That Reptile Blog » Reptiles and Amphibians in the News

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

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

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

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

Frog Leg Trade Kills Billions of Frogs Annually and Threatens Species’ Survival

findiviglio — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 17:07:55 +0000

Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. Unprecedented declines in amphibian populations have been much in the news lately. Linked to a number of factors, including an emerging disease (Chytrid fungus infection), frog extinctions are being documented the world over, and herpetologists are scrambling to save those that remain. Yet the international trade in frog legs remains largely More >

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Frog Leg Trade Kills Billions of Frogs Annually and Threatens Species’ Survival

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