Author Archive
Posted on June 9, 2010 - by admin
Thorny Devil
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Moloch horridus or the Thorny Devil
This is one of Australia’s most interesting and unusual animals. People often mistake the Latin word horridus for meaning ‘horrible’ – it does in fact mean ‘bristly’. This describes the lizard’s erect stance, with the tail and head held high. The thorny devil eats only ants, usually the black ant variety. An adult animal can consume in excess of 2000 ants per day. Their stomachs are designed to tolerate the high acid levels of their chosen meal. (more…)
Posted on June 9, 2010 - by admin
Keeping and Breeding The Coastal Taipan (Oxyuranus Scutellatus)
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Coastal Taipan: An Introduction
Text by Brian Barnett (Originally published in Thylacinus in 1986. Reprinted in Monitor Vol.10 Issue 2/3 1999)
The Coastal Taipan is one of Australia’s largest venomous and most dangerous snakes, occurring widely in northern Australia with an endemic sub-species in New Guinea (Cogger, 1983). In recent years its popularity in reptile collections has increased. Here in Victoria, we are more fortunate than some of our interstate counterparts in that private keepers are allowed to legally keep these reptiles.
Captives are alert and by snake standards appear to be highly intelligent. This paper has been written in response to repeated questions by colleagues in relation to my previous successes in breeding the species. (more…)
Posted on June 8, 2010 - by admin
Darwin Carpet Python
Morelia spilota variegata or the Carpet Python
Did you know…
- Darwin carpet python dwells across the north ofAustralia.
- Carpet python is common in urban parts of Darwin.
- Adult Darwin carpet python eats mainly mammals, such as rats and possums.
- Juvenile carpet python eat mainly lizards, such as skinks and geckos.
Posted on June 8, 2010 - by admin
Rainforest Dragon
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Hypsilurus spinipes or the Rainforest Dragon
This fierce-looking rainforest dragon lives in warm temperate rainforest and sclerophyll forests along the mid-eastern coast of Australia. They feed on insects and spiders, which they hunt ambush in the canopy, on tree trunks and vines, or the forest floor. Rainforest dragon drink from the water that runs down branches when it rains. The water runs into the lizard’s mouth via gravity, requiring very little effort from the dragon. (more…)
Posted on June 8, 2010 - by admin
Kids & Reptiles
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Kids and reptiles! Can they mix and should they mix?
by Kerrie Alexander
In my opinion yes and sometimes no. In this article I will express some ideas and tips on how to keep the harmony with our kids and reptiles, and also perhaps when we should draw the line.
Posted on June 8, 2010 - by admin
A Beginner’s Guide to Keeping Turtles
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Keeping Turtles: An Introduction
A decade ago or more, except for a handful of pioneering enthusiasts, genuine breeders were virtually non-existent. Their patience, improved husbandry techniques and record keeping has paid off. Many of the commonly encountered problems are rarely seen today, and captive breeding is a regular event on the calendar. Today we are able to enjoy the determination and achievements of past and present enthusiasts, with freshwater turtles being one of the more commonly encountered reptiles maintained in private collections throughout Australia. Given a few simple requirements, freshwater turtles are easy to maintain in captivity and require less time and space than other animals such as cats and dogs. Because turtles are less demanding than other companion animals, parents find them a great learning tool for children. Kids love turtles, and the responsibility of owning a turtle prepares them for life’s greater responsibilities. (more…)
Posted on June 7, 2010 - by admin
Speaker Tania Carter – Cool Companions
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The lesson from the talks of Tania Carter is that, as gardeners, it is our duty to plant native plants to provide habitat and food for our unique wildlife.
Tania Carter gave a fascinating talk about our local native animals. Tania brought a number of her “Cool Companions” with her and gave members the opportunity for a hands on experience.
Tania Carter talked about how to encourage these creatures into our backyards. (more…)
Posted on June 7, 2010 - by admin
Albino Darwin Carpet Python
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Morelia spilota variegata or the Carpet Python
Meet Tully. Tully is an albino Darwin Carpet Python. Tully’s mum was found in a caravan park in Darwin about ten years ago. A resident of the caravan park saw Blondie one day. When the Parks and Wildlife Commission head about it they took Blondie to the Territory Wildlife Park. Albino animals are thought to be more visible to predators in the wild, so they are often caught and kept in captivity, carpet python is among them. Despite their supposedly more visible looks, adult albino animals are often found in the wild, showing that they can avoid predation and survive through to adulthood. (more…)
Posted on June 7, 2010 - by admin
For Beginners
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Guide to Pythons
by Andrew Owen
Pythons are increasing in popularity as pets in Australia and many species are now available. Keeping native species as pets is a good option ecologically and if the animals’ basic needs are met they can thrive in captivity. And so, the following discussions (guide to pythons) are strongly recommended.
Guide to Pythons: Housing
Pythons should be kept individually in a secure enclosure made from thermally efficient material (material that holds heat well like wood or plastic, not a glass fishtank). A glass front allows for viewing your animal. The diagram below illustrates a basic python set up and minimal requirements for a healthy animal. (more…)
Posted on June 7, 2010 - by admin
Orange Snake Among Finds On Borneo
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KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) — A lungless frog, a frog that flies, an orange snake, and a slug that shoots love darts are among 123 new species found in Borneo since 2007 in a project to conserve one of the oldest rain forests in the world.
A report by the global conservation group WWF on the discoveries also calls for protecting the threatened species (snakes among them) and equatorial rain forest on Borneo, the South China Sea island that is the world’s third-largest and is shared by Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei. (more…)
