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The Natural History and Captive Care of the Softshell Turtles – Part 1

[…]Narrow-Headed and Bibron’s Giant Softshells.  Today I’d like to introduce this most unique turtle family. Natural History Twenty four species of Softshell Turtles, all classified within the family Trionychidae, are found in Africa, North America (where 3 species occur) and Asia (they range to New Guinea, but have not reached […]
Read more » The Natural History and Captive Care of the Softshell Turtles – Part 1

Providing UVA, UVB and Air Circulation to Reptiles – Screen Cages

[…]three elements to provide our reptiles with healthy environments. Ultraviolet B Light (UVB) By basking under UVB light rays with a wavelength of 290-315 nanometers, many lizards, turtles and crocodilians synthesize Vitamin D3 in their skin.  Vitamin D3 allows these animals to utilize dietary calcium.  Without D3, dietary calcium is […]
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Gulf Oil Spill Update – Sea Turtles and Other Wildlife Still Face Threats

[…]have, however, manifested themselves in recent months. Record numbers of dead and dying sea turtles were found last winter.  Only a small percentage of the recovered turtles were carrying a coating of oil on their skin, but this does not rule oil out as the culprit. From clogged bile ducts to weakened […]
Read more » Gulf Oil Spill Update – Sea Turtles and Other Wildlife Still Face Threats

New Studies on Reptile Intelligence – How Smart is Your Pet?

[…]to present your own turtle with some feeding challenges?   Check out Zoo Med’s Floating Turtle Feeder. (please see photo below).  Wood Turtle owners are always impressed by their pets’ responsiveness – please see the article linked below, and post your own observations. Lizards that Plan and Remember Monitor lizards never […]
Read more » New Studies on Reptile Intelligence – How Smart is Your Pet?

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

[…]see the article below and look out for future notes.     Further Reading Videos: Turtle markets,China Malaysian Giant Turtle hatches Florida Softshell feeding upon heron Working with Leatherbacks Turtle Survival Alliance Alligator and Common Snappers Painted Batagur image referenced from wikipedia and originally posted by Open Cage Orlitia borneensis […]
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Autumns Effect on Turtle, Lizard and Snake Appetites

[…]F, and moving about daily, they lost almost no weight over their 3 month fasting period. Keeping Turtles in Winter Sliders, Snapping Turtles and others that refuse to feed as fall approaches can be kept in water that is at average room temperature (65-68F) or a bit higher over the […]
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The Cuatro Cienegas Slider (Trachemys scripta taylori) and other Unusual Relatives of the Red Eared Slider (Trachemys scripta elegans)

[…]of the Chihuahuan Desert, this 500 square mile oasis is also home to another very rare and unusual turtle – Coahuilan box turtle, Terrapene coahuila.  Long isolated from related species, the 75+ animal species endemic to Cuatro Cienegas have developed a host of unusual survival strategies.  The Coahuilan box turtle, […]
Read more » The Cuatro Cienegas Slider (Trachemys scripta taylori) and other Unusual Relatives of the Red Eared Slider (Trachemys scripta elegans)

Caring for Reptiles and Amphibians: Useful Products from the Aquarium Trade – Using Frozen and other Foods for Turtles, Aquatic Salamanders and Tadpoles – Part 1

[…]marine fishes and other natural food items, they make active, long-lived pets. Other Salt Marsh Turtles Snapping turtles often enter brackish environments…indeed some populations are specifically adapted to such.  I have had good success in raising snapper hatchlings on diets composed of approximately 50% marine-based organisms. The eastern mud turtle […]
Read more » Caring for Reptiles and Amphibians: Useful Products from the Aquarium Trade – Using Frozen and other Foods for Turtles, Aquatic Salamanders and Tadpoles – Part 1

Vitamin and Mineral Supplementation for Aquatic Frogs, Turtles & Newts – Part 1

[…]few species (shrimp are packaged along with food sticks in ReptoMin Select-a-Food. Other pelleted turtle foods should also be included in the diets of aquatic turtles, newts, tadpoles and frogs, as each contains different ingredients that may supply important micro-nutrients. Products Formulated for Aquarium and Table Fishes A great deal […]
Read more » Vitamin and Mineral Supplementation for Aquatic Frogs, Turtles & Newts – Part 1

