repti~post

Carlia Longipipes:

2009-11-27T16:47:00.000-08:00

These little guys are really making their presence felt around the joint at the moment, with the males squabbling and charging around in full 'battledress' defending their turf and attempting to mate.

This one had managed to, quite literally, grab himself a female but was interrupted by another male and she escaped his amorous clutches.

In his frustration, he turned and bit his own hemi-penis!. A behaviour that I have never seen before and, one hopes, isn't the norm for the poor little buggers... doesn't bear thinking about really...

A snake in the freezer

2009-11-26T20:41:00.000-08:00

The neighbour called up the other night to ask if I would come and get a snake out of their house,seems this little keelback had decided to slip in through a tear in the screen door and make himself at home - not the best move as the neighbours really aren't all that keen on scaly visitors ...

Anyway, it all went well - the cheeky wee bugger had hidden himself inside the casing of a chest freezer so it was a matter of taking off the panelling and coaxing him out.

He was a little snappy [frightened], but once he was back outside and released he was no worse for wear and hopefully is gobbling up juvenile Cane Toads in good health.

All in all, a great night ~

Reptile Sales. Buying your First Herp

2009-10-28T13:01:00.000-07:00

So you've finally made the decision to get yourself that herp you've been craving for years (or you got the permission to get it). Or perhaps even, the divorce has finally come through and you're now free to play with your snake with wanton abandon - whatever the circumstances here are a couple of things that might help when it comes to the why's, how's and wherefores of such an undertaking.

If you haven't checked out the post on Reptile Care then pop over there and have look - it'll give you some idea of what you might need to ensure the health and well-being of your herp. Also, check out the links to the relevant State Government agencies (Au) for licensing requirements etc (wouldn't want you to miss out on paying another tax now would we?).

Okay, so if you've had a look or are satisfied that you're all sorted with the preliminary stuff lets check out some of your options:

Buy Online:

There are a vast array of sites/forums out there that allow people to buy and sell animals online. And as I'm not really a huge fan of hype marketing or 'commercial' enterprises whose prices are often well above the 'going rate' I thought I would list a couple of more peer to peer type sites that have been around a while and/or are large and well utilised.

Herp-Trader. Okay, so it's a little Circa 1995 - but for content and ease of navigation it's a hard to beat. A little convoluted and restrictive as far as actually using the site goes, but read the how to's and you'll be right.

ReptilesDownUnder.com Clear links [with images if posted by the seller]. Easy to navigate with my favourite aspect of this site being the uncomplicated approach of having the sellers email address visible without the prospective buyer having to jump through hoops or fill out forms.

Clubs/Societies and Neighbours

If you're lucky enough to have a herp club near you then this would probably an ideal place to get your hands on a new pet. Failing this you might find someone in you general area who breeds herps and who might be able to help. The obvious benefit here is that you will probably get good advice and direction and perhaps even on-going suppor from the seller [within reason].

The Big Boys

Commercial enterprises tend to live or die largely on the basis of their reputation. Which is obviously to your advantage if you intend to shell out for that neon pink morph you've been hankering for. However, don't be fooled into thinking that just because you've paid extra for that third generation uni-cycling dragon who can also sort your mail and play the banjo that you're getting value for money.

There are often spectacular animals for sale that may not come with the same snob factor, but if you're more interested in the animal rather than it's pedigree you'll probably save a fortune.

The Local Pet Store

It pays to remember that pet stores are [usually], on-sellers or middlemen rather than breeders themselves and therefore may have substantial mark-ups on any animals they sell. However, you have the benefit of being able to see and hold the animal you are interested in and you can probably get reliable and on-going advice on the care and needs of your charge, so sometimes the extra expense is worth it. You also virtually guaranteed that the animal you have brought is 'legal' and that the store has the correct permits etc.

Finally

In the end whatever way you choose to go - there will be benefits and drawbacks - make sure you do your research and that you are prepared for the responsibility [and rewards] of herp ownership. But most importantly of all, stay excited and enjoy your herps ~

Have fun.

The Spiderman Lizard

2009-10-27T02:00:00.000-07:00

mwanza flat headed agamid Photo Roy Daines

Here's something just a little bit different.
This Agamid, of which Australia's dragons are related, is a huge hit in the pet trade overseas. And it's pretty easy to see why - otherwise known as the 'Spiderman' lizard for reasons that should be obvious to anyone even remotely familiar with popular culture. These stunning colours are only present during the breeding season and the lizard returns to somewhat drabber shades for the rest of the year.

I suspect the top image has been 'shopped' to highlight the colours a little - but perhaps not. These animals live in groups with one dominant male ruling over the rest and subsequently he will be the most brightly coloured.That is until he is usurped or overthrown by a rival - in which case he will lose his distinctive bright colouration (not to mention his breeding privileges) and become just another drab bachelor.

Spiderman Lizard Photo usefilm.com

It seems that the vast majority of these animals are wild caught for the international pet trade which is a bit of a worry. So do your research and follow your own conscience when it comes to purchasing wild animals.

Croc Bites Boat!

2009-10-23T06:45:00.000-07:00

Just looking around Photo: J.Croft

So screams the headline in what passes for a newspaper up our way. And apparently, it did. And I for one don't blame it.

It's breeding season for crocodiles in FNQ and the males will be a touch sensitive to intrusion - I can understand that - if this swamps a rockin don't come a knockin eh?.

There are signs along most of the water ways up here warning the unwary in a variety of languages about the dangers crocs pose to those who would enter their domain (I've always wanted to say "enter their domain" - brilliant!).

