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The Green Iguana (Iguana iguana) on the Venezuelan Llanos – Notes from the Field

[…]population, and he preferred a battle on land to another swim! I’ve included a photo of typical iguana habitat in Venezuela’s central llanos country, to perhaps show you why I was so surprised to find the lizards there (the creatures in the foreground are capybaras, world’s largest rodent).  Also included […]
Read more » The Green Iguana (Iguana iguana) on the Venezuelan Llanos – Notes from the Field

Breeding the Green Iguana – Indoor and Outdoor Nest Sites – Part 2

[…]I of this article for notes on constructing a practical outdoor nesting area for Green Iguanas (Iguana iguana). Nests with Underground Access Some breeders (and commercial farms) prefer to provide an underground entranceway into the garbage can nest site (Please see Part I), which is more in keeping with the […]
Read more » Breeding the Green Iguana – Indoor and Outdoor Nest Sites – Part 2

Aggression in Male Green Iguanas (Iguana iguana) and Nesting Behavior in Females: the Effects of Hormonal Changes and the Breeding Season

[…]my experiences with wild green iguanas in another article on this blog.  Please see The Green Iguana on the Venezuelan Llanos. An interesting article on iguana farming and conservation efforts in Belize is posted at […]
Read more » Aggression in Male Green Iguanas (Iguana iguana) and Nesting Behavior in Females: the Effects of Hormonal Changes and the Breeding Season

Green Iguanas and Raccoons in Southern Florida….an Interesting Dilemma – Part 2

[…]see Part I of this article for background information. With introduced green iguanas (Iguana iguana) driving endangered burrowing owls from their nests and raccoons (Procyon lotor) devouring sea turtle eggs, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection initiated control measures. At a preserve in Dania Beach, an intensive trapping and collection […]
Read more » Green Iguanas and Raccoons in Southern Florida….an Interesting Dilemma – Part 2

Breeding the Green Iguana – Indoor and Outdoor Nest Sites – Part 1

Those of you with a mature pair of Green Iguanas (Iguana iguana) may expect to see courtship behavior in February/March (Note: males may become aggressive at this time, please see article below).  While these huge lizards can be quite a handful, captive breeding is a worthwhile experience that you’ll not […]
Read more » Breeding the Green Iguana – Indoor and Outdoor Nest Sites – Part 1

The Natural History and Captive Care of the Rhinoceros Iguana

[…]the Rhinoceros Iguana at the Australia Zoo. Rhinoceros Iguana Conservation. Video of wild Rhino Iguana.     Green Rhino Iguana image referenced from wikipedia and originally posted by Elliot […]
Read more » The Natural History and Captive Care of the Rhinoceros Iguana

Popular, Unusual and Rare Lizards of the Family Iguanidae

[…]we find some of the most the world’s most popularly kept lizards, such as the Green Iguana (Iguana iguana) and the Chuckwalla (Sauromalus obesus).  As we will see, this diverse group is also populated by a number of oddities as well – rare island dwellers and lizards that dive into […]
Read more » Popular, Unusual and Rare Lizards of the Family Iguanidae

Green Iguana Care – Housing, Diet and Handling

The Green Iguana (Iguana iguana) is truly a study in contrasts.  Captive-bred by the millions on farms in Latin America, the 7-inch-long hatchlings are widely considered to be suitable for novice reptile keepers.  Indeed, with proper care, they mature into one of the most impressive and responsive of all reptilian pets.  […]
Read more » Green Iguana Care – Housing, Diet and Handling

Green Iguanas and Raccoons in Southern Florida….an Interesting Dilemma

Released and escaped green iguanas (Iguana iguana) have now established huge populations in southern Florida. Although I must admit to a certain degree of fascination with introduced species, there can be no doubt that the massive lizards have caused a great many problems in their adopted environment. An Impressive but […]
Read more » Green Iguanas and Raccoons in Southern Florida….an Interesting Dilemma

The 5 Worst Reptiles and Amphibians to Choose as Holiday Gifts

[…]indoor accommodations, which translates into a room-sized enclosure for an adult.   Green Iguana, Iguana iguana Cute, brilliantly-colored, and a mere 7 inches in length, hatchling Green Iguanas are often promoted as suitable pets for children and novice reptile keepers. But these arboreal lizards have very specific husbandry needs, and […]
Read more » The 5 Worst Reptiles and Amphibians to Choose as Holiday Gifts

