Gold dust day gecko

October 2014

I came across an article that introduced me to the Golddust day gecko. Golddust Jacob goes are very colorful and appealing to the eye. The article that I read about is mainly about the description of the gecko, the diet and what to eat, the males, and lastly care and maintenance in captivity. Some of the things that I learned about the gecko is the coldest day got the lives and lower the Madagascar are, on the Comoros, also the Goodwill has been introduced to Hawaiian other Pacific islands. Golddust day geckos can reach it orally about 6 to 9 inches the body color is a bright green or yellow screen rarely sometimes blue and purple. Used a gecko speedo there is insects and other invertebrates and capable of eating other lizards. Golddust day geckos are not endangered and anyway because there is a great number of them that was in the wild and in captivity. There isn't any controversy about keeping these data goes in captivity. If you're thinking about getting a pet day gecko for the maintenance and care in captivity these animals to be house and singly or in pairs and need a large well-planted terrarium.

Eumeces fasciatus

Five-lined Skink

October 2014

I did an article about the Skink ecause I think the Skink is a very beautiful lizard. The article I read was about common names and captive behavior, also there habitat, and geographic range for the skink. Some of the information I learned from the creature is the skink is small to medium-sized, growing to about 4 to 8 inches in total. Also, the five-lined skink extends in the north to southern Ontario, Michigan and eastern New York, it is illegal to remove skinks from their habitats in Canada. Skinks prefer moist, partially wooded habitat that providesnice shade or inside walls of buildings as well as sites to bask in the sun. You can purchase these lizards at certain exotic pet store, You can also purchase them online. The prices ranges from 14-100$ depending where you purchase them from. websites like www.backwaterreptiles.com or www.firstchoicereptiles.com and both websites sells different morphs of Skinks. Prices will vary. They aren't endangered since they're fast and very humble when kept in captivity. To keep a skink as a er you have to met with there survival needs, so I strongly recommend researching about their habitat, and mimicking that into a well ventilated aquarium. Skinks eat bugs so you can most likely can feed them crickets and other small insects, as in meal worms and super worms.

Blue Tongue Skink

Fire Skink

Red Eyed Crocodile Skink

Sphenodon

Tuatara

October 2014

I was on a website in regards to endangered animals, and I came across a species that really grabbed my attention. The article that I found on the website was mainly about Tuatara's, which is a type of lizard. The article gave me information on the anatomy of the animal, also how they are in the wild and why they are endangered. Some things that I learned about the Tuatara is, The tuatara is a lizard-looking reptile that is believed to be one of the oldest species on Earth. There are two different tuatara species, the common tuatara, found only on Brother's Island off the coast of New Zealand in the Cook Strait. The Brother's Island tuatara population is less than 300. Tuatara's have been classified as an endangered species since 1895. You can't buy tuatara's because they are endangered  and there is controversy surrounding the fact that the number of tuatara's is decreasing with each year that comes by.

Northern Tuatara

Tuatara Eggs

Female Tuatara

Dermochelys coriacea

Leatherback Sea turtle

October 2014

I chose to read about the Leatherback because these sea turtles is the largest of all living turtles and is the fourth-heaviest modern reptile. The article I read was mainly about their ecology and life history. Also I did get some information and the article also described importance to humans. This article talks a lot about their habitat and lifespan. Some things that I did learned from reading the article is, instead of teeth, the leatherback has points on the tomium of its upper lip, with backwards spines in its throat to help it swallow food and to stop its prey escaping once caught. You can find Leatherback in the Atlantic, eastern Pacific, and western Pacific Oceans. You can typically find Leatherbacks in open ocean. Leatherbacks eats almost entirely on jellyfish, Leatherbacks also feed on other soft-bodied organisms, Leatherback turtles help control jellyfish populations. You can't purchase Leatherbacks because they are endangered and they aren't mean't to be kept as a pet. There is a lot of arguments whether keeping Leatherbacks in captivity because it is illegal to and these turtles are protected by the government. These turtles are endangered due to hunting and pollution in the oceans they roam in. The most intresting fact about the Leatherback is they can get up to 7 feet.