There is now even a fine for entering the water above your knees where these signs are posted or for going within 10 metres of a croc in the wild (which is a joke considering that many water ways here are far narrower than 10 metres, but I digress). It seems however, that guided tours are exempt from this law.

Which is fine by me, I understand the need to make a dollar. But we also need to accept that there are hazards inherent in any activity that involves wild animals, especially when those animals also happen to view people as food.

I get to watch crocs quite often (as often as I can actually), and I love it. But what is sometimes even more interesting is watching people watching crocs.

Some people fade with anxiety. But most seem excited and even awe struck by these amazing animals. Which gladdens the heart and fills me with a completely unjustified sense of pride.

Sadly though, there are also those who see Crocs as a 'menace' or, and maybe this is worse, simply take them for granted and dismiss them out of hand. Neither reaction is a fair summation of their worth.

But I won't preach. I won't beg or attempt to convince you that Crocs have a right to exist - I will though make a suggestion.

There is a place that has no snakes. No venomous spiders (to speak of), no blue ringed octopus or box jellyfish and NO crocodiles. It's called New Zealand - it's accepting new arrivals every day and I encourage anyone who doesn't like the wildlife here to pack immediately - have a safe flight.

A word of thanks

2009-10-23T04:53:00.000-07:00

A big thanks to the guys at the Rainforest Habitat Port Douglas who helped us out when our local (and only) pet store up and buggered off leaving me with no (local) supplier of food for my snakes.

Not only did they come to the rescue, they refused payment (we made a small donation instead) and in general bent over backwards for us.

So thanks very much to the team but especially the lovely person on the front counter who got us all sorted - there are chocolates on the way.

..and just when you thought there was no good will left in the world eh?.

Stegonotus cucullatus Update

2009-08-26T17:40:00.000-07:00

Vascularised tissue Photo Venomdoc [image Crash]

One of the most interesting things to me about herping is the fact that I'm constantly learning something new.

Recently I did a post on the Slaty Grey Snake [Stegonotus cucullatus], in it I said that the Grey was NON-venomous. Seems I was wrong. The distended tissue around the enlarged rear teeth [see image], is evidence [according to at least one scientist] of venom production.

Dr. Bryan Grieg Fry of Melbourne University and an expert on animal venom has concluded that the Colubridae classification is erroneous and misleading. Really interesting stuff ... [and yes, straight after this post I will be polishing my pocket protector...].

However, it might be prudent to add that no-one is claiming the Slaty-Grey has venom that is dangerous to humans. In fact, when I was looking into this I came across a post in a forum by someone who had purchased a Grey for their collection. Here is a snippet of what they wrote regarding Slaty-Grey envenomation:

After being bitten about fifteen times by the female we have acquired, on two of the bite sites I now have small blisters, which have had phases of (very mild) itching, burning and stinging.

Despite my thinking that if you've being bitten fifteen times by anything then perhaps you're doing something wrong - the post does suggest just how mild the greys venom actually is.

Be that as it may - the fact remains that despite my best intentions to provide factual and relevant information on reptiles, even what is supposedly 'common' knowledge can be questionable and I'm curious to discover just what else I don't know ...

Return Of The Tiger

2009-08-25T16:35:00.000-07:00

Hunting for frogs

Working nights gives me ample opportunity to cruise home on virtually deserted roads. And last night, we took the opportunity to go for a poke around looking for what might be out and about.

We saw the usual assortment of Frogs, Bandicoots and even an Owl. But no snakes.

That is until we got home and found this small night tiger seemingly intent on stealing the DVD player ...

Dammit! Photo by Crash

This little guy was really a bit of a character, not aggressive at all and extremely shy. After having some photos taken, he eventually got so feed up with the whole scene that he curled up in the folds of an outside table cover and sulked until we left him in peace to continue his foraging.

A gecko will do Photo by Crash

It just goes to show that ya never know where the little buggers will turn up - or when. Great fun!

Snake Tails

2009-08-24T16:51:00.000-07:00

...and then what happened?

Generally, whenever I tell someone that I like nothing better than to be out looking for snakes or watching Crocs I tend to be treated with a look of horror and mild incredulity. When I continue on and explain that I moved from a country with no snakes [New Zealand] to live in the only country in the world where the venomous species of snake outnumber the non-venomous ones [Australia] - the look changes to one of stupification.

But before long people will begin telling their own, [or someone else's] reptile stories. Which is great, and I thoroughly enjoy it.

There are though some pretty common themes that regularly pop up.

Size Matters
Somewhere in the human psyche there is a need to slightly embellish, no more so than when we discuss scale - or dare I say it - size. And when it comes to snakes, well, anything bearing a passing resemblance to reality is quickly discarded in favour of making the point a touch more dramatic.

And who knows? Maybe there really are 17 foot Carpet Pythons hanging out in the toilet of that old out back pub ...

It was definitely a Taipan...
Here in the North, one soon realises that snakes generally fall into two distinct categories:

1. Carpet Snakes
2. Taipans

A third, and less well known but still relevant category are the resulting offspring of a Carpet Snake that mated with a Taipan [Cartans?] ... take my advice - don't try to be the voice of reason in this debate - simply order another beer and look suitably grave...

Every so often, someone, usually a 'townie' - will come out with "I saw a tree snake ..." but after being assured by the collective wisdom at the table that what he'd actually seen was a Taipan and that he was damned lucky not to have been eaten, they generally head off to pack and can be safely ignored.

