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

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 »

The African or Brown House Snake (Lamprophis fuliginosus) is a very reliable breeder when properly kept, and is an excellent choice for those new to reproducing egg-laying snakes in captivity.  What’s more, it is so gorgeous and variably-colored that many folks with long years of experience manage to find a place for a pair in their collections.

Range

Brown House Snakes may well be Africa’s most common and widespread serpents.  Their range encompasses a wide variety of habitats extending throughout almost all of West and Sub-Saharan Africa.  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 »

Keeping live-bearing lizards does away with one of the biggest stumbling blocks to success in reptile breeding – egg incubation.  The 90+ species of Swifts (also known as Spiny or Fence Lizards, genus Sceloporus) that dwell in North and Central America are particularly good choices for both beginning and advanced reptile breeders.  All are beautiful, active and interesting, and many bear their young alive.  Please see Part 1 of this article for additional information on getting started with these fascinating dynamos. Read More »

 I often recommend live-bearing species to folks interested in getting started on breeding reptiles and amphibians.  If given the proper environment, live-bearing moms take care of the hard work of incubation, leaving us to enjoy the offspring.  But livebearers are certainly not for beginners only (nor are they all “easy”…sorry!) – in North and Central America’s Swifts, also known as Spiny or Fence Lizards (Genus Sceloporus), we are presented with over 90 fascinating species ranging from the very hardy to the rarely kept or bred.  A number of readily available species give birth to live young. Read More »