That Reptile Blog » General Reptile & Amphibian Articles

Giant Turtles – Working with the World’s Largest Freshwater Species

findiviglio — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 14:44:49 +0000

Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. Turtle enthusiasts seem always to remain interested in even the commonest species. I’ve worked with world-renowned herpetologists who keep Sliders and private breeders who care for 2,000+ turtles (not a misprint!) yet find a place for Common Snappers. I’m the same way…as I write, I’m watched by a Stinkpot that I More >

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Giant Turtles – Working with the World’s Largest Freshwater Species

New Dinosaur Described as a “Komodo Dragon-Tiger Cross”

findiviglio — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 15:12:25 +0000

Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. A farm in southern Brazil’s pampas region has yielded the bones of an ancient mammal-like reptile loosely described as a terrifying cross between a Komodo dragon and a tiger. Having worked with both of these modern-day predators, I was immediately intrigued by the newly-described creature (Proceedings of the National Academy of More >

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New Dinosaur Described as a “Komodo Dragon-Tiger Cross”

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

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

A Sub-Surface Basking Site and Shelter for Semi-Aquatic for Turtles, Newts and Frogs

findiviglio — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 16:48:55 +0000

Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. I’ve found the Penn Plax Turtle Pier to be one of the most useful of all basking platforms. In addition to providing a haul-out site that does not take away from the swimming area, it can be used by reptiles and amphibians in a variety of other ways. Today I’d like More >

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A Sub-Surface Basking Site and Shelter for Semi-Aquatic for Turtles, Newts and Frogs

Chameleons as Pets – an Overview of their Natural History and Captive Care

findiviglio — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 15:43:39 +0000

Chameleons, the most unique of all lizards, are truly marvelous creatures to know and care for. In the past, I’ve written about Veiled, Dwarf and Senegal Chameleons, and related topics (please see articles below). Today I’d like to discuss some general principals of chameleon care. The following information can be applied to most available Chameleons; More >

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Chameleons as Pets – an Overview of their Natural History and Captive Care

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

World’s Smallest Frogs Added to 2011’s List of Newly-Discovered Amphibians

findiviglio — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 20:55:03 +0000

Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. Two frog species recently discovered in southeastern New Guinea are smaller than any other 4-legged vertebrate. Within their pea-sized bodies, they pack a brain, lungs, heart, digestive system and most of the other organs that people have…simply astounding! Tiny Frogs and Fish The frogs, Paedophryne dekot and P. verrucosa, were collected More >

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World’s Smallest Frogs Added to 2011’s List of Newly-Discovered Amphibians

Amphibian Abuse – Neon Dyed Frogs Wildly Popular in Chinese Pet Stores

findiviglio — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 19:04:37 +0000

Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. Many turtle keepers here in the USA can recall seeing hatchling Red-Eared Sliders with gaily-painted shells being offered for sale at pet stores and carnivals. Thankfully, through education and the passage of legislation, that practice, which killed thousands if not millions of turtles, is no longer with us. Unfortunately, an equally-horrific More >

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Amphibian Abuse – Neon Dyed Frogs Wildly Popular in Chinese Pet Stores

Hatching Praying Mantid Egg Cases to Feed Tiny Amphibians and Invertebrates

findiviglio — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 15:17:58 +0000

Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. Dietary variety is the key to success in rearing many herps and invertebrates. Unfortunately, options for newly-transformed frogs and salamanders, Poison Frogs and other small species and hatchling spiders are limited. A diet of fruit flies, springtails and pinhead crickets sometimes suffices, but as I learned when rearing the endangered Kihansi Spray More >

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Hatching Praying Mantid Egg Cases to Feed Tiny Amphibians and Invertebrates