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General
This and other poison frogs are among the most interesting amphibians of all to keep in the terrarium. They are colorful, active by day and quite willing to display a wide range of complex and fascinating behaviors when kept properly. No other group of amphibians exhibits [...]

Overview
The spectacularly colored blue poison frog is now so well established in the pet trade that it seems hard to believe that the animal was not scientifically described until 1969 (by Dutch herpetologist M. Hoogmoed). The care of this highly desirable little frog is well understood, and I will review it in a future article. [...]

Reptiles are often thought of as “unresponsive” by those who are unfamiliar with their ways. Reptile enthusiasts, of course, know better – anyone who has kept a turtle has no doubt been impressed by the speed at which they learn to make associations (especially where food is involved!). Of the turtles, the tortoises seem particularly [...]

Females of many animal species are polyandrous, meaning that they mate with several males. Often, we are learning, the sperm survives for some time inside the female, and competes with the sperm of other males. In this way, only the “fittest” sperm will prevail and fertilize the eggs, assuring vigorous offspring. Females choose mates based [...]

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Bacteria
Salmonella spp.
A variety of Salmonella species are commonly present in amphibian digestive tracts. Many are easily transmitted to humans and can cause severe health problems, especially among the young, elderly and immune-compromised. It is essential that you discuss with your family doctor the best methods of [...]

The prevention and treatment of disease in captive reptiles and amphibians has advanced greatly in recent years. Unfortunately, however, there is still a great deal that baffles us — our knowledge of amphibian medicine in particular is quite poor. On the positive side, we do know a quite a bit about the diagnosis and treatment [...]

Overview
The black rat snake and the related corn snake, E. guttata, were among the first to become firmly established in North American herptoculture, and remain pet trade staples. At least 11 species of the genus Elaphe are found throughout North and Central America.
The taxonomy of this genus is confusing due to a wide variation in [...]

Observant lizard keepers cannot fail to become aware of the surprising degree of intelligence exhibited by many species. In the course of my long career at the Bronx Zoo, I was fortunate to have been able to observe the learning abilities of a number of species not often available in the pet trade.
Although species and [...]

Click here: Breeding the Pancake Tortoise, Malacochersus tornieri, in captivity - Part 1 to read the first part of this article.
Dietary factors are also very important in the reproductive process. Many species change their diets, often quite dramatically, prior to coming into breeding condition. Field research reports are often a valuable source of information as [...]

Recently I wrote about the care and natural history one of the world’s most unique turtles, the pancake tortoise. Today I would like to add a note about breeding this species in captivity. In addition to the personal satisfaction you will gain from such endeavors, your efforts stand to contribute to what little we know [...]