Alternative Substrates: Rabbit and Alfalfa Pellets for Lizards and Tortoises – Part 2

[…]as Food Additionally, rabbit pellets are useful as a substrate for older tortoises, green iguanas (Iguana iguana) and other herbivorous lizards. Comprised largely of alfalfa, they are a fine food item for these creatures, and so can be swallowed with impunity by animals that drag damp salad out of their […]
Read more » Alternative Substrates: Rabbit and Alfalfa Pellets for Lizards and Tortoises – Part 2

Bird Aviaries as Outdoor Homes for Reptiles and Amphibians

[…]with bars spaced ½ inch and 1 inch apart. Certain reptiles, such as adult green and rhinoceros iguanas, spur-thighed (“Sulcata”) and other large tortoises, tegus, and larger monitors are almost impossible to keep properly indoors. Others fare far better when given outdoor access for at least part of the year…success […]
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Anaconda Attacks – Notes from a Study of Wild Snakes in Venezuela

[…]Zoo, I had the good fortune of participating in a long-term field study of Green Anacondas in Venezuela – the first and only one of its kind.  Over 900 specimens were captured, and a treasure-trove of new facts was documented. Attempted Human Predation? Two incidents that occurred during the study […]
Read more » Anaconda Attacks – Notes from a Study of Wild Snakes in Venezuela

The Green Anaconda – Natural History of the World’s Largest Snake – Part 1

[…]can read more about the research mentioned above in these articles: Hunting Anacondas in the Venezuelan Llanos Anaconda Expert Wades Barefoot in Venezuela’s Swamps National Geographic Video of an Anaconda capturing a […]
Read more » The Green Anaconda – Natural History of the World’s Largest Snake – Part 1

Learning in Rhinoceros Iguanas, Monitors and Other Lizards – observations on zoo animals

[…]but I was none-the-less always impressed by the rapidity at which most learned. Rhinoceros iguanas, Cyclura cornuta, and water monitors, Varanus salvator, were particularly striking in this regard. Animals in the collection for over 15 years, long in the habit of approaching or ignoring a single keeper in their exhibit […]
Read more » Learning in Rhinoceros Iguanas, Monitors and Other Lizards – observations on zoo animals

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

[…]of the year, the balance of the diet can be comprised of a high quality commercial tortoise or iguana chow. Herbivorous Lizards Green, rhinoceros and desert iguanas, Uromastyx spp., chuckwallas and other herbivorous lizards become very excited as soon as novel fresh foods are offered.  It is difficult to get across […]
Read more » Reptile Gardens – Growing Food Plants and Attracting Insects for Your Pets

Nile Crocodile Found in Florida: Is World’s Largest Crocodile a Resident?

[…]of any other lizard, anywhere on earth (please see article below for an interesting study on iguana-raccoon interactions)!  Brown Anoles seem to have replaced the native Green Anole in many areas, and 6-8 other anole species are established as well.  And, of course, one cannot escape news of introduced Burmese […]
Read more » Nile Crocodile Found in Florida: Is World’s Largest Crocodile a Resident?

The Yellow-Spotted Sideneck Turtle , Podocnemis unifilis, in the Wild and Captivity: Natural History – Part 1

[…]northern and central South America, including the Caribbean drainages of Guyana, French Guiana, Venezuela and Columbia.  It also occurs in the upper tributaries of the Amazon River in Columbia, southern Venezuela, eastern Ecuador, northeastern Peru, northern Bolivia and Brazil.  There are unconfirmed reports of small populations in Trinidad and Tobago. […]
Read more » The Yellow-Spotted Sideneck Turtle , Podocnemis unifilis, in the Wild and Captivity: Natural History – Part 1

Rock Python Kills Full-Grown Husky in Florida

[…]and frog eggs, snakes have been observed feeding on many “unexpected” food items.  In Venezuela, a Green Anaconda grabbed my co-worker, in what appeared to be a feeding attempt, while a recent study documented 150 Reticulated Python attacks (6 of which were fatal) in the Philippines.  Please see the articles […]
Read more » Rock Python Kills Full-Grown Husky in Florida

The Green Anaconda – Natural History of the World’s Largest Snake

[…]can read more about the research mentioned above in these articles: Hunting Anacondas in the Venezuelan Llanos. Big Snake Meals – records of large and unusual meals. Field research reports and summaries. Anaconda Expert Wades Barefoot in Venezuela’s Swamps National Geographic Video of an Anaconda capturing a Capybara. Please write […]
Read more » The Green Anaconda – Natural History of the World’s Largest Snake