“Salt Water” Snapping Turtles – Snappers and other Turtles in Estuaries

[…]habitats, and which seems to be evolving unique adaptations to survive there – the Snapping Turtle, Chelydra serpentina. A Turtle Banquet The Long Island (NY) tidal creeks (please see photo) that I frequent seem “paved” with crabs, marine worms, snails, bottom fishes, mussels, clams, shrimp and other foods that could […]
Read more » “Salt Water” Snapping Turtles – Snappers and other Turtles in Estuaries

Reptile Lighting – Understanding and Using Compact UVB Bulbs

[…]most captive reptiles, maximum UVB exposure is best assured by placing the UVB bulb near a basking (heat producing) bulb.  As the animal seeks warmth under the basking bulb, it is also positioning itself near the UVB source. It occurred to me that the small size of compact bulbs may […]
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Tortoise Habitats – Glass Aquariums are Not Suitable Tortoise Homes – Part 1

[…]remain healthy, tortoises need a thermal gradient – that is, they must be able to move from hot basking sites to cooler areas, and most benefit from a dip in temperature at night.  Other concerns include difficulties in providing a stimulating environment and in maintaining cleanliness. Outdoor Enclosures Outdoor maintenance […]
Read more » Tortoise Habitats – Glass Aquariums are Not Suitable Tortoise Homes – Part 1

CITES Listing Sought for Snapping Turtles, 3 Softshells: Do You Agree?

[…]below.   The Scope of the Problem When I began looking into the mercury content of food trade turtles some years ago (very high, by the way!), Florida Softshell Turtles (Apalone ferox) dominated the NYC markets. Today, one more commonly sees the Chinese Softshell (Pelodiscus sinensis). Although rare within its […]
Read more » CITES Listing Sought for Snapping Turtles, 3 Softshells: Do You Agree?

Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitators – Helping Injured Amphibians and Reptiles

[…]care of confiscated animals – creatures which they might otherwise see in zoos only, if at all. Turtle Rehabilitation Turtles are the reptiles most commonly brought to rehabilitators, and because even “non-herpers” like turtles, it is with these creatures that we have developed our greatest expertise.  In my work as […]
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A Reader’s Diet for the Filter-Feeding Tadpoles of the African Clawed Frog

[…]great success – Freeze Dried Bloodworms, Shrimp Pellets, Hikari First Bites Fish Food and Hikari Turtle Sticks ground into a fine powder. Kyle has observed the tadpoles taking in sizable (relatively speaking!) pieces of food, and reports no losses since formulating this diet. Thanks, Kyle – no more expensive Nettle […]
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Turtles and Tortoises: 5 You Should Never Keep as Pets

[…]often centered on the carapace, adds to the difficulties involved in keeping these unusual turtles.   Nile Softshell Turtle (Trionx triunguis) Although certain populations are in decline, this huge aquatic turtle has a large range, and seems to be doing well in some areas. Youngsters occasionally appear in the trade, […]
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Senegal Chameleon Diet Study – Nutrition Influences Prey Choice

[…]herps “become bored” with crickets, mealworms and other staples. A Link between Diet and Basking Behavior The researchers conducting the 1990 prey-choice study theorized that reptiles may be able to track their nutrient intake, and then select prey accordingly…in essence balancing their diet. Fast forward to 2011, when some very […]
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The Natural History and Captive Care of Softshell Turtles – Part 2

[…]world’s 24 species of Softshell Turtles (Family Trionychidae) depart radically from the typical turtle body plan, and their behavior holds many surprises for those familiar with “normal” turtles.  In Part 1 of this article we looked at their natural history and diet, and discussed the basics of captive care.  I also […]
Read more » The Natural History and Captive Care of Softshell Turtles – Part 2

The 5 Best Reptiles and Amphibians to Choose as Holiday Gifts

[…]equipment, and their care can be quite time consuming. One possible exception is the Common Musk Turtle and such relatives as the North American Mud Turtle. While not exactly “simple” to care for, they make excellent choices for someone set on turtle ownership. Maxing out at 5 inches or so, […]
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Feeding ReptoMin Select-A-Food to Aquatic Frogs, Turtles, Newts, Tadpoles and Shrimp

[…]for live food specialists such as the mata mata, nearly every aquatic and semi-aquatic turtle relishes ReptoMin and freeze dried shrimp.  Due to the high calcium needs of growing turtles, I tend to supplement their diets quite frequently with whole fishes and crayfish as well.  I vary the percentage of […]
Read more » Feeding ReptoMin Select-A-Food to Aquatic Frogs, Turtles, Newts, Tadpoles and Shrimp

