That Reptile Blog – Reptile, Amphibian and Exotic Pet Care and Information

Some time ago I posted an article concerning possible new Federal regulations that could limit the trade in live amphibians (read it here), and promised to notify folks when the government asked for public comments.  That time is now upon us.

The Proposal – History and Intent

The proposed regulations stem from concerns that the trade in live frogs and salamanders (and frog legs) is aiding the spread of 2 deadly amphibian diseases, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (“Chytrid fungus” or Bd) and Ranavirus (please see the article mentioned earlier for details).   Read More »

Hundreds of amphibian species have been drive to extinction in recent years, and an estimated 30% of those remaining may soon follow.  Because most are difficult to find, herpetologists are now asking the public’s help in locating 100 species that are considered extinct but may still hold on in small numbers.

The recovery effort, launched this month (August, 2010) by Conservation International and the IUCN, spans the globe.  Even questionable sightings and photos are welcome –after all, a dog in Montana tipped researchers to the fact that the Black-Footed Ferret was not extinct (by killing one!), so you never know…

There is even a “10 Most Wanted List”, the members of which I’ll describe below. Read More »

I apologize for the awkward title, but try as I might this was the best I could do!  Today I’d like to propose a new use for the Penn Plax Turtle Pier, a wonderful product that was originally designed as a resting/basking area for turtles, newts and frogs. Read More »

An article in the August, 2010 issue of Zootaxa announces that a recently discovered frog is the smallest species in the Eastern Hemisphere.  Known only as Microhyla nepenthicola, the minute native of Borneo is barely the size of a green pea!  Interestingly, specimens have been in museum collections for over 100 years, but they were believed to be immature individuals of other species.

A Pitcher Plant Specialist

The tiny amphibian breeds in a unique habitat – the water contained in the base of pitcher plants.  Pitcher “ponds”, which serve to drown insects that are digested by the plants, support miniature ecosystems inhabited by insect larvae, snails, crabs, algae and other organisms.  Read More »

In the Asian Flying Frog amphibian enthusiasts find a rare treat – a fascinating species with rarely-seen reproductive habits that is hardy, inexpensive and fairly easy to breed in captivity.  Also known as the Banana Frog, Golden Foam Nest Frog and Asian Treefrog (Polypedates leucomystax, Family Rhacophoridae), this active beauty is well worth more attention from hobbyists and zoos. Read More »