Bloody Lucky!
Snake encounters can be startling, and for those who have absolutely no desire to have the experience they can form an indelible memory - that only gets better each time it's told.

Invariably it involves a dirt track, a motorbike and a short but frenetic chase of around 200 meters, after which, much to everyone's relief the Kawasukis 437 cc twin overhead stroke cam engine, managed to pull away from the marauding reptile ...

There's hundreds of 'em down by...
Mention that you're looking for snakes [or any other reptile] and pretty soon you'll have maps wrtten on napkins complete with obscure names and dire warnings of "But don't turn left at Warrens Crotch or you'll get lost".

Sadly, I have never been the recipient of a napkin that held anything more valuable than a beer stain and some really great place names. Still, as they're being written it opens the way for a heap more "Bloody Lucky" stories... which is great anyway.

You oughta get hold of ...
Everyone knows a "snake guy". The problem is not every snake person wants to be known. I've learnt to just bungle about and learn as I go. But, if you happen across someone who has the time to show you a bit - then great.

Still, let's face it - half the fun is making the discoveries [and mistakes] on your own and it's always good to "carry your own gear".

All in all, I enjoy getting to meet the weird and wonderful people on my journey's - and really, the odd hangover seems a small price to pay for such great laughs and memorable moments.

So I guess, I'll see ya out there...

"Did I tell ya about the time me and ...."

The King Of Snakes

2009-08-24T13:34:00.000-07:00

The King

The King Cobra [Ophiophagus hannah] is the worlds largest venomous snake - reaching lengths of over 5.5 meters or 18 feet! [some reports claim 22 feet]. They are a member of the Elapidae family which also includes most of Australia's dangerously venomous snakes.

Like all snakes who earn the title of "King" [in Aussie that includes the Mulga or King Brown], this animal has absolutely no compunction about eating members of it's own species. Interestingly though, the female is a dedicated and protective mother - building a nest for her young which she will then vigorously defend against all intruders.

The King Cobra [as with other Cobra's], is a favourite with 'snake charmers' and no doubt this has gone some way to ensuring that, at least as far as actual numbers go, the snake is not on the endangered species list.

Don't try this at home

Although the same old story of habitat destruction has had a dramatic impact on their geographical distribution. It could also be argued that some snakes used for the 'entertainment' of tourists are less than well treated [fang/venom gland removal etc], and that their exploitation is cause for concern. That's easy to say living in the west with a full belly would be my reply to that, but that's me.

The King's venom is predominantly neurotoxic and although not as potent as some other elapids what it lacks in potency it more than makes up for in sheer volume. An adult can produce upwards of seven millilitres in a single bite [trust me, that's a lot]. It's more than enough to kill an elephant and if you were feeling generous you could share it around ensuring the deaths of around 20 people.

With those grizzly facts out of the way, it's important to note that attacks from this large snake are fairly rare and if given the opportunity it will do it's best to avoid people...

All hail to the King eh?

Captive Male

Venom Delivery [Viperidae]

2009-08-24T12:29:00.000-07:00

Hover to view, takes a sec to load [Image by Crash] [Facing Photo by Brian Mckay]

The snake pictured is a Gaboon Viper - [Bitis gabonica] from the Viperidae family found in West Africa. The reason I used it here is that it has the longest known fangs of any reptile alive today - over 5cm or two inches. No, seriously, grab a ruler and measure it lengthways against your hand ... see?, impressive eh?.

So a perfect example of a snake with hollow hinged front fangs or aglyphous teeth [almost as evolved as it gets as far as venom delivery goes].

The venom is predominantly Haemotoxic [blood cell destroying], so a bite is extremely painful and subject to infection/necrosis.

As the Viper opens it's mouth the teeth swing down from their folded position still protected by their sheaths which will slide back as fang penetration occurs or upon full extension. The resulting action of the bite causes the venom gland to contract forcing venom into the wound via the hollow teeth, which could really ruin your chances of becoming the West African Tropical tiddlywinks champion ..

This all happens in milliseconds. And when you also consider that the Gaboon Viper can achieve a total length of over 2 meters [7 feet] combined with a squat 'robust' build - it makes for a most impressive reptile indeed.

Spotting Frillies

2009-08-21T14:23:00.000-07:00

Perfect Habitat [photo J.Croft]

Fortunately [and deliberately] where I live is within an hours drive from an array of diverse habitats. From the tropical coastal lowlands and rainforest to the higher and much drier tablelands both of which support a variety of interesting and in some cases unique wildlife.

And up on the tablelands one of my favourite lizards of all time can be found, with just a little patience and a keen eye.

I'm talking about the ubiquitous "Frillie" [Chlamydosaurus kingii]. A reptile with a world wide following and an Aussie icon.

Now I had always thought that these little guys were pretty rare. And undoubtedly in some parts of Australia this is now true. But I'm happy to report that, so far at least, there are whole communities alive and well in our area - lucky us eh?

So how to spot them?
Firstly, don't bother scanning the ground as you might for Skinks - these guys are climbers of the 1st order and all of the ones I have seen have been quietly clinging to the sides of tress [or posts] around 2-3 meters from the ground, but sometimes much lower. With their famous frill lying folded against their neck and back.

Habitat
Dry wooded areas with relatively clear undergrowth.

When to see them?
Late afternoon seems to be the best time. As the heat of the day wanes I have spotted them gathering the last rays of the sun from their vantage points on trees, no doubt after a hectic day of finding food and seeing off intruders. You can often get quite close to them also, although they have a habit of making one look like an idiot by sidling around the trunk of their tree in an effort to remain hidden forcing the observer to circle along with them - thereby providing amusement for passing motorists who no doubt assume you've smoked something slightly illegal...