Reptile Gardens – Growing Food Plants and Attracting Insects for Your Pets – Part 2

[…]Anachris and other hearty aquatic plants, many of which are important natural foods for aquatic turtles.  Keep a few minnows in the pond to consume mosquito larvae. You can also easily (almost too easily!) grow water hyacinth and water lettuce – both look great in terrariums housing frogs, newts and […]
Read more » Reptile Gardens – Growing Food Plants and Attracting Insects for Your Pets – Part 2

Spring Field Trips: Amphibians, Reptiles, Invertebrates, Birds

[…]turtle wrangler who hauled him out for closer inspection! Snappers are about as cold-tolerant as a turtle can be…several years ago I found one basking on February 16th. By mid-April, they are usually their normal feisty selves, ready and willing to do battle…not so this cold, old fellow.     […]
Read more » Spring Field Trips: Amphibians, Reptiles, Invertebrates, Birds

The Best Infrared Temperature Gun for Reptile and Amphibian Terrariums

[…]habitats.  Interesting surprises awaited – for example, I found that Red-Eared Sliders basking on a cool March day in NYC were able to raise their temperatures by at least 20 F above that of the air.   Creating suitable basking areas for my pets and exhibit animals suddenly became much simpler.  […]
Read more » The Best Infrared Temperature Gun for Reptile and Amphibian Terrariums

Reptile Intelligence – Red-Footed Tortoises Learn by Imitation

[…]Reading Video of the experiment described above is posted here. Please see my article on Wood Turtle Intelligence for a look at another remarkably bright Chelonian. Many of the lizards I’ve worked with have shown remarkable learning abilities…please see Learning in Rhino Iguanas and other Lizards. Bottom Red-footed Tortoise image […]
Read more » Reptile Intelligence – Red-Footed Tortoises Learn by Imitation

Tortoise Care – Keeping Desert, Forest and Grassland Tortoises

[…]in several species. Adults can be fed 5-7 times weekly, juveniles daily.   Further Reading NY Turtle & Tortoise Society Seminar (Galapagos Tortoises, others) Turtle Conservancy Newsletter: Ploughshare Tortoises mating Tortoises Learn by Imitation Radiated Tortoise videos and info Flat Tailed Tortoise image referenced from wikipedia and originally posted by […]
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Reptile Awareness Day – Lend Your Favorite Creatures a Helping Hand!

[…]tree stumps to the shallows. On return visits to the river, the children were happy to see both turtles and water snakes utilizing the new basking spots. Water Snakes in NYC Another surprisingly effective project that I enjoyed was the reintroduction of northern water snakes to the banks of the […]
Read more » Reptile Awareness Day – Lend Your Favorite Creatures a Helping Hand!

Rough and Smooth Green Snakes – Beautiful Insect-Eaters for Planted Terrariums – Part 2

[…]Snakes (Opheodrys aestivus and O. vernalis). Heat An ambient temperature of 70-76 F is ideal.  A basking site of 80-85F should be available as well. Light There is some evidence that, in contrast to most snakes, Green Snakes benefit from exposure to UVB light.  A moderate-output bulb, such as the […]
Read more » Rough and Smooth Green Snakes – Beautiful Insect-Eaters for Planted Terrariums – Part 2

Lessons Learned – An Anole-Keeping 1960’s Flashback

[…]“instructions” printed on the box directed budding herpetologists to feed their charges “turtle food” (dried ant pupae, at the time) and “sugar water”.  We now know that Green Anoles do lap at nectar, but a bowl of sugar water and dried pupae were, to say the least, not welcomed by […]
Read more » Lessons Learned – An Anole-Keeping 1960’s Flashback

Day Gecko Care – Terrarium Set Up and the Best Supplies

[…]daytime period of 12-14 hours should be established. Heat Ambient temperatures of 82-88 F, with a basking spot of 90-95 F, will suit most (please post below for information on individual species). Incandescent spotlights may be used by day; ceramic heaters or red/black reptile “night bulbs” are useful after dark. […]
Read more » Day Gecko Care – Terrarium Set Up and the Best Supplies

The Monitor Lizards (Family Varanidae) – Family Overview and Species Accounts; – Some Interesting Monitors and Their Care – Part II

