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

Pickerel Frogs, Lithobates palustris, are “early risers” from winter hibernation and may travel quite far to reach their breeding ponds and summer habitats.  As a result, they often become trapped in swimming pools, window wells and other such areas.  Each spring I receive a number of requests for information concerning their care and rehabilitation.  Often, folks mistake them for the better-known (but often rather scarce) Leopard Frog, Lithobates pipiens.

Description

The body ranges from tan to greenish-brown in color and is marked with parallel rows of “almost square” black spots; a bright yellow or orange patch is present on the inner thighs.  Pickerel frogs grow to a length of 2-3.5 inches and are slender in build. Read More »

Frogs are well-known for their amazing survival strategies.  From behemoths that swallow entire clutches of cobras (please see article below) to tadpoles that develop within their parents’ vocal sacs, frog facts are truly stranger than fiction.  Recently, it was discovered that the tadpoles of India’s Brown Leaping Frog, Indirana semipalmata, are unique in both habitat choice and diet (please see photos of this frog and its tadpole).

A Unique Tadpole Habitat

Biologists at the Agumbe Rainforest Research Station inKarnataka,Indiawere amazed to discover several clutches of Brown Leaping Frog eggs adhering to tree bark. While other frogs are known to lay eggs on land, in such cases the tadpoles are carried by rain or their parents to water to complete their development; Smoky Jungle Frog and certain other tadpoles develop within a moisture-retaining nest. Read More »

While over-collection and poorly-prepared pet keepers have certainly led to declines in wild populations of some species, private hobbyists have also contributed immensely to the conservation of amphibians, invertebrates and reptiles (as well as fishes, birds and mammals).  This is especially true of those animals which zoos lack the interest or space to maintain…often the very creatures most favored by private keepers.

The Asian Turtle Crisis

A lack of funds and space in zoos led the establishment of the Turtle Survival Alliance, the largest turtle rescue effort ever launched.  The Alliance was organized in response to unprecedented declines in freshwater turtle populations throughout Asia – a phenomenon that has come to be known as the Asian Turtle Crisis.

Soon after the group was formed, I traveled to Floridain the company of private and professional turtle enthusiasts to help rehabilitate and house nearly 10,000 turtles confiscated in China; many of the private sector people I met there now participate in rehabilitation and breeding initiatives in cooperation with zoos and museums. Read More »

The Borneo Rainbow or Sambas Stream Toad, Ansonia latidisca, is known only from drawings made by its discoverer, and has not been seen in 87 years.  Extensive development of its only known habitat has long raised fears of its extinction.  This month (July, 2011), however, it became the second of the world’s “Ten Most Wanted” amphibians to be rediscovered.

“Ten Most Wanted”

In 2010, Conservation International launched the Global Search for Lost Amphibians (please see article below).  Since then, several very rare frogs and salamanders have been found, but the tiny Borneo Rainbow Toad has remained elusive.  In fact, only one of the 10 species granted highest priority (the Ten Most Wanted) had turned up – Ecuador’s Spotted Stubfoot Toad, Atelopus balios.  However, a 3-month-long search of the Gung Penrisser Mountains in Sarawak, western Borneo, revealed that the Rainbow Toad is still with us. Read More »

The wonderfully bizarre Malayan Leaf Frog, Megophrys nasuta, has always been a somewhat difficult species to keep.  However, we now have a better understanding of its needs, and captive breeding is becoming more regular.  As it turns out, the Malayan Leaf Frog’s reproductive behavior is as unusual as its appearance.

Natural History

Malayan Leaf Frogs range from southern Thailand through the Malayan Peninsula, Indonesia and Sumatra to Borneo.  Despite the large range, uncanny camouflage and a preference for forested habitats renders them difficult to find.  Little is known of their status and conservation needs.

Malayan Leaf Frogs are classified in the family Megophryidae, a group of 150+ largely nocturnal, leaf-mimicking species. Most prefer walking to hopping, and many are largely unstudied.  Read More »