Hiding in plain sight [photo J.Croft]

Conservation
I don't intend to do this for every post, but I think that due to this lizards popularity I might just make mention of how important it is NOT to remove these animals from their environment.
Not because it's illegal [though it is]. But even more importantly due to this lizards penchant for dropping dead in captivity. Even captive breed specimens have a reputation for being truculent and 'sulky' and many a herper has had their heart broken by a dragon that will starve itself to death rather than snap out of it.

Also, by leaving these amazing animals in their habitat you have ensured a future generation will also get the very real pleasure of seeing these guys in the wild and not trapped behind glass or mesh looking tatty and faded. So take loads of pics - but leave it at that eh?

I dare ya! [photo WildWatch]

Regrettably I am only able to upload one of the pics that we had taken of these animals due to a power outage that wiped the rest from our card. However, I will post fresh ones soon, as another dragon spotting trip is due shortly - sorry about that.

Red Bellied Black

2009-08-20T18:08:00.000-07:00

Pseudechis porphyriacus [photo credit?]

Without question this extremely beautiful snake is my favourite elapid. As adults they are virtually impossible to mistake for anything else and grow to a length of around 1.3 - 1.5 meters.

They are DANGEROUSLY VENOMOUS [predominantly neurotoxic] but rather shy and retiring as I discovered when I happened upon one after some flooding in our area.

The rains had abated and I ventured out into the sunshine specifically looking for snakes etc that often get displaced during the 'wet'. Sure enough as I moved along the flattened edge of the grassy river bank there was a large red bellied black absorbing the heat of the morning.

Related to the Cobra

I approached it as stealthily as possible, but alas, not gently enough, for as soon as I was within around three meters of the animal it turned on it's tail and with remarkable speed slipped into the bracken where no amount of searching on my part could reveal it's presence.

Still, it was a fantastic discovery and hopefully I will have many more encounters like it.

Most Venomous?

2009-08-20T16:59:00.000-07:00

Oxyuranus scutellatus

Australia has around thirty species of dangerously [thanks Stewart] venomous snakes with the most venomous land snake being the Inland Taipan. It's close relative the coastal Taipan however is probably more 'dangerous' due to the fact that it is more likely to be encountered by people.

The coastal also has a reputation for being aggressive and will most certainly bite if trifled with. The one Taipan I have come across seemed totally unconcerned at my presence until it decided I was to close.

In an instant it turned and reared it's head, feinting and bobbing while fixing me with it's steady gaze. And let me tell you, it's right about then when I began to wonder why I wasn't interested in stamp collecting...

Hunting

However, as soon as I retreated to what the snake must have considered a respectful distance it immediately dropped back to the ground and moved away. With myself gingerly following behind.

I guess the lesson here is, like all animals, even the mighty Taipan would rather not have anything to do with people, so if you see a snake, and your concerned - moving in the opposite direction is probably your best course of action.

Remember: Over 80% of all snake bites occur when people attempt to capture or kill snakes.

Licensing

2009-08-19T13:54:00.000-07:00

sigh ...

I suppose it would be remiss of me not to mention the fact that you are required to have a license to keep, breed, buy or sell most [all?] reptiles in Australia.

This changes from state to state so make sure you know what your legal obligations are before you dash out and buy that bargain python you've had your eye on.

Here's some links to get you started:

Of course you need a license to keep reptiles, but a mere permit will suffice if you'd like to bulldoz some of their habitat - go figure...

Anyway, I won't preach [I'll rant and rave instead ...]

KeelBack [Tropidonophis mairii]

2009-08-19T10:53:00.000-07:00

Juv Keelback

Now here's an interesting little guy: Introducing the Keelback. We're fortunate enough to have quite a few of these guys around the place and they've taken a bit of a shine to the shrubbery so we see them every so often.

We even managed to spy "Mum" on one happy occasion - no doubt looking for a suitable place to lay her eggs.

When Jo took this photo the snake was around the 13-14cm long in total and about as thin as a drinking straw. But what's really interesting about them is that they are one of he few native animals capable of eating the noxious Cane Toad! So having them around isn't just good, in QLD it should be compulsory!

The other unique fact regarding these small snakes is that they have the ability to shed their tail if attacked, however unlike their lizard cousins it will not grow back - hence finding 'stumpy' Keelbacks is pretty common.

These snakes are NON-venomous and in our area are often the most striking yellow colour with obviously ridged scales which help them maintain purchase on wet, slippery surfaces.

Adult Keelback

These guys are simply amazing to watch feed and will happily cruise underwater, mouth agape snapping up small fish and tadpoles on the go.

Hopefully, when Jo gets the new camera she needs we'll have lot's more pics to show you.

The Snakes Are Coming!

2009-08-19T07:42:00.000-07:00

Defensive "Tiger".

The nights are warming and as a result more and more snakes are on the move looking for perspective mates.

This chap in the photo [let's call him Dave] was most unimpressed at being interrupted and made a huge show of being snappy and aggressive - but in actuality he was a pretty decent sort and soon wandered off once he realised that we were just annoying, but not a real threat to him.

Beautiful Water Python [alive].

On a sadder note we came across yet another Herp road fatality. A lovely juvenile water python [around 65cm in length] that must've only just been skittled moments before we came along.

I know snakes are difficult to see, I absolutely agree that risking accidents to avoid animals is dangerous ...BUT. It's the time of year when they're out and about so how about driving just a little slower and if possible NOT driving over snakes you do see with the wheels of your car?

