FACTS AND FUN with reptiles
Reptile FACTS
REPTILES AS PETS
Getting Started
- Acquire a reptile or frog keeper’s licence from the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS).
- Select the reptile/frog you would like to keep.
- Learn about the species you would like to keep from references, books and do not forget to join a club.
- Purchase the appropriate house, heating, etc. Find somewhere to source the food you need and a local reptile/frog veterinarian.
- Buy your reptile/frog.
Keeping Reptiles and Frogs is a rewarding experience! BUT...
It is important to remember that they have different requirements than your dog or cat. Many species such as blue tongue lizards and even green tree frogs can live 20+ years, making it a lifetime commitment. Reptiles and frogs are ectothermic which basically means that they can not regulate their own body temperature and must move between warmth and cooler areas to do so. Some species such as the shingleback is an arid species and if given a humid environment or water too frequently will perish. Please consider your reptile/frog and its needs carefully before acquiring your animal.
Reptile FAQs
Why does a blue tongue lizard have a blue tongue?
Blue tongues will use their bright blue tongue as part of a threat display to ward off would be threats and/or predators!
Why is this frog called a banjo frog?
Because when the frog sounds its call, it is remarkably similar to the sound of a banjo being plucked.
How do snakes move?
Snakes move by a method called slithering (which can be technically called rectilinear locomotion). Snakes make it look easy but this involves a complex interaction between ribs, muscles, tendons and scales to enable traction on a surface.
Can snakes be charmed by the snake charmers flute?
Snakes don’t have an open ear like most animals so do not detect sound as we do. It is believed that snakes respond to the swaying of the snake charmers flute.
Is the Cane Toad native to Australia?
A handful of Cane Toads were introduced in 1935 to combat the Cane Beetle that was devastating sugar cane crops at the time. This failed due to poor research as these nasty amphibians couldn’t actually jump high enough to predate on the beetles. 70 years plus later we have a feral pest like no other and millions of toads have spread throughout the country devastating the majority of native animals that attempt to eat them in their wake.
How is antivenom made to protect people from snake bite in Australia?
Australia principally uses draft horses in the production of snake antivenom. Over a six month period, the horses are injected with safe doses of the venom of a particular species of snake. During which time, they build up antibodies to the snake venom. Blood is taken from the horses and the antibodies in the blood are extracted to be used in antivenoms which in turn save the lives of many Australian every year.
What are the largest snakes in the World and Australia?
In the world? A contentious issue! It’s a close call.
The Reticulated python of South East Asia is the longest snake, measuring up to 10 metres in length and weigh’s up to 270 kg’s.
The Green Anaconda of South America is close – growing up to 9 meters and weighing 250 kg’s.
But who knows what is lurking in those jungles out there!?
In Australia?
The Scrub or Amethystine Python of the Tropical Northern region of Australia had been said to grow up to 8 metres and weigh over 25 kg’s.
What is world’s oldest photo of a person taken handling live reptiles?
The oldest photo taken of anyone holding live reptiles in the world, was taken of German/Australian Herpetologist, Gerard Krefft in Sydney (1831 – 1881). Gerard became curator of the Australian Museum in Sydney in 1861, He is considered one of Australia’s first naturalists and the Father of Australian Herpetology.
Note: the local species in the photo such as Blue Tongue Lizard, Diamond python and Water Dragon. (Photo courtesy of Kraig Adler).
There are many more interesting things to learn about reptiles!
Find out more when you get Walkabout Reptiles around to your place.
Reptile Fun
Time for some fun with reptiles!
Only Good Snake’s a Dead Snake!
(Legless and ‘armless)
Not front fanged venomous
Don’t kill prey that way
Though I still get the last rites
At the end of a spade
I try to keep to myself
Don’t mean anyone any harm
I’ve as much right to be here as you
Not just a snake in the grass
I’m legless and ‘armless
Can’t you see?
Can’t you read?
You always seem high intent
On making me bleed
I’m just a wandering ’round
Trying to get a drink and a feed
But legless and ‘armless
You won’t concede
I’m not antagonistic
And I don’t draw first blood
If someone frightened you
Of course you’d rear up
I’ve had a big bad wrap
In the newspapers and the apple tree
And you seem so determined
On making me pay
Get yourself a reference book
Just take a minute of your time
We’re not all tarred with the same brush
Not all that way inclined
Look me up in those pages
And I’m sure you will find
I’m legless and ‘armless
And you’re just wasting your time
Stephen R. Boys
7.2.2002