That Reptile Blog – Reptile, Amphibian and Exotic Pet Care and Information
Also known as the Royal Python (Python regius), this smallest of Africa’s pythons is also the one best suited for captivity…one Ball Python lived at the Philadelphia Zoo for a record 47.6 years. However, even long-term captives often exhibit the disturbing habit of refusing food for long periods. This tendency is the source of a great many questions that I receive from both neophyte and well-experienced snake keepers. Read More »
Home | 2010 (page 19)
Yearly Archives: 2010
Spiny-Tailed Agamids – the Fascinating Lizards of the Genus Uromastyx -Part 2
Please see Part I of this article for information on the natural history of the Spiny-Tailed Agamids (also know as Dabb Lizards or Mastigures).
Tempting, but….
Unfortunately, Dabb Lizards are difficult to resist, and hobbyists sometimes jump at the chance to own them without realizing what is involved in their care. They require large enclosures, and many individuals become stressed if unable to construct the long burrows that are their natural retreats. Read More »
The Natural History of the Leopard Tortoise – Part 1
The Leopard Tortoise Stigmochelys (formerly Geochelone) pardalis, stands out in both attractiveness and personality among a group of reptiles well known for possessing both attributes. Although among the most responsive of reptile pets, their very specific husbandry needs must be met if they are to thrive. An understanding of the Leopard Tortoise’s natural habitat and habits is very useful in helping to keep and breed them in captivity (please see Part II). Read More »
Leopard Gecko Health – First Diagnosis and Treatment of Hyperthyroidism
Reptile medicine is advancing admirably, but even experienced veterinarians are sometimes baffled by conditions that show generalized symptoms – lack of appetite, loose stool, lethargy, etc. Recently, an interesting case involving a Leopard Gecko (Eublepharis macularius) has opened up a promising new window into reptile health care. Read More »
Discovery of a Huge, Arboreal, Fruit-Eating Monitor Shocks Herpetologists
It’s well-known that the world still hides countless “undiscovered” animals and plants – even Central Park in NYC recently yielded a previously unknown centipede. However, it is still something of a surprise when large, colorful creatures remain unseen into modern times. Such is the case for the Northern Sierra Madre Forest Monitor (Varanus bitatawa), a spectacularly colored, 6-foot-long lizard that has been designated as a new species in the current (April, 2010) issue of the journal Biology Letters. Read More »