I intend to do a post on this subject [with the gory pics], but this isn't it. Just remember that snakes are necessary for a healthy environment too [yes, that's right, it's not just panda's and whales] and they do far, far more good than harm. - Thanks.

Reptile Housing

2009-08-18T01:33:00.000-07:00

Room for all to pat

Reptiles make excellent pets. However, it's wise to take a moment and really consider what kind of Herp you want, and how you will care for it.

Like all pets reptiles need consistent care and attention to thrive and do well. The bare minimum requirements are:

Suitable housing [including temperature control]
Food
Water
Lighting
Hides
Substrates
Decoration

Snake Cages

There are a variety of cages and terrariums on the market ranging in price from under $100,00 to over $5000,00 and what you choose will no doubt depend on your budget. However, keep in mind the habits and needs of the animal you are buying. A tall cage with little floor space is not ideal for the likes of a blue tongue but would be perfect for some of our more aborial snakes and lizards.

Thermostats

Being ectothermic reptiles usually require some form of artificial heating to keep them well and happy. This can be achieved through lamps, heat rocks or heat mats. Whichever you choose it's important that you couple them with a thermostat to regulate the temperature and prevent over heating your charge.

Water Dish

All reptiles require water, best provided in a sturdy bowl and changed at least once every three days [immediately if fouled].

Pre-packaged food

Generally reptile specialists and pet stores will be able to supply you with the right food for your reptile. You might consider supplements and/or variety just to keep things interesting. Wild caught food is not recommended due to the risk of parasites. Also live feeding of Rats or Mice to snakes can be fraught with danger as many a keeper has found to their horror. Rats in particular will put up a fight and the risk of damage to your snake shouldn't be underestimated.

Commercial Hide

Most reptiles like a bit of privacy. You don't have to spend a lot of money to provide it either. Old flower pots etc make excellent hides. Just remember that as your animal grows so should it's hide and cleanliness is always paramount.

Substrate

There are a plethora of commercial substrates available to reptile keepers however, if you choose to risk using collected substrates you should ensure it is thoroughly clean and is not easily ingested along with your animals food.

One of the best options for a substrate is the humble newspaper, it may not look 'natural' but it's cheap, easy to change and plentiful.

Plastic Plants

How you choose to decorate your reptile cage is completely up to you, but it pays to remember that your animal will often find new and inventive ways of destroying your carefully constructed habitat. With this in mind, ensure that heavy branches are sturdy and that nothing can fall on your animal. Also remember to keep all light fittings covered to prevent burns/electrocution.

You should also remember that your reptile will need moderately rough edges to aid when shedding but these should not be too plentiful or sharp.

This by no means an extensive list and you should search for the relevant care sheets for your particular Herp on the Internet

Snake Bite First Aid

2009-08-18T00:50:00.000-07:00

Compression Bandage

Snake Bite Do's and Don'ts

The following information is intended for snake bites received throughout Australia but should not be used as a guide for all snake bites 'worldwide' as specific snake venoms have different actions upon the human body and in some cases compressing the bite site will lead to more extensive trauma.

Snake Bite: Do Not

Do not attempt to capture or kill the snake
Do not wash or clean the bite site
Do not give patient painkillers/alcohol/caffeine or cigarettes
Allow patient to move around
Leave patient unless it is necessary to do so in order to get help

Snake Bite: Do

Keep patient calm
Bandage bite site with a compression bandage enclosing the whole limb to the groin or armpit using the same pressure as for a sprain
Splint the limb
Take note of the time of the bite [record if possible]
Try and remove jewellery
Be prepared to administer CPR
Seek immediate medical attention

It's worth noting that not all bites result in envenomation. However, if you are unsure it always pays to err on the side of caution. Better to be a little embarrassed than a lot dead.

The emergency number to call in Australia is :000.

Amethystine Python [Morelia amethistina]

2009-08-17T23:40:00.000-07:00

"Scrubby"

Amethystine or "Scrub" pythons are Australia's largest snake. Reaching purported lengths of over 6 meters. Being Pythons they are NON-venomous however with a mouthful of around 100 re-curved teeth, these large snakes are best treated with some respect.

The snake in the photo had been run over by a car, however after being carefully checked for permanent injuries was soon up and about and was released back into the same general area it was found in, [a little further from the road!] seemingly no worse for wear.

Alert but calm

Amethystine Pythons are relativity common in the area [Far North.QLD] and are often reported taking small dogs and cats by the media. Which probably doesn't help their reputation. And in fairness to the snakes it should be added that countless reptiles are killed each year by domestic pets - turn about is fair play.

It would be difficult to imagine this snake being confused with any other, however for those unfamiliar with Australian reptiles they may sometimes be confused with Carpet Pythons who generally have thicker bodies and when adults do not achieve the same overall length of the "scrubby".

Carpet Python

In the main most scrubbies I come across tend to have a calm and somewhat shy nature. But, like most snakes they can be snappy when annoyed and this is especially true of juvenile snakes. So they are best enjoyed from a distance.

Slatey Grey [Stegonotus cucullatus]

2009-08-17T22:42:00.000-07:00

Typical Slatey Attitude

These fantastic little snakes have a reputation for being pugnacious. And rightly so. This one was found checking out our BBQ and was most put out at being captured.

They are Mildly-venomous and a member of the colubridae family but when disturbed or threatened will become highly agitated striking and biting repeatedly. If handled they may also release a pungent odour from their anal glands.