[…]water. Diet The natural diet consists largely of crabs, crayfish and fish, but frogs, tadpoles, turtle and other reptile eggs, shrimp, snails, nestling birds, planigales and other small mammals, large insects and carrion are also taken. They have been observed foraging in dumps, with discarded sausages apparently being a favored […]
Read more » The Monitor Lizards (Family Varanidae) – Family Overview and Species Accounts; – Some Interesting Monitors and Their Care – Part II

Canned Insects and other Invertebrates – An Important New Food for Pet Reptiles and Amphibians

[…]companies. Since childhood, I have longed to successfully keep the striking Malayan snail-eating turtle, Malayemys subtrijuga. I have had moderate success in zoos, but only when large breeding colonies of apple snails were available to feed these beautiful food specialists. Supplying enough food is difficult for hobbyists and most zoological […]
Read more » Canned Insects and other Invertebrates – An Important New Food for Pet Reptiles and Amphibians

The Muggar or Marsh Crocodile – Encounters in Captivity and the Wild – Part 2

[…]write in with your questions and comments.    Thanks, until next time, Frank Indiviglio   Basking Muggars image referenced from wikipedia and originally posted by Kminoj Marsh Crocodile image referenced from wikipedia and originally posted by […]
Read more » The Muggar or Marsh Crocodile – Encounters in Captivity and the Wild – Part 2

The Chuckwalla – a Hardy, Personable Candidate for the Desert Terrarium – Part 1

[…]its husbandry is well-understood, and captive bred animals are readily available. Food and hot basking sites are the focal points of the Chuckwalla’s life – provide it with each in proper form and you’ll find yourself with a most responsive and interesting pet.  Most take quickly to hand feeding, and […]
Read more » The Chuckwalla – a Hardy, Personable Candidate for the Desert Terrarium – Part 1

Herpetological Field Reports – Non-Native Predators and Prey in Florida

[…]1960’s, when a number apparently “walked” away from fish dealers there.  While visiting a turtle breeder in the state several years ago, I was astonished to see scores of Walking Catfishes surface for the trout chow he tossed into his outdoor turtle ponds.  They are most interesting, but have played […]
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Amphibians as Pets – Common Frogs, Toads and Salamanders of the USA

[…]equipped with simple filters and half-filled with de-chlorinated, room temperature water.  Turtle basking platforms and live or plastic plants serve well as resting places. ReptoMin Food Sticks can make up most of your newt’s diet.  Freeze-dried shrimp, live blackworms, and various frozen tropical fish foods should also be provided. American […]
Read more » Amphibians as Pets – Common Frogs, Toads and Salamanders of the USA

The Natural History and Captive Care of the Mertens’ Water Monitor – Part 2

[…]invertebrates, with earthworms used most frequently.  Those I housed with Parker’s Snake-Necked Turtles (in a zoo exhibit) even stole turtle chow from the water’s surface! I did not use supplements, as a large portion of the diet was whole, high-calcium animals such as fishes, pink mice and crayfishes.  Young monitors […]
Read more » The Natural History and Captive Care of the Mertens’ Water Monitor – Part 2

Amphipods (Scuds, Side-Swimmers) as Food for Amphibians and Reptiles

[…]in Captive Diets Amphipods are readily accepted by newts of all types, Mexican Axolotls, many turtles, and aquatic frogs such as African and Dwarf Clawed Frogs and Surinam Toads.  Salamander larvae and carnivorous tadpoles relish smaller species. They can also be offered to terrestrial salamanders and frogs; in these cases, […]
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Snake Hunting with Romulus Whitaker – Learning from the Master

[…]held in Westchester County, NY – The Conservation, Restoration and Management of Tortoises and Turtles. Hosted by the dedicated folks at the NY Turtle and Tortoise Society, this gathering of leading professionals and serious hobbyists has, in my experience, yet to be matched. The 500-page conference proceedings are an invaluable […]
Read more » Snake Hunting with Romulus Whitaker – Learning from the Master

US Reptiles, Amphibians Need Hobbyists’ Help and Federal Protection

[…]protection.  Please see this article for further information on lizard conservation. Western Pond Turtle Once common along the west coast of the USA and into Baja, Mexico, this attractive turtle has now been largely extirpated from Washington and Oregon, and is in trouble elsewhere.  The populations that remain in those […]
Read more » US Reptiles, Amphibians Need Hobbyists’ Help and Federal Protection