Titanoboa cerrejonensis, the World’s Largest Snake: Extinct Anaconda-Like Serpent Believed to Have Reached 43 Feet in Length and 2,500 Pounds in Weight

[…]in at 215 pounds – no Titanoboa, but then again not an easy animal to wrest from the muck of a Venezuelan swamp either.  For the full story and some photos of myself and others with that snake, please see my article Hunting Anacondas in the Venezuelan […]
Read more » Titanoboa cerrejonensis, the World’s Largest Snake: Extinct Anaconda-Like Serpent Believed to Have Reached 43 Feet in Length and 2,500 Pounds in Weight

Your First Pet Lizard: a Checklist of Things to Consider

[…]55 gallon tank will provide you with infinitely more to observe than will an adult Green Iguana in a commercial iguana cage outfitted with a single shelf.   Cost: Your pet’s initial purchase price is but one part of the cost of lizard ownership, which also includes electricity use, veterinary […]
Read more » Your First Pet Lizard: a Checklist of Things to Consider

Fungal Infections (Mycotic Disease) in Reptiles – Part 1

[…]infection.  This fungus is ever-present, but is easily handled by healthy immune systems.  Green Iguanas and other reptiles have been found susceptible to Aspergillus as well; I would not be surprised if stress played a role as it does in birds. Please be aware that stress is not limited to […]
Read more » Fungal Infections (Mycotic Disease) in Reptiles – Part 1

The Yellow-Spotted Sideneck Turtle , Podocnemis unifilis, in the Wild and Captivity: Natural History – Part 2

[…]markings that characterize hatchlings.  Limited to the Rio Negro and Rio Casiquiare drainages in Venezuela and Brazil, it is a secretive species that mainly keeps to blackwater areas. This turtle’s wild status has not been well-studied, but it is assumed threatened by past over-collection and habitat loss.  Those I have […]
Read more » The Yellow-Spotted Sideneck Turtle , Podocnemis unifilis, in the Wild and Captivity: Natural History – Part 2

Big Snake Meals

[…]working with large snakes in zoos, was stunned when a 17 foot long anaconda I helped to capture in Venezuela disgorged a deer weighing 60 pounds (this at 3AM, below the hammock upon which I was trying to sleep)! I also observed anacondas swallowing a large side-necked turtle, Podocnemis unifilis, […]

Reptile Lighting – Combo Units for UVB Lights, UVA, Heat and Night Bulbs

Although I have kept reptiles and amphibians since childhood, and worked in zoos for most of my adult life, I remain amazed by the array of herp-care innovations that are available to us today.  True, not all are necessary (and some are downright ridiculous!), but many are indispensable to serious […]
Read more » Reptile Lighting – Combo Units for UVB Lights, UVA, Heat and Night Bulbs

A Millipede Emergency: the Dark Side of a Peaceful Terrarium Invertebrate – Part 1

[…]coworker phoned me at 4 AM, frantically speaking in the rapid fire Spanish typical of her native Venezuela…and which I have great difficulty in grasping at 4 PM, much less 4 AM! Eventually I learned that 3 elderly millipede researchers had passed away recently, and that preliminary evidence indicated that […]
Read more » A Millipede Emergency: the Dark Side of a Peaceful Terrarium Invertebrate – Part 1

Notes from the Field – An Aggressive Black Tegu Tupinambis teguixin (merianae)

While working with Green Anacondas in the central Venezuela llanos (please see my article Hunting Anacondas in the Venezuelan Llanos) in the late 1990’s, I was delighted to find that Black Tegus, one of my favorite lizards, were quite common in the area.  Sometimes referred to as “New World monitor […]
Read more » Notes from the Field – An Aggressive Black Tegu Tupinambis teguixin (merianae)

Research News – After Feeding, Snakes Remodel their Gut and Produce New Cells

[…](the tortoise was an unfortunate exhibit mate; the deer fell to an anaconda at my study site in Venezuela) and 40 pound pigs regularly fed to Reticulated and Burmese Pythons under my care at the Bronx Zoo, for example. A few shell scutes, hoofs, some bone fragments and fur where […]
Read more » Research News – After Feeding, Snakes Remodel their Gut and Produce New Cells