Unfortunately they also resemble some of Australia's more dangerous snakes esp the Small eyed snake and are often killed due to mistaken identity.

With that in mind, it is a good idea to leave any snake you find well alone unless you are 110% sure of what it is.

Tigers In The Trees

2009-04-14T02:37:00.000-07:00

Night Tiger [Image by J.Croft]

There has been much excitement here tonight with the discovery of a perfect juvenile Brown tree snake or 'Night Tiger' hunting on our pool fence.

These snakes are fairly common in the area and are immediately recognisable by their bulbous eyes and arrow shaped head. They are a member of the colubrid family and are generally considered 'harmless' though they are venomous.

Like every other Night Tiger I have come across this one was nervous and aggressive - However, they really are beautiful animals and it's a real privilege to have one in our garden.

After allowing his photograph to be taken by Jo he silently slipped off into the trees that border the pool and disappeared. Hopefully this wont be the last time we'll see him.

Cane Toads Found in Sydney

2009-02-10T22:28:00.000-08:00

In Feb of this year (2009), eight Cane Toads were discovered to have made their way as far south as Sydney. This is a worrying development, more so due to the lack of a perceived threat being displayed by officials.

In our experience for every toad that is found there are probably another four or five that were missed. And these animals don't need much of a foothold to really get established. Once they are - it's almost impossible to eradicate them (but we're trying eh?). The theory has been that due to their need for warmth to operate (ecto-thermism) the cold winters down south would preclude their ability to survive there.

I don't subscribe to this theory. All reptiles and amphibians are ecto-thermic and yet they are well established throughout the Australian continent. I see no reason why the Cane Toad would not hibernate as they do. Only to re-emerge and continue their devastation. More research on this needs to be done.

Image showing the spread of the Toad since it's introduction to Australia in 1935.

If more isn't done the Cane Toad will become so entrenched in our national parks and other heritage areas that they will be impossible to eradicate.

This will be nothing short of an ecological disaster.

What animals are at risk?

2009-02-08T21:17:00.000-08:00

Since the introduction of the Cane Toad to Australia more and more native animal populations are being reduced. The reasons are two fold.

A. The toad itself is not a viable food source (they take but don't give)
B. It competes with other animals for food and habitat

Even the mighty Salt Water Crocodile is not immune. They have been found dead after ingesting toads. Fresh Water Turtles, Quolls, Bats, Snakes, Frogs, Birds, Monitors and other lizards are all under attack from the Toad. Not to mention the countless insects that are consumed by these indefatigable beasts (some of which are no doubt still waiting to be discovered). And of course your pets are also at risk.

The Cane Toad really is the Arnold Schwarzenegger of the amphibian world. They are brave and robust - willing to attack and consume anything that will fit in their mouths. What I find really interesting is that they do not seem to prey on each other. No surprise you say, considering they are poisonous. However, Cane Toads tend to eat first and ask questions much later, just how do they differentiate between say a small frog and a juvenile Toad?

Like many things with the Toad - lot's of questions, few answers.

Does culling toads make a difference?

2009-02-08T02:27:00.000-08:00

YES! Studies have shown that a concerted effort in culling Cane Toads can dramatically reduce their numbers over time. In our experience it doesn't take very long before native animals begin to re-establish themselves in areas where before they had been severely marginalised.

If we can totally wipe out species like the Moa of New Zealand or the Tasmanian Tiger of Australia it stands to reason that we can at least make a sizeable dent in the Toad population. All we need is the motivation - the whole reason for this site is to help provide that!.

Cane Toad Myths

2009-02-08T01:06:00.000-08:00

If you want to know how much of an impact Cane Toads are having a really good indicator is the fact that within a century they have spawned (no pun intended) a host of myths and legends. Here are a couple of common ones:

Cane Toads can "spit venom".

This is a fallacy. The glands on a Toads back have no connection to the toads mouth, although it's a good idea not to squeeze them.

Licking a Cane Toad can get you "high".

Licking a Cane toad will not get you "high". It will get you hospitalised or even your very own under ground retirement pad complete with brass inlays and a stone garden feature.

Cane Toads Can't Swim.

This again is untrue, Cane Toads are excellent swimmers and have no problem crossing large body's of water or hanging out in your pool.

If you've got any others please let us know!!!

How to Catch Toads

2009-02-07T23:42:00.000-08:00

Probably the simplest method is to walk around with a torch - Cane Toads are notorious for their propensity to live happily along side people and will take full advantage of outside lights attracting insects. Not mention having a nibble at any pet food they happen to find!.

Take a mesh bag with you and simply pick them up - you can use a net if you'd rather not touch them, but remember that the net will become fouled with bufo toxin and shouldn't be used for anything else.

In a couple of hours one evening, I collected 127 Cane toads on my property here in TNQ. Yep, there really are that many!.

Catching Cane Toads does not require a lot of effort. In fact it can even be fun as you never know what other interesting and unique wildlife you may come across ...

Keeping your pets safe

2009-02-07T23:16:00.000-08:00

Due to their poison Cane Toads pose a real threat to peoples pets. The symptoms to look out for are virtually the same as for those in humans: Excessive salivating, dizziness and lack of co-ordination, bright red gums, vomiting, increased heart rate and/or convulsions. In some cases death may result.

If you believe your dog has been poisoned run a hose over it's mouth and gums being careful not to let the water run down the throat (have the dogs head lowered toward the ground). Rub the gums and lips in order to clear the poison away. As soon as you are able, get the animal to a vet.

