Tabla de contenidos para February 2026 en Practical Reptile Keeping

Amyriad of colours that survived millions of years of evolution have disappeared in a short period of time. The culprit? An unusually aggressive and sexually dominant wall lizard that has wiped out several colour variants that have been recognised within its species. Three recognised variants Many animal species display clearly defined colour variants, or colour morphs, as they are often described by reptile enthusiasts. These are not just superficial differences, but are often linked to different strategies for securing access to territories, mates, or similar advantages. The common wall lizard (Podarcis muralis) is a species widespread in the Mediterranean region, and can have three different throat colours: white, yellow, and orange. These have coexisted within the same populations for millions of years and served as a textbook example of stable…

Research by Edith Cowan University (ECU) and the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) has put a spotlight on the feeding frenzy that newly-hatched turtles face, not just from wellrecognised predators such as gulls and other birds, but others that are not so well-documented, like predatory crabs, on the hazardous journey from their nests down the beach to the sea. Determined hunters These studies have exposed the predation practices of the golden ghost crab which is found on the west coast of Australia. Trapped and gripped by the neck, and at serious risk of decapitation in the powerful claws of these crabs, such nightmarish visions are a grim reality for loggerhead turtle hatchlings in this part of their range. “Previous studies have been mostly limited to evidence of loggerhead…

Rat snakes represent some of the most rewarding snakes available to reptile keepers. As a group, they are generally hardy, intelligent, and adapt well to vivarium surroundings, with many species displaying calm temperaments and reliable feeding responses. They offer something to snake-keepers with all levels of experience. Members of this group occur across large parts of the world and have evolved to occupy a wide range of habitats, from cold, temperate forests to warm, humid jungles. This diversity makes them especially interesting to keep, as each species has its own unique behaviours, care requirements, and appeal. There are approximately 41 species of Old World rat snake, with a further 14 to be found in the New World, including of course possibly the most widely-kept snake in the world: the corn…

The sulcata tortoise (Centrochelys (Geochelone) sulcata), also known as the African spurred tortoise and not to be confused with the Mediterranean spur-thighed tortoise (Testudo graeca), is one of the largest tortoise species available to reptile keepers. These enormous herbivorous tortoises have specific husbandry requirements, and require a considerable amount of care. They can live for at least 148 years, based on existing records, and possibly even longer. Did you know? This particular species is regarded as the world's third largest living tortoise, being exceeded in size only by the Galápagos (Chelonoidis nigra) and Aldabran (Aldabrachelys gigantea) giant tortoises. The largest sulcatas can weigh in at over 100kg (220lb): considerably more than the maximum weight of a Mediterranean spur-thighed tortoise at 7kg (15lb). If nothing else, this can make moving a…

There are more than 7000 species of frogs and toads, collectively known as anurans thanks to the name of their Order Anura, meaning ‘tail-less’. There is far less variety within the group, however, compared with reptiles such as lizards or snakes. For those who like large animals, these amphibians really are a bit of a disappointment! Even the other main amphibian group, comprising the tailed amphibians (Order Caudata), at least offers giant salamanders that can grow to 18m (6ft) in the case of the Chinese species (Andrias davidianus). When it comes to their size therefore, most frogs and toads are, to be brutally honest, relatively uninspiring. Granted, they may be colourful but when it comes to physical impact, they are definitely diminutive and unimpressive. That is, of course, with the…

Imagine harnessing the power of bacteria from the intestinal tracts of frogs and lizards to wipe out cancer tumours completely—with just one dose and no harmful side effects. Sounds like science fiction? Well, it's not. Researchers at the Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (JAIST) have made a stunning discovery that could change cancer therapy forever. Led by Professor Eijiro Miyako, the team isolated a bacterium called Ewingella americana from the intestines of Japanese tree frogs (Dryophytes japonicus). This isn't your everyday gut bacterium; it's a natural powerhouse against cancer. Their findings show that it can eliminate tumours in ways that outperform traditional treatments like chemotherapy and immunotherapy. How this microbial marvel was discovered The study stemmed from the growing interest in gut microbiomes—the trillions of bacteria living in…

The California tiger salamander (Ambystoma californiense) relies on seasonal ponds to breed. But for decades, the species has been under pressure from non-native salamanders introduced within its range during the 1950s and 1960s for use as fishing bait. These closely-related barred tiger salamanders (A. tigrinum) interbreed with the native population, creating hybrids that grow faster, eat more, and often take over entire pond ecosystems. For a period, both used to be considered members of the same species, until separated in 1991. Now, scientists have built detailed computer models to test how water duration, or hydroperiod, and targeted hybrid removal could help the vulnerable native salamanders recover. The findings suggest that managing pond conditions may tip the balance back in favour of the native Californian species. Finding a solution “Hybrids often…

