Archive for the ‘Australian Reptiles’ Category
Posted on June 5, 2010 - by admin
First Genetic Link Between Reptile and Human Heart Evolution
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Scientists at the Gladstone Institute of Cardiovascular Disease have traced the evolution of the four-chambered human heart to a common genetic factor linked to the development of hearts in turtles and other reptile species.
The research, published in the September 3 issue of the journal Nature, shows how a specific protein that turns on genes is involved in heart formation in turtles, lizards and humans.
“This is the first genetic link to the evolution of two, rather than one, pumping chamber in the heart, which is a key event in the evolution of becoming warm-blooded,” said Gladstone investigator Benoit Bruneau, PhD, who led the study. “The gene involved, Tbx5, is also implicated in human congenital heart disease, so our results also bring insight into human disease.” (more…)
Posted on June 5, 2010 - by admin
Woma Husbandry and Captive Breeding
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Woma breeding: INTRODUCTION
by Peter Krauss (Originally published in Thylacinus in 1992. Reprinted in Monitor Vol 6 Issue 1 1994)
The Woma (Aspidites ramsayi) inhabits arid areas of the central and northern parts of Australia. At least two quite distinctive different forms of colouration and size occur in varying latitudes. Typically different examples are those from northern South Australia and those of the Tanami Desert in the Northern Territory. The northern form is cream with orange-brown bands, while the southern form is a uniform and drab brown colour. The northern Desert Woma reaches approximately 1.5m in length as an adult and the southern area form grows to double this size. Visually they bear little similarity as mature specimens.
A group of Womas in my care for over 16 years initially consisted of one male and two females with another male included later after the first successful breeding occurred in 1985. The animals are the desert form found in the Tennant Creek area of the Northern Territory, and were juveniles when obtained. (more…)
Posted on June 5, 2010 - by admin
Coastal Carpet Python
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Morelia spilota mcdowelli or the Coastal Carpet Python
Perhaps Australia’s best-known python, the name Carpet Python actually refers to a number of different subspecies, each found in a separate geographic location. Coastal carpet python snakes are probably the most common snake found in and around Brisbane. They do an excellent job of keeping the rat population down. Adult carpet snakes can get up to 4 metres long. At this size they feed on large possums, and maybe even unwary cats. (more…)
Posted on June 5, 2010 - by admin
Land Mullet
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Egernia major or the Land Mullet
These beautiful black lizards will often be found basking on walking tracks in the rainforested areas of central coast NSW to the border ranges of South East Queensland. The land mullet is one of the largest skinks in Australia, growing to a maximum length of 45 cm. As young animals, they have blue, white or yellow dots on their flanks. The adult animals retain a white eyeliner, which accentuates their large, knowing eyes. (more…)
Posted on June 4, 2010 - by admin
Frilled To Bits: Breeding Frill-Necked Lizards
DISPLAYS THE IMAGE URL SPECIFIED IN THE CUSTOM FIELDIn June 1995 I decided to initiate a breeding program for Frill-necked lizards (Chlamydosaurus kingii)
by David Klier (Originally published in Monitor Vol. 9 No. 2 April 1998 Housing).
I had 8 Frill-necked lizards from the Northern Territory, 6 of which were old enough to breed; of these 2 were females, the remaining 4 were males. The adults were between 14 months and 5 years of age.
The breeding colony of the frill-necked lizards was housed in a cage 7 foot (210cm) long and 5 foot (150cm) high and 3 foot (90cm) in depth. Heating was supplied by 6 globes and was thermostatically controlled. In addition to this, one 4 foot double florescent was installed to provide UV and full spectrum lighting; all of this was controlled by a timer. (more…)
Posted on June 4, 2010 - by admin
Keeping and Breeding Diamond Pythons
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Breeding Diamond Pythons: Introduction
Images and Text
by Rob Sullivan
Let me start by stating the obvious. There is probably dozens of ways to go about keeping and breeding Diamond Pythons or any python for that matter, this is what works for me.
Over time I have chatted with a fair few breeders, not just diamond breeders but python breeders in general and come up with a medley from all the information I collected.
Like most keepers, I started out with a Diamond Python, then another, then a few more. There is something about this animal that just seems to catch a lot of enthusiasts like me, into wanting to have them in my collection. It might be their graceful nature or their lovely coloration or simply the cluster of rosettes that just mesmerize you. I’m not sure, but out of all the snakes I have kept these are the ones at the top of my list. (more…)
Posted on June 4, 2010 - by admin
Jungle Carpet Python
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Morelia spilota cheynei or the Jungle Carpet Python
Adult Jungle Carpet Python feeds largely on mammals (such as possums and fruit bats) and birds. The hatchlings prey mainly on small lizards. During the warmer months these snakes are largely nocturnal, meaning they are active at night. During cooler weather they can be found on the move in the warmer daytime. (more…)
Posted on June 4, 2010 - by admin
Hosmer’s Skink
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Egernia hosmeri or the Hosmer’s Skink
Just like the other skinks in this group, Hosmer’s skinks tend to occur in small colonies on rocky outcrops or occasionally fallen timber. Found in subhumid to arid north Australia, it inhabits rocky ranges. The eastern population is separated from the western population by a large expanse of alluvial clay, which lacks suitable rocky shelter sites. They grow up to about 32 cm long, about half of which is made up of their spiny tail. (more…)
Posted on June 3, 2010 - by admin
Centralian Carpet Python
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Morelia spilota bredli or the Centralian carpet python
The Centralian Carpet Python is found in the deep rock crevices, caves and tree hollows in central Australia. These shelters provide not only a hiding place for the snake, but also provide homes for the food supply of the centralian carpet python – rodents and birds. Females lay 10 to 50 eggs and then curl around them for about 70 days. By staying with the eggs the female python not only protects them, she can also keep them warm. (more…)
Posted on June 3, 2010 - by admin
Cunningham’s Skink
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Egernia cunningham or the Cunningham’s Skink
Did you know…
- The Cunningham’s skink is the largest of the spiny-tailed skink group.
- As with all spiny-tailed skinks, Cunningham’s skink gives birth to live young.
- The Cunningham’s Skink live in rocky areas, and are often found in small groups.