Toad Biology

2009-02-07T22:26:00.000-08:00

The Cane Toad has two poison glands located behind the eyes. These glands secrete a noxious substance known as bufo toxin. This is one of the reasons that it's highly recommended to wash your hands after handling a cane toad.

Symptoms of Cane Toad poisoning include: rapid heart beat, vomiting, excessive salivation, convulsions, paralysis and can even result in death.

Australia has no native Toads, although there are frogs that at first glance may look a little toad like* so it pays to know your frogs. Still, on close examination it is impossible to mistake an adult Cane Toad for anything else. They have rough skin and no webbing between the front toes. They are also larger than any native frog achieving a maximum length of around 20cm. Although they are usually smaller than this.

Cane Toads mate in temporary or permanent pools of water and will lay their eggs in a string towards or at the bottom of the pool. Their mating call is quite distinct and has been compared to the sound of a small petrol engine but is a medium pitched warble heard in the evenings. Their tadpoles are black in colour and have thickset bodies with short tails. Young Toads are greyish and have rusty colouration on the tips of their "warts". Their underside is a mottled grey.

*Marsh Frogs
*Tableland Toadlet
*Eastern Snapping Frog

We will be adding pictures of these frogs soon.

How did they get here?

2009-02-07T21:57:00.000-08:00

The Cane Toad was introduced to QLD in 1935 to control the Cane Beetle (which is a bit like introducing my Uncle Rastus to the bar to control the flow of rum). And much to everyone's embarrassment the Cane Toad wasn't much of a climber and the beetle didn't spend a lot of time on the ground, so instead they settled down to enjoy a neighbourly if somewhat inconvenient co-existence.

The Cane toad soon realised that it had arrived in the land of opportunity and set about terrorising the neighbourhood. Presumably the beetle continued to munch on unconcerned until the introduction of pesticides.

Originally around 100 toads were introduced. Today the number of Toads is incalculable, however they probably number in the millions. we really need to get that number down!.

Culling Vrs Cruelty

2009-02-07T21:36:00.000-08:00

In it's home environment of South America the Cane Toad plays an integral and necessary role - it has intrinsic value and is key to sustaining a balanced eco-system. Outside of this the Toad is a true menace. In Australia as in other parts of the world the Cane Toad as led to the decimation of certain species and has pushed others to the very brink of extinction.

It is a true survivor, equipped to exploit new habitats with almost bloody minded efficiency. They can exist on a diet ranging from small snakes and even birds to dog food and animal excrement. Due to their ability to poison any animal* that attempts to eat it - they are essentially impervious to predation. What's more, those animals that do attempt to consume a Cane Toad invariably die as a result.

Having said all of this, I do not believe that any animal should be treated with cruelty. After all the Cane Toad did not ask to be introduced to this country and it seems a bit churlish to treat it maliciously when it is simply making the best of it's new surroundings.

So how do I dispose of these animals? Being ecto-thermic (cold blooded), Cane Toads can be humanly disposed of through the lowering of their body temperature. Place them in a suitable container (lined with a clean bin bag is best). And place in the refrigerator for around 30 minutes, then transfer to the freezer**.

They can then be placed in the rubbish (it's a good idea to keep them in the plastic bag so that scavenging animals are not tempted to eat them).

*There is evidence that a small proportion of Australian animals can indeed prey on Toads. The Australian Magpie has been recorded flipping Toads onto their backs and eviscerating them in order to avoid the Poisonous skin and glands on the Toads back. The Keelback snake has also been recorded eating Toads but only juveniles, consuming large Toads is fatal.

**This method is endorsed by The Australian E.P.A

Safe Snake Handling

2009-02-03T02:11:00.000-08:00

Snake Bite

Every so often someone will ask me what's the safest way of handling a wild venomous snake. And I try to answer them honestly.
The best idea is of course not to. But that's probably not much help to those of you who are driven by a passion for reptiles. It certainly wouldn't have stopped me. However, perhaps you may consider investing in a reptile handling course - okay, they're not cheap but the life you save may be the snakes... Courses are held all over Australia and of course internationally - Martin Baxter conducts courses throughout Eastern Australia and can be contacted through his web site @: Snakewise.

For those of you who believe that "she'll be right", then please at least consider the following. I don't subscribe to the oft professed notion that Australia is home to the most dangerous snakes in the world. In truth most Australian snakes are extremely shy and retiring, there is a much higher chance of being killed by bees in Aussie than snakes. The same is not true in India or Sri Lanka. That said, there are of course exceptions to every rule and some Aussie snakes are best left very much alone.

Coastal Taipan

Taipans: Nearly every snake expert you speak to will say the same thing. These animals are intelligent. Extremely fast and highly nervous. They will get agitated very quickly and wont hesitate to defend themselves. Their venom is highly toxic and is regarded as some of the most potent in the world (esp for the Inland Taipan a.k.a Fierce snake or small scaled snake) although QLD's Coastal Taipan is no featherweight either. A friend once commented that they are the psychos of the reptile world - and while this is a little unfair it does pay to bear it in mind.

Eastern Brown Snake

Along with Taipans Australia has a number of other venomous reptiles that have the potential to ruin your dinner plans. The Brown Snake is relatively common and is probably responsible for more envenomations than any other. This large and powerful elapid is not normally aggressive unless provoked, but once cornered they can move with alarming speed and will not hesitate to bite.

