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Reptile & Amphibian
News Blog Keep up with news and features of interest to the reptile and amphibian community on the kingsnake.com blog. We cover breaking stories from the mainstream and scientific media, user-submitted photos and videos, and feature articles and photos by Jeff Barringer, Richard Bartlett, and other herpetologists and herpetoculturists.
Thursday, January 19 2023Largest Turtle hatching documented New footage shows hundreds of thousands of baby giant South American river turtles hatching. (Source: Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) / ECOVALE)Between Brazil and Bovlia along the Guaporé River, scientists recently captured video of the world's largest turtle hatching! Conservation efforts caught the South American River turtles emerging this winter. Conservationists say coordination between the two countries is important for the protection of the species and hope to establish some sort of protected area for them. Check out the awesome video of these animals hatching here. Wednesday, January 18 2023Drone captures Leatherback laying eggs A thermal image of the leatherback sea turtle digging sand, in Phang Nga, Thailand January 14, 2023, in this screen grab taken from a handout video obtained by Reuters on January 17, 2023. Department of Marine and Coastal Resources/Handout via REUTERSConservation officials in Thailand recently caught an endangered Leatherback Turtle laying their eggs in a nest on drone footage. The department said a thermal drone was able to record more information than labour-intensive human patrolling techniques, as its sensors could detect the body heat of warm-blooded animals - or more specifically the thermal differences between animals and their surrounding environment - despite the darkness.The technology was helpful in preventing noise and light from disturbing the turtles while nesting, it said. Check out the awesome footage here. Wednesday, January 4 2023Crocodiles and Pollution, the balance in Belize Crocodile researcher Jonathan Triminio talking to students in BelizeJONATHAN TRIMINIO Saving a reptile species can be a challenging in it's own right, but what if the benefits are saving an ecosystem too? The Crocodile Research Coalition is attempting to do not only that, but potentially save the world! While it seems like lofty goals, it is all butterfly effect. Or should we say Crocodile effect instead? THe CRC has been tracking the impact of pollution on the native Morelet's Crocodiles since 2019 for impacts of local pollution on the current stable population. This research can then be used to impact not only the animals in the study, but the ecosystem as a whole. With public outreach provided to residents through the CRC, changes happen. Dr. Marisa Tellez, Executive Director of the Crocodile Research Coalition, says that the biggest challenge at the moment is breaking down over a century of misguided information and false stereotypes about Belize’s crocodiles while simultaneously fighting against the sensationalism of TV shows and media about crocodiles. To read the full article, visit Forbes here! Monday, January 2 2023Prehistoric lizard discovered A side view of the lizard's skull and razor-sharp teeth. (Image credit: David Whiteside, Sophie Chambi-Trowell and Mike Benton/Natural History Museum UK)) The discovery of a new prehistoric lizard shifts the timeline of when reptiles evolved! The remains were found embedded in a rock in storage since the 1950's at the National History Museum in London.Cryptovaranoides microlanius dates back about 202 million years, placing it firmly in the Triassic period. It is also 35 million years earlier than previously recorded reptilian life! But despite the lizard's small stature, its sharp teeth would have delivered a menacing bite, which inspired the paleontologists to name it Cryptovaranoides microlanius; the species name means "small butcher," while the genus means "hidden" and "lizardlike," a nod to the decades it spent languishing unnoticed in NHM storage. When C. microlanius was alive, it likely preyed on arthropods and small vertebrates on the limestone-rich islands that once surrounded what is now Bristol, according to the study. To read more about our new favorite dinosaur, click here. Wednesday, December 28 2022Despite natural disasters, Manning River turtle hatchlings appear The Manning River turtle has had it's population decimated over time, but recent conservation efforts have been proving successful. In the four years the species has been surveyed, they have only found one potential nest but no evidence of any eggs surviving. However now there is light! 