Antarctica's only native insect is now swallowing microplastics, proving no place on Earth is truly untouched by plastic pollution. An international team led by researchers from the University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment has found that Antarctica's only native insect is already consuming microplastics, despite living in one of the most isolated places on Earth. The findings mark the first study to investigate how microplastics affect the only existing Antarctic insect, and confirm the presence of tiny plastic particles inside wild-caught midges. The project began when Jack Devlin, then studying for his doctorate, was struck by a documentary about plastic pollution, before later moving to Scotland to work as a marine ornithologist. “Watching that particular film just blew my mind and stuck in my memory,” Devlin…

Dental disease might not be regarded as the biggest issue for a pet lizard, but it is a surprisingly common and often overlooked problem in some species. In fact, one recent survey revealed that up to 35% of bearded dragons seen in a veterinary clinic showed some degree of dental abnormality. Simon, the bearded dragon was a classic example suffering from this type of problem. His owners were very dedicated and had spent a lot of time and energy in providing a purpose-built enclosure for him. They ensured that he always received the right amount of heating and UVB light, and allowed him out for regular exercise and handling sessions. Their only concern with Simon was that whilst he would eat both live food and plant material, they noted that…

Also commonly known as the steppes or Russian steppe rat snake, this species originates from Asia, being found at altitudes of up to 3500m (11,500ft). These snakes vary considerably in appearance across their extensive range, which is the largest of any Elaphe species. Orange-red colouration is typical associated with individuals originating from parts of China. In contrast, the subspecies recognised as Elaphe dione nigrita is black. Distinctive colour morphs are now established in the hobby as well. The example shown here is rare at present, often being described as the sunglow (orange). Although Asiatic rat snakes are less widely kept than their New World relatives, their care is equally straightforward. Females typically reach up to 1.2m (48in), but are often smaller, depending on the population concerned. Males in all cases…

Kemp's ridley (Lepidochelys kempii) is the smallest and also the most endangered species of sea turtle in the world. It occurs off the east and Gulf coasts of North America, alongside some of the world's most active shipping lanes. While the threats from fishing, pollution, and vessel collisions are well understood, it is less clear how disruptive noise resulting from human activity may be affecting the survival of this species. An unrecognised threat? Researchers from Duke University Marine Laboratory, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and North Carolina State University have recently evaluated the hearing sensitivity of a group of Kemp's ridley turtles to understand their vulnerability to human-caused noise. “We know they face a variety of threats, including accidental capture in fishing gear, vessel strikes, ingestion of plastic debris,…

About 110 million years ago, two small pterosaurs, each about the size of a typical gull, were flying over a lake or river, looking for food or perhaps bathing, when they were devoured by a large dinosaur or pterosaur. Later, when the predator passed through the Araripe Basin, a coastal region nearby, it regurgitated the least digestible parts of the pterosaurs – their skulls – as well as four fish that it had swallowed in a later meal. An unusual find In 2024, a group of researchers affiliated with Brazilian universities found the first species of filter-feeding pterosaur in the tropics in this vomit, which had been fossilised and stored in a museum for decades. “It was very unexpected, because fossils from the Araripe region have been studied for decades…

The leaf insects form the family Phylliidae (from the Greek for leaf – phyllon) and are members of the order Phasmida, being grouped alongside stick insects. Today, they are found throughout south-east Asia and into Australia, but the discovery of a fossilised leaf insect from Germany shows that during the Eocene epoch, around 40 million years ago, their range extended into parts of Europe. There are currently around 50 recognised species of leaf insect, although a recent paper by Hennemann and Conle described five new species from Palawan and the Philippines. This indicates just how understudied the phasmid fauna of the world is, and indicates that a much larger number of species are likely to be out there, still awaiting discovery. PSG culture numbers The members of the Phasmid Study…

All snakes have a relatively delicate body, and need to be handled with care. Should you be heavy handed, this can trigger deep internal bruising which can be fatal days later. If you are looking for a pet snake that can be handled relatively easily though, then a corn snake will be an excellent choice, particularly if you start with a youngster. Such snakes can be simply scooped up in your hand and allowed to crawl into the other hand, taking care to ensure they cannot fall to the ground. They soon get used to be picked up and can grow quite tame. Ball pythons are larger snakes, but quite placid, and may even sit with you as you watch television! Everyone develops their own techniques, but these are the…

Christopher Marley is an artist based in the US state of Oregon. He immortalises reptiles, insects including butterflies, and a range of other creatures in his framed artworks, capturing their natural beauty. The vertebrates that he uses in his work, such as reptiles and birds, have all died from natural causes. The invertebrates, such as insects, are collected from the wild however, for reasons that he is perfectly happy to justify and talk about. All pieces shown on his website are three-dimensional real specimens, hermetically sealed in specially designed, hand-made frames. You might wonder what drove Christopher to start framing bugs, reptiles, fish, crustaceans, and other delights of nature? He explains: “I have been a lover of animals and an artist from my earliest days, but I found that certain…