Archive for the ‘Australian Reptiles’ Category
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
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
Boyd’s Forest Dragon
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Hypsilurus boydii or the Boyd’s Forest Dragon
This forest dragon seems to have retained the appearance of a dinosaur, with both males and females having a dorsal crest of enlarged spines. Living in tropical coastal rainforests and tablelands from Townsville in the south and north to Mossman, they lead a fairly sedentary life. They can be found resting on the side of trees during the day, darting down to the ground to catch insects. This animal is one of the two species of forest dragon found in Australia, the other being the rainforest dragon of SE Queensland. Many more species of forest dragons are found in New Guinea and South East Asia. (more…)
Posted on June 6, 2010 - by admin
Diamond Python
Morelia spilota spilota or the Diamond Python
Did you know…
- The diamond python have the most southerly distribution of any Australian python, reaching as far south as Victoria.
- Like all pythons, diamond python lays eggs which are then incubated and defended by the female. Once the young have emerged, the mum no longer cares for them.
- These pythons are ambush predators with large home ranges that often overlap. They move around seasonally to occupy well-camouflaged positions or hibernate in winter months.
Where Diamond Python can be found in Australia:
The diamond python is one of the subspecies in the diamond/carpet python group.
Posted on June 6, 2010 - by admin
Aspects of Snakebite and Snake Venom Properties
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Snake Venom and Snakebites
by Andrew McKenzie (Originally published in Monitor Vol 13 Issue 1 2004)
Snake Venom: An Introduction
The following article has been written to explain what happens to a bite recipient if they suspect they have been bitten by a potentially venomous snake. The issues investigated are as follows;
i) How most bites occur,
ii) What to do if bitten by a snake,
iii) How venom affects the body, and;
iv) Methodology in determining whether or not to administer antivenom
Snake Venom: How Most Bites Occur (more…)
Posted on June 6, 2010 - by admin
Night Skink
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Egernia striata or the Night Skink
Did you know…
- Night skink reptiles are one of the few nocturnal members of the skink family.
- The night skink live in the deserts of the Northern Territory and Western Australia.
- The night skink dig complex burrow systems in sand, with the entrance normally concealed near a low shrub.
- Baby night skink reptiles often stay in or near their parents’ burrow.
- The night skink lie in wait at the burrow’s entrance and ambush passing invertebrates, such as insects and spiders, and smaller lizards.