Typical and Atypical Habitats of the Red-Eared Slider – Field Observations

[…]California, Nevada, northern California, Japan (including in temple ponds in historic Kyoto!), Venezuela, St. Lucia and St. Croix.  Such sightings, of course, are not noteworthy, considering that this plucky survivor is well established in 25 or more countries on all continents except Antarctica (actually, when referring to animals with large […]
Read more » Typical and Atypical Habitats of the Red-Eared Slider – Field Observations

The World’s Most Venomous Snakes: Working with Mambas and King Cobras

[…] Certain large constrictors have also caused fatalities. In the course of field research in Venezuela, I observed a Green Anaconda attack a co-worker in what clearly was a feeding attempt.  Please see “Further Reading”, below, to read about both this incident and a recent study of human predation by Reticulated […]
Read more » The World’s Most Venomous Snakes: Working with Mambas and King Cobras

Asian or Chinese Water Dragon – Captive Care and Common Health Concerns

The Asian or Chinese Water Dragon (Physignathus cocincinus) superficially resembles the Green Iguana and is popular with those iguana fans lacking the space for a 6 foot-long lizard. Alert, beautifully-colored and interesting, they are among the best of all large lizard pets. Water Dragons are subject to several unique health concerns […]
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The Indigo Snake’s Less Expensive-Relative: Blacktail Cribo Care and Natural History

[…]Blacktail Cribo ranges throughout much of Mexico south through Central America to northern Venezuela, Columbia and Peru. It’s presence in El Salvador, Panama and Peru needs further confirmation. The northern subspecies, sometimes known as the Texas Indigo Snake (D. m. erebennus), is found from southern Texas to Guatemala and Belize. […]
Read more » The Indigo Snake’s Less Expensive-Relative: Blacktail Cribo Care and Natural History

Snake Hunting with Romulus Whitaker – Learning from the Master

[…]departed to begin work with nesting King Cobras in India, and I was off to tag Green Anacondas in Venezuela (please see articles below). But, looking back, I see that we enjoyed our time at Ward Pound Ridge just as much as those “exotic” adventures. We herpers are indeed a […]
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Tailless Whipscorpions – the Weirdest of All Arachnids?

[…]that I encountered in the wild – a huge specimen that met my gaze inside a hollow tree in Venezuela (where I was searching for yet another bizarre beast, the giant vampire bat) – stopped me in my tracks. Although relatively harmless, these most unusual Arachnids certainly are formidable – […]
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Habits of the World’s Largest Snakes – the African Rock Python

[…]in 1955 in South Africa – the 60 pound deer regurgitated by a Green Anaconda I tagged in Venezuela pales in comparison! Description Named for the renowned 18th century naturalist Arthur Seba, the African Rock Python is one of the world’s longest snakes. Individuals in excess of 20 feet have […]
Read more » Habits of the World’s Largest Snakes – the African Rock Python

The Cuatro Cienegas Slider (Trachemys scripta taylori) and other Unusual Relatives of the Red Eared Slider (Trachemys scripta elegans)

[…]northern Florida, west to Kansas and New Mexico and south through Mexico to northern Columbia and Venezuela. A Slider among Sea Turtles The most “exotic” slider subspecies that I have handled are the Nicaraguan slider, Trachemys s. emolli, which was shown to me by a friend in Costa Rica, and […]
Read more » The Cuatro Cienegas Slider (Trachemys scripta taylori) and other Unusual Relatives of the Red Eared Slider (Trachemys scripta elegans)

Captive Care of the World’s Largest Snake – Keeping the Green Anaconda

[…]study seemed to be a feeding response; other attacks were reported to me by several residents of Venezuela’s llanos region.  The only reliably documented cases of human predation by snakes have involved Reticulated, African Rock and, possibly, Burmese Pythons.  Please see the article below for more on huge snake meals. […]
Read more » Captive Care of the World’s Largest Snake – Keeping the Green Anaconda

Feeding Captive Savannah Monitors (Varanus exanthematicus) and Black and White Tegus (Tupinambis merianae): Zoo Med’s Canned Tegu and Monitor Diet

[…]days. My Observations of Wild Black and White Tegus My observations of black and white tegus in Venezuela leads me to believe that, at least in llanos habitat, these lizards consume far more large insects, turtle eggs and frogs than rodents.  Mammals are taken when available, mainly as carrion or […]
Read more » Feeding Captive Savannah Monitors (Varanus exanthematicus) and Black and White Tegus (Tupinambis merianae): Zoo Med’s Canned Tegu and Monitor Diet