"Death" Adder

Interestingly the snake with the most fearsome name is actually one of the most reticent "biters". The Death Adder (which isn't actually an adder at all) has a well documented propensity to sit very still and rely on it's marvellous camouflage for protection rather than resorting to aggression as a means of defence. The name probably evolved from "Deaf adder" bestowed on it by European settlers who noted that unlike other snakes it would seldom move away from human activity. Please note: this snake may not strike if it believes it has not been seen, but make no mistake, it certainly can and will if handled and it also possesses potent venom.

So if you truly want to learn to handle snakes safely I would suggest spending time with someone who can show you the ropes. Also, get used to how a snake feels and reacts by handling non-venomous animals (pythons, green-tree snakes, keel backs etc.). You just might be surprised at what you learn - as always though, have fun.

Where to look?

2009-01-11T23:37:00.001-08:00

Water Python

I am constantly surprised where reptiles turn up. For example, I found this beautiful water python (pictured) behind my swimming pool one evening. And as you can see he was very accommodating - posing for pictures and allowing me to handle him before being released.

But it's not always this easy...

So where/how to look? Well, the simplest way is to jump in the car, find a quiet road and drive along (slowly!), looking for animals in the cars headlights. Remember to keep an eye out for other traffic though and you might consider wearing a safety vest (dayglo) just to be on the safe side.
Other than this it's a matter of lots of walking, sifting and general observation. Now don't be fooled into thinking that pristine environments will turn up trumps. The fact is that many reptiles have made themselves quite at home with human company and some of my best finds have been made in such varied places as rubbish dumps, backyards and abandoned buildings.

So what should you take with you? I generally take a small backpack (having your hands free is highly recommended). In this I take insect repellent, a reptile handbook for identification (perhaps my drivers license would be better eh?), a water bottle or two, a compression bandage and a camera.

When to look? This question is a little more species specific. That said, I have found diurnal species at night and nocturnal species during the day. Probably the best piece of advice is to look when the temperatures are suitable - during the hottest parts of the day most reptiles will retreat to cracks and crevices and other suitable spots for shade, (I in turn prefer to retreat to the nearest bar, but that's me).

In short, simply being out and about, keeping your eyes and ears open is the best way to find our scaly friends. And don't be disheartened if it takes a while. Eventually your stock of pics and stories will grow and you will find that you intuitively "know" where a good spot is.

The Law It's illegal to remove reptiles from the wild in Australia and I certainly don't. However, there is no law against people searching for snakes/Lizards etc to photograph and/or observe. Just remember that if your heading on to private property it pays to get the land owners permission [most will think your completely mad when you tell them what you're doing, but are usually pretty accommodating].

Have fun and happy hunting!.

Thar Be Dragons!

2008-12-27T19:39:00.000-08:00

Boyds Forest Dragon [Hypsilurus boydii]

Have a look at this lovely fella - a Boyds forest dragon (photo taken in the wild by J.Croft). These guys have to be some of the most striking dragons on the planet. One of the interesting things about em is their propensity to stay still if they think you've spotted em. And believe me, until you get your eye in they are hard to see.

On the same day that this pic was taken we also found another of my favourite dragons - the frilled neck lizard. In fact we found quite a few of each, so we were mighty pleased.

With the onset of warmer days and nights and a bit more moisture around the frogs are out in force - we found some spawn in a small temporary pond we built (just for that purpose) on Christmas day - so a nice wee surprise.

Just Chillin [photos J.Croft]

They have already hatched and are doing well, I'll keep ya updated on their progress. Due to family commitments the nightly snake spotting has been severely reduced but on our last night out we found some beautiful water pythons and a 4 metre long scrubby along with some smaller scrubby's and a night tiger (and yes, I will post some pics when I get my act together). I'm currently putting together a small guide to finding reptiles and will put this up soon, so visit again and remember - enjoy your reptiles.

Introduction

2008-12-13T18:07:00.000-08:00

Author with a Slaty Grey

Hey there and welcome to the new blog. My name's Paul (Crash) and I'll be your pilot for this flight...this is all about the Herps - I mean I don't mind whales and seals and dolphins ("look at me I'm a flippin Dolphin"..you know..finding nemo...no?...sigh) or fuzzy animals - they all taste great with the right seasoning.. But it seems to me that Greenpeace and co have that lot nicely covered so this is about what interests me - if it interests you too - then great!.

Where this is going
Over the next while I'll be adding bits and pieces - including a little info regarding these amazing animals - some do's and don'ts, where to look etc.. if you want to have a say then leave a comment or drop me a line - easy as eh?

Links
Check out the links (on the right) esp reedy's reptiles, as far as I can tell - they have the best prices if you're buying and he's prepared to take the time to reply to reasonable questions (and no you cynical bastards, I'm not getting paid to say it).

Also Marty Baxter at Animal Wise if your interested in Herp training or snake handling courses throughout the East Coast of Austrlia.

Otherwise I will try to add links that may be of use/interest as I find 'em.

Photos
Most of the large photos on this blog were taken by my ever suffering partner Jo. You can see more of her work here: Essences Of and if you're interested in the other types of wildlife we see at our place and get to enjoy, then stop in at our joint blog: Garden Guests.

Blog Design
As well as being passionate about wildlife, I'm also a closet geek. I designed this blog using D.Bowman's minima template for the basic outlay.

It's a bit of a work in progress and could change at any moment ... so if something doesn't work - or looks odd in your browser - it's all my fault. It seems to display okay in i.e 7+ and Mozzila 3.0+. If it doesn't in your browser - well, sorry about that....

Lastly
Finally, I am no herp expert. Just an enthusiastic amateur so if you spot a mistake then let me know and we'll correct it. I appreciate all the comments and feedback from you.