4 hatchlings estimated at a week old have recently been discovered proving the start of species recovery. "Finding hatchlings for the first time in four years gives us a good indication of habitat, where they are nesting and breeding successfully," he said. To read the full story, visit ABC News here. Tuesday, December 27 2022First nesting season for Pink Iguanas Although originally discovered in 1986, the Galapagos Pink Land Iguana (Conolophus marthae) took a few years to properly type as their own species. The aging population is critically endangered with an estimated 200-300 animals left. Now we are seeing the first official nesting sites of this rare Iguana, for the first time since the species was fully identified in 2009. “The discovery of the first-ever nest and young pink iguanas together with evidence of the critical threats to their survival has also given us the first hope for saving this enigmatic species from extinction.” Paul Salaman, president of Galápagos Conservancy, says in a statement. “Now, our work begins to save the pink iguana.” VIsit the Smithsonian Magazine to read more about this amazing conservation effort here. Tuesday, June 7 2022IHS: 25 years of Rescue This week I have the honor of speaking at the International Herpetological Symposium in Atlanta. I will be sharing a variety of stories of my over 25 years working in reptile rescue and with a limited time, only so many stories can be shared. I thought I would share one that didn't make it here as a preview!The IHS is a fantastic conference held annually in different locations around the world in partnerships with local zoos. The speakers range from people like me who love reptiles and people in the trade to experienced researchers, vets and zoo professionals. There is always the greatest banquet and behind the scenes tour at the local zoo. Just in case you were unaware of what IHS is. One story I had to cut was that of Wylde Stallion. Sit back and grab a drink, because this is a long one. Continue reading "IHS: 25 years of Rescue" Monday, March 22 2021Patch-nosed Salamander An adult female Patch-nosed Salamander By Dick and Patti Bartlett In 2009 a new species of “miniplethodontid” salamander was described. Although looking much like the brook salamanders of the genus Eurycea, research determined that this pretty little miniature was sufficiently different from the brook salamanders to warrant the erection of a new genus—Urspelerpes. This genus contains only the single species, U. brucei. Because of the nose-spot this salamander was given the common name of Patch-nosed Salamander. It is an uncommon denizen of the leaf-strewn montane streams and stream edges of northern GA and adjacent SC. As mentioned the yellowish patch on the nose tip is characteristic. Including tail, adults are about 1 7/8th inches long. Unlike the Brook Salamanders on which males and females are similarly colored, the males and females of Urspelerpes differ in color. Females tend to be patternless while males are strongly patterned with a pair of dorsolateral stripes. Continue reading "Patch-nosed Salamander" Friday, December 4 2020ACTION ALERT: MI introduces "dangerous animal" legislation On December 1, 2020 House Bill 6455 (HB6455) was introduced in Michigan that could impact many reptiles keepers. The reptile portion of the bill does primarily impact ownership of venomous, crocodilians and some monitor species. While it is not an outright ban and offers provisions for owners to keep their pets, it can have very far reaching implications. The reptiles impacted by the Bill are: “Dangerous reptiles” per HB6455: Our friends at USARK have made it easy to speak out to your representatives. Please visit the USARK page here for the full action alert. Monday, November 2 2020Chameleon rediscovered after almost a century A male Voeltzkow's chameleon in Madagascar. Photo courtesy CNNAfter nearly a century of being elusive, the rare Voeltzkow's chameleon was recently rediscovered on an expedition of scientists from Germany and Madagascar. "Our planet is probably facing the beginning of an enormous extinction of species, often referred to as the 'sixth mass extinction', the 'Holocene extinction' or the 'Anthropocene extinction'," researchers wrote. To read more and see the video, click here. Friday, September 4 2020FL UPDATE: Judge Rules Changes are Unconstitutional There was some great news regarding the regulation changes for Florida; including Tegus, Iguanas and a selection of large constrictors. This is the announcement from USARKFL: We have some news... good news. The judge agreed with USARK FL and found that SB1414 is in fact unconstitutional! We will post full details soon but the judge granted our motion for summary judgment and now we just await his formal order stating the same. Thank you to everyone who supported us. Please keep the donations coming! We must still pay for this lawsuit and future actions. What a win! Please stay tuned to both USARK and USARKFL to follow updates and please continue to support USARK. They are getting