Snake and Spider Fears and Phobias – Instinctive or Learned

[…]high density of prey (rodents, insects) and in search of shelter.  During the dry season in Venezuela, I collected numerous treefrogs, bats and spiders indoors. Snakes and Primate Evolution So, based on my experiences, I leaned toward a learning-based explanation.  However, recent work at UC Davis has revealed a possible […]
Read more » Snake and Spider Fears and Phobias – Instinctive or Learned

Round Island Boa Reintroduction – Back in Wild after a 150-Year Absence

[…]mega-vertebrates”.  The Trust was the first to breed the Giant Jumping Rat, Lesser Antilles Iguana, Flat-tailed Tortoise and scores of others (please see article below). The Reintroduction The island selected for the new Round Island Boa population has been cleared of the introduced black rats, goats and rabbits that previously […]
Read more » Round Island Boa Reintroduction – Back in Wild after a 150-Year Absence

Python Eats Crocodile – Tales of Big Snake Eating

[…]see articles linked below).  One, a 60 pound White-tailed Deer taken by a huge Green Anaconda in Venezuela, would be hard for me “to swallow” (sorry!) had I not been awakened by the snake disgorging it below my hammock in the wee hours!  A 5-foot-long Spectacled Caiman grabbed by another […]
Read more » Python Eats Crocodile – Tales of Big Snake Eating

Snake Escapes – Recovering Cobras and other Snakes in Zoos and Homes – Part 2

[…]often productive. You can even find snake tracks outdoors, if conditions are just right.  During Venezuela’s dry season, I was surprised to find that Green Anacondas (Eunectes murinus) left very clear drag marks when moving from one pool to another.  As the wind usually erased the tracks within an hour […]
Read more » Snake Escapes – Recovering Cobras and other Snakes in Zoos and Homes – Part 2

Hunting Anacondas in the Venezuelan Llanos – notes and photos for fans of giant snakes

[…]was with great anticipation that, after some years as a reptile keeper for the zoo, I set off for Venezuela to assist in field studies of the green anaconda, arguably the world’s largest snake.   Accounts of what I observed and learned during three visits to that country’s central llanos […]
Read more » Hunting Anacondas in the Venezuelan Llanos – notes and photos for fans of giant snakes

The Natural History and Captive Care of the Smokey Jungle Frog – Part 1

[…]its unique habits in Part 2. Range This frog occurs from Honduras and northern Nicaragua through Venezuela to French Guinea and south to southern Columbia, Ecuador, northern Brazil, Peru and Bolivia.  Due to its secretive nature, the southernmost limits of its range are not well known. Habitat Usually found in […]
Read more » The Natural History and Captive Care of the Smokey Jungle Frog – Part 1

Calabar Ground and Mexican Dwarf Pythons – Unique Burrowers for Python Fans

[…]apparently spend a good deal of time foraging in rodent burrows, and have even been seen to enter iguana and sea turtle nests to prey upon eggs. Captive Care Mexican Dwarf Pythons can be kept as has been described for Calabar Ground Pythons, but need a drier substrate and less […]
Read more » Calabar Ground and Mexican Dwarf Pythons – Unique Burrowers for Python Fans

Recent Field Research – Reptile and Amphibian Feeding Observations

[…]pound White-tailed Deer that was consumed by a 16 foot-long Green Anaconda, Eunectes murinus, in Venezuela.  Other notable Anaconda meals include a Red-Footed Tortoise and a Yellow-Spotted Side-Necked Turtle (please see article below for details and other observations).  However, when viewed in terms of predator vs. prey mass, the Hog-nosed […]
Read more » Recent Field Research – Reptile and Amphibian Feeding Observations

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

[…]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, have first-hand knowledge of […]
Read more » People as Python Prey – Giant Snakes Attack 150, Kill 6 in Philippines

The Natural History and Captive Care of the Brazilian Rainbow Boa

[…]  The most commonly available subspecies, E. c. cenchria, is found from southern Venezuela, Guyana and Surinam south through Brazil’s Amazon Basin. The various subspecies occupy much of Central and South America, from Costa Rica to Argentina. Habitat Rainbow boas may be found in wet and dry forest, scrubland, savannahs, […]
Read more » The Natural History and Captive Care of the Brazilian Rainbow Boa
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