That Reptile Blog » Field studies and notes

People as Python Prey – Giant Snakes Attack 150, Kill 6 in Philippines

findiviglio — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 15:47:56 +0000

Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. The subject of giant constrictor attacks upon people always brings out wild claims. While working with Green Anacondas in Venezuela, I tried to track down 2 reports of human predation, but was unable to prove or disprove either. I recall reading several well-authenticated accounts in old issues of Herpetologica, and sadly, More >

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People as Python Prey – Giant Snakes Attack 150, Kill 6 in Philippines

The Corn Snake and its Relatives – Natural History and Captive Care

findiviglio — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 15:13:25 +0000

Also known as the Red Rat Snake, the Corn Snake (Pantherophis guttata), is one of North America’s most beautifully-patterned reptiles, and the world’s most popular serpent pet. Corn Snakes figured prominently in the development of American snake-keeping, and their history is tied up with the legendary Carl Kauffeld and his famous collecting site, Okeetee, South More >

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The Corn Snake and its Relatives – Natural History and Captive Care

Venomous Snakebite – a New Study, and my own Experiences

findiviglio — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 17:34:46 +0000

Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. As a career herpetologist, I’ve had several opportunities to study venomous snakes in the field, and have spoken with many people who live in areas where they are common. My experiences led me to believe that venomous snakebite is a far more serious problem than is typically reported. Recently, two important More >

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Venomous Snakebite – a New Study, and my own Experiences

Newly Discovered Black and Yellow Viper is Already Endangered

findiviglio — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 16:04:32 +0000

Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. A remote, mountainous forest in southwestern Tanzania is the only place where Matilda’s Horned Viper (Atheris matildae) resides. Described as a new species in the December, 2011 issue of Zootaxa, the boldly-colored, arboreal snake seems limited to 100 square miles of somewhat degraded habitat. Natural History Named for the daughter of More >

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Newly Discovered Black and Yellow Viper is Already Endangered

Gulf Oil Spill Update – Sea Turtles and Other Wildlife Still Face Threats

findiviglio — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 16:13:13 +0000

Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. Five species of sea turtle, all threatened or endangered, inhabit waters affected by the April, 2010 oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. In the 20 months that have passed since, many have been rescued, but problems still linger. Unfortunately, we cannot yet determine how this ecological nightmare has affected their survival prospects. It More >

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Gulf Oil Spill Update – Sea Turtles and Other Wildlife Still Face Threats

Lizard Societies – Great Desert Skink Families Build Communal Homes

findiviglio — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 21:27:09 +0000

Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. Twenty of the world’s 5,000+ lizard species have been shown to live in family groups (i.e. the Prehensile Tailed Skink, Corucia zebrata, and the USA’s Desert Night Lizard, Xantusia vigilis). Field studies have now revealed that one social lizard – Great Desert Skink or Tjakura, Liopholis kintorei – actually constructs complex, More >

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Lizard Societies – Great Desert Skink Families Build Communal Homes

New Cockroach, Discovered at a Tourist Resort, Jumps Like a Grasshopper

findiviglio — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 14:59:39 +0000

Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. Roaches are best known to herp enthusiasts as food for captive reptiles and amphibians. However, these very interesting insects are increasingly being valued as display animals in their own right, and are appearing in the pet trade (I find the lime-green Banana Roach, Panchlora nivea, to be among the most beautiful of More >

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New Cockroach, Discovered at a Tourist Resort, Jumps Like a Grasshopper

Strange but True – Fringe-Limbed Treefrog Tadpoles Consume Father’s Skin

findiviglio — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 14:38:19 +0000

Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. Several years ago, we learned that female Caecilians (odd, legless amphibians) of some species grow extra layers of skin with which to feed their young. This unbelievable feeding strategy was first documented on film in the BBC series Life in Cold Blood, and is among the most fascinating (if chilling!) footage More >

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Strange but True – Fringe-Limbed Treefrog Tadpoles Consume Father’s Skin

Myth-Buster – Will Non-Native Burmese Pythons Spread Beyond Southern Florida?

findiviglio — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 16:31:40 +0000

Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. This is the first in a new series of what I’ll call “Myth-Buster Articles”, which will focus on beliefs or practices that have aroused debate in the herpetological community. After reviewing the available research and my own and others experiences, I will attempt to sort fact from fiction. Today I’ll highlight More >

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Myth-Buster – Will Non-Native Burmese Pythons Spread Beyond Southern Florida?

Reptile Hobbyists – Helping or Hindering Reptile and Amphibian Conservation?

findiviglio — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 16:37:14 +0000

Hello, Frank Indiviglio here.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 More >

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Reptile Hobbyists – Helping or Hindering Reptile and Amphibian Conservation?