The Best Filters for Axolotls, Clawed Frogs, Newts and Other Amphibians

[…]is designed with turtle-keepers in mind (please see this article for information on filtering turtle tanks).  In common with fish canister filters, the Turtle Clean has ample chambers for carbon, filter pads and aerobic bacteria colonies, and is simple to clean.  It is placed next to (not below) the tank, […]
Read more » The Best Filters for Axolotls, Clawed Frogs, Newts and Other Amphibians

Hot Weather Herp Tips – Summer’s Effect on Reptiles and Amphibians

[…]Bullfrogs, Water-Holding Frogs and Spadefoot Toads are among the champion “summer sleepers”. Turtles and Tortoises Despite a propensity for basking, tropical climes and deserts, Chelonians are not immune to temperature stress.  Some species, such as Big Headed and Bog Turtles, are known to favor rather cool temperatures. While they may […]
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The Green Anole (Anolis carolinensis carolinensis) in the Wild and Captivity – Care in Captivity Part I

[…]are intolerant of each other. If several females are kept, horizontal and diagonally oriented basking sites (these are preferred over vertical branches) should be plentiful, as dominant animals will exclude others from these important areas. Anoles do best in complex exhibits, especially those with live plants. They are quite easy […]
Read more » The Green Anole (Anolis carolinensis carolinensis) in the Wild and Captivity – Care in Captivity Part I

Snake Encounters – Training Dogs to Avoid Venomous Snakes

[…]Spring is prime hiking time, and also when snakes are most likely to be encountered while basking, seeking mates, or searching for meals after the long winter’s fast.  The recent experience of one of our readers, whose Arizona property was frequented by Mojave Rattlesnakes, spurred me to look into the […]
Read more » Snake Encounters – Training Dogs to Avoid Venomous Snakes

Rosy Boa or Colombian Red-Tailed Boa? Choosing the Best Snake Pet

[…]cage   Rosy Boa: 20-30 gallon terrarium   Temperature Colombian Boa: 75-85 F, with a basking site of 90 -95 F; basking bulb and sub-tank pad recommended.   Rosy Boa: 75-85 F, with a basking site of 90-95 F   Diet Food intake will vary among individuals and with temperature, […]
Read more » Rosy Boa or Colombian Red-Tailed Boa? Choosing the Best Snake Pet

The Natural History and Captive Care of the Mertens’ Water Monitor – Part 1

[…]They rarely stray far from water’s edge, but will forage on banks and in low brush.  Basking occurs on floating plants, logs or the shore. Status They are common in suitable habitat, but threatened by the introduced Marine Toad, Bufo marinus, which is expected to colonize up to 80% of […]
Read more » The Natural History and Captive Care of the Mertens’ Water Monitor – Part 1

Providing Ultraviolet A Light (UVA) to Reptiles and Amphibians – Part 1

[…]in Captivity The provision of UVA light encourages natural behavior, better appetites, basking and breeding in a great many species.  UVA reflective areas on animals and plants (which we cannot see) help a variety of creatures to identify mates, food and predators. A lack of UVA may be responsible for […]
Read more » Providing Ultraviolet A Light (UVA) to Reptiles and Amphibians – Part 1

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

[…]Permian Period, a time that saw the world’s greatest number of extinctions. Today, amphibians, turtles and many other groups are disappearing at a rate that may, in time, rival even that.  I’ve had the chance to work on several related conservation projects and rescue efforts, and was stunned by the […]
Read more » New Dinosaur Described as a “Komodo Dragon-Tiger Cross”

The Green Anole (Anolis carolinensis carolinensis) in the Wild and Captivity – Care in Captivity Part 2

[…]green anoles. The Zoo Med Reptile Halogen Bulb is ideal for providing UVA, along with heat for the basking site. For larger cages, a Mercury Vapor Bulb will supply UVB over a greater distance than will a florescent bulb. The ambient air temperature should be 84-87 F, with a basking […]
Read more » The Green Anole (Anolis carolinensis carolinensis) in the Wild and Captivity – Care in Captivity Part 2

Breeding the Pancake Tortoise, Malacochersus tornieri, in captivity – Part 1

[…](become dormant) during the hottest, driest times of the year. We know that many temperate turtle species, such as the box turtle, Terrepene carolina, exhibit decreased fertility if they are not give a hibernation period in captivity – perhaps some pancake tortoises require a hot, dry “season” followed by rains […]
Read more » Breeding the Pancake Tortoise, Malacochersus tornieri, in captivity – Part 1
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