1. Reflections on Ken McCloud
By
Jim Murphy
Many years ago I met Ken briefly at a herpetological conference and we
discovered that we had a mutual friend named Barney Tomberlin, who
shared our interest in amphibians and reptiles. A few months later, I
called Ken from the Dallas Zoo where I was employed as herpetological
curator and asked if he would be willing to offer advice on the
requirements for obtaining permits and review documents from range
countries for legitimacy. I was flattered that he had remembered me
and he accepted my offer with enthusiasm. Ken was knowledgeable,
accurate, and timely with his responses—these characteristics
underscore the many reasons why Ken has been so successful: attention
to detail, building coalitions, inclusion of fellow biologists to protect
interesting plants and animals, and sensitivity to the biological
community. Our relationship evolved from professional colleagues to
close friends. During these times, Ken and I spent hours on the
telephone discussing the dramatic loss of biodiversity and what steps
could be taken to curb the trend, zoo philosophy, historical biological
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2. literature, our crazy fellow herpers, and a myriad of other topics. Ken
has a mind that is active and creative, a joy to observe and learn from.
Ken's knowledge of herpetology exceeds the levels attained by
most academic and zoo herpetologists and I suspect that his experience
in this arena is far greater than any other USFWS employee. In 1982, he
sent a draft copy of his USFWS venomous snake procedures for review.
The document was clear, precise, well-written and is still being used by
the Service. His herpetocultural skills at keeping confiscated
amphibians and reptiles–even delicate and unusual species–in good
condition until the animals could be placed in zoos or other facilities is
one of his greatest attributes.
In addition, since I valued his expertise so much over the years, I
regularly directed my zoo and academic colleagues to consult with him
about permitting procedures and compliance with the law. Virtually
without exception, each later told me that Ken was honest, helpful,
timely with his responses, and accurate in his evaluations. In my
experience, stellar employees are hard to find, especially those who can
tell the difference between a legal and illegal turtle.
When I decided to retire in 1996, I asked our most preeminent
herpetologist, the late Roger Conant, what dangers might lie ahead. He
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3. said that it is critical to always have a future project in mind to
counteract boredom. His second rule was to ensure that the preceding
day and the following day be different from the present day. When Ken
was ready to retire, we discussed the dangers of this dramatic shift in
lifestyle; it was clear that he had already planned his future using the
Conant model. My concern is that his unique blend of skills can not be
replaced at USFWS or perhaps anywhere.
I wish Ken and Rosie well in their new life.
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