the species data for all the species pages in CC. This data appears as the yellow text in the blue box at the top of every species page. I think having this information is a great addition to the quality of the site. There are a couple of hundred of these pages, so needless to say, it was a VERY large donation of time made by Jan to compile all of this information. Thank you again, Jan!

 

[Kaysie]

Lots of applause from over here. You guys are great

 

[John]

Awesome ladies! I respect all the time you guys put into this and everything you do that doesn't get mentioned.

 

[Nathan050793]

So, I just went to CC only to find that it has been totally re-designed! It looks fantastic! I'm really impressed with it overall. Nice work, indeed!

 

[John]

Don't encourage them .

 

[Abrahm]

Don't encourage them .

If they're going to put out that quality of work, I'll encourage them

Gorgeous layout and I really dig the color scheme too. Excellent redesign all around!

 

[froggy]

The site is looking fantastic! Keep up the good work

 

[Jennewt]

Thanks, all! Given John's preferences, I'll try not to be encouraged

 

[John]

Some encouragement is a good thing but piling it on can't do any good now, can it?

 

[Azhael]

Sorry, but i have some encouragement to give away...
Congrats ! I really like it, i was very used to the old CC hehe, and i´ll take time to get adjusted, but i really like it!
Good work

 

[coendeurloo]

As a graphic designer, I have to say I absolutely LOVE the new look and better navigation! Some caresheets still link to the old layout, but I'm sure that's known