Behaviour in the wild Reptiles as a group vary widely in their natural history. They are found in an array of habitats and ecological niches, including the following: The temperature extremes of the desert (hot by day, cold by night) The heat and humidity of the tropical rainforest Freshwater creeks…
Large semi-arboreal (spending some of their time in trees) pythons of the genus Morelia are common in the suburbs of Australian cities such as Sydney, Brisbane, Cairns, Perth, and Darwin. Throughout most of this range, the most common python is the ‘carpet python’, Morelia spilota. There are 6-8 subspecies within…
Australia is home to over 20 species of freshwater turtle. They all share the characteristic of retracting their head and neck beneath their shell by folding it to one side (‘side-necked’ turtles), rather than drawing their head backwards as do most of the world’s species of turtles and tortoises. They…
The most common reptile species kept as pets are typically medium-sized, non-threatened, captive-bred, and easily obtained. The central (or inland) bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps) fits this description perfectly, making it by far the most popular pet reptile in the world. General information Common name: central (inland) bearded dragon Scientific name:…
The most common reptile species kept as pets are typically medium-sized, non-threatened, captive-bred, and easily obtained. The Eastern Blue Tongue skink (Tiliqua scincoides scincoides) fits this description perfectly, making it a popular pet around the world. General information Common name: Eastern Blue Tongue skink Scientific name: Tiliqua scincoides scincoides Natural…
Although keeping reptiles (such as turtles, lizards, and snakes) is common in many parts of the world, relatively little is known about how to properly care for them in captive settings. What’s more, the trade in reptiles in some countries fuels the illegal exotic animal trade, which is harmful to…
Although it is not always a good idea, some reptile owners allow their reptiles to roam through the house, or at least a few rooms. While this may enrich your reptile’s life, it may also put them at risk of disease, injury, or even death. What hazards are out there?…
Intestinal parasites can be a serious problem for all reptiles, as they can become infected through contact with other reptiles, their droppings, or contaminated objects and substrate. A single reptile is not immune from infection, as they can re-infect themselves if an enclosure is not kept clean. The internal parasites…
It is commonly said that pet reptiles should get a few hours (at least) outside in the sun. Artificial lighting is also used indoors, trying to replicate sunlight. But why do reptile keepers go to such lengths? Sunlight contains so-called white light (light that contains all the wavelengths of visible…
In contrast to birds and mammals, reptiles have evolved as ectotherms – animals who regulate their body temperature to suit the temperature around them. They are not poikilothermic (cold-blooded) as most people commonly believe i.e., while their body temperature is dependent upon external heat sources rather than internal heat production,…