things done! Thursday, July 16 2020World Snake Day 2020 Happy World Snake Day! What is that? Well it is a day that is an easy one! It is a day to focus on conservation and education about snakes! Snakes are one of the greatest fears in the world, but their importance to our environment as well as our health is enough reason to work to change minds. I grabbed a few fun articles for you to read and share today to help reach out and share the joy of snakes. These articles give a breakdown on the holiday and the issues facing snakes. This post from RepublicWorld is a very basic breakdown that you can readhere. Another option is this article from Newsd. It has some fun little trivia tidbits and again very basic info and can be found https://newsd.in/world-snake-day-2020-here-are-some-snake-facts-you-must-know/. Continue reading "World Snake Day 2020" Monday, December 23 2019Fire Salamanders Salamandra salamandra is the fire salamander most often available in the pet trade. Although they are now hard to access in the USA, occasional fire salamanders may be offered in the pet trade. They are, roughly speaking, the Old World ecological equivalent of our ambystomatid species. Fire salamanders are lovers of coolness, their ranges extending from cool, temperate lowlands to high into the European Alps. They are ovoviviparous, adult females bearing about a dozen gilled, living young in cool shallows. The gills may be prominent and well-developed, or in the perpetual coldness of alpine regions, nearly entirely resorbed at birth. When keeping and breeding fire salamanders, coolness and cleanliness should be your 2 major concerns (of course this holds true for all caudates). Since salamanders like to burrow, and must be moist, several inches of fresh, damp (NOT WET), unmilled sphagnum moss will adequately provide for their needs. Or if this simple setup is not to your taste, you may prefer to make a naturalistic masterpiece having plantings of mosses, selaginellas, or even readily available potted plants such as vining philodendrons. Flat rocks, and driftwood can then be added to your taste. As with the sphagnum, the substrate should be kept damp, not wet. Since amphibians absorb their moisture requirements through their skins and mucous membranes, it is unnecessary to provide a drinking dish but this is optional and will be needed, as will temperature cycling, if successful breeding is to occur. Although it is entirely unlike the newts in appearance, the European fire salamander is a member of the same family, the Salamandridae. There are a number of subspecies (now often considered species) of this terrestrial caudate, their separation being based upon pattern (as well as locality and genetics). The common fire salamander bears the redundant nomenclature of Salamandra salamandra. Hardly could a more beautiful salamander be imagined. The stocky, six inch length of the fire salamander is clad in glandular black skin highlighted with spots and stripes of intense, metallic, yellow. The head is broad and flattened and a pitted parotoid (nape) gland is present on both sides of the neck. The skin and parotoid secretions of the fire salamander are more toxic than are those of most other salamander species. Although it will not harm you (or them) to handle them gently, wash your hands before rubbing your eyes or putting your finger in your mouth. Enough said. Continue reading "Fire Salamanders" Friday, July 12 2019Arrests made with stolen vehicle, uranium and a rattlesnake An Oklahoma couple were arrested while in possession of a stolen vehicle, weapons, whiskey and a rattlesnake, oh yeah and a container of radioactive uranium?! Trust me, we checked, this isn't The Onion! It is real life. From Oklahoma's New 4: The traffic stop was made at 11 a.m. in a Guthrie neighborhood because the tag was expired. Jennings was in the driver's seat, Rivera in the passenger seat, and in the backseat, a pet Timber rattlesnake in a terrarium. Oddly enough, the rattlesnake was legal as Jennings had a valid fishing license at the time. No charges as of yet on the uranium. To read the full story, click here. lead photo of timber rattlesnake. credit and thanks to John Kirinovic. Wednesday, July 3 2019Saving Injured Turtles with Bras When you have to put a turtle shell back together sometimes you need to get creative and that is exactly what the folks at Carolina Waterfowl Rescue did! To stabilize the shell pieces and help them stay in place, they superglue the bra clasps to the shell to help offer additional support to the cracked shell pieces! As can see in the photo, it is brilliant! To read more about the story, click here. And if you happen to have a few old bras laying around that are past their prime, consider checking with your local wildlife rehab group to see if they can use them! |
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