 Female Leatherback Laying Eggs

 Female Leatherback Turtle

   Hatching Leatherback

Crocodylinae

Crocodile

August 2009

I chose this article because I thought it was a very interesting article to read. The article I read about is basically about where crocodiles live and what they eat and background information about how old these creatures lived for. That's what I learn about the crocodile is crocodiles are the oldest living creature which they go back as far as 200 million years, which mean Crocodiles where living in the dinosaur times. Crocodiles Luther out the watery tropics of Africa, Asia, America and Australia. Crocodiles feed on fish, reptiles, and also mammals. Then usually eat almost anything about animals that are smaller than them or almost same size. Those are some of the facts I learned about the crocodile while reading this article. You can actually purchase crocodiles at certain stores with the right permit, to purchase these animals. The only other color morphs of those crocodile is albino. You a permit to purchase crocodiles, and to keep them in captivity. There is controversy about keeping crocodiles and captivity, only because of their aggressive behaviors. Interesting thing about the crocodile is the way they do the death roll to kill there prey.

Albino Crocodile

Crocodile

Care Requirements:

• Big enclosure for animal to roam

• small live animals for food

• heat

Cobra

Cobras

October 2014

I decided to do some research on the most unique animal, which happens to be the Cobra. The article I read, was mainly about where Cobras are found in the world and what there diet is. Also the article told me about what they eat and if they're endangered or not. Lastly, The article gave me a brief summary about there anatomy, including there venom sack. What I learned from reading the article is, Cobras are known for the threatening hood at their neck. They spread the hood out when they feel threatened or angry. Their hood is made up of flaps of skin attached to long ribs. They are also able to lift their heads high up off the ground, which is not only kinda scary, but helps them to search for food. And they hiss loudly to scare off potential predators. Cobras live in hot tropical areas in Africa, Australia, and Southern Asia. They can be found underground, in trees, and under rocks. They live in forests near streams. There are 270 different types of Cobras and their relatives, including Taipans, Adders, Mambas, and many sea snakes including Kraits, and they all have short fangs and are all extremely poisonous.The Spitting Cobra has a special talent, The venom it spits out can spray more than 6 feet. Unfortunately for the one being spit at, this snake has near perfect aim, and will fire straight into the eyes of it’s prey. You cannot purchase them because there venomous! But there is controversy with keeping this animal captive because of violent and venomous they are. They're least concerned about this animal because there is a great number of Cobras in the wild. The most interesting thing about this animal is how some cobras can spit venom at there prey.

Nubian spitting cobra

Albino Indian Cobra 

Chelydra serpentina

Common Snapping Turtle

October 2014

So I had the time to read an article about snapping turtles. I read some interesting things about the snapping turtle. The I had read is mainly about where the common snapping turtles are located what they eat, and what they do. Some things that I learned from the article is, the common snapping turtle is a large fresh water turtle. They are usually found from south eastern Canada all the way to southwest did edge of the Rocky Mountains. Snapping turtles are known for its powerful beak-like jaw, and a highly mobile head. Snapping turtles and not make it ideal pet for anybody. There is controversy that I know that has issues with keeping keeping turtles in captivity, sleep because of how flexible their neck is they could actually reach out to the handler and bite. The only other color more that the snapping turtle have is albino which I will show a picture down below. Interesting thing about the snapping turtle is how flexible their neck is.

Albino Snapping Turtle

Baby snapping turtle

Varanus komodoensis

Komodo Dragon

October 2014

I had the time to have the time to read an article about the Komodo dragon. The article I read is mainly about the evolutionary history of the Komodo dragon the description of the Dragon and the diet, saliva, venom, and lastly reproduction. Some things I learned about the Komodo dragon is it's a large species of lizard found in the Indonesian islands of Komodo and Rinca. Komodo dragons and girl to a messy maximum length of 3m (which is 10 feet). You cannot purchase Komodo dragons because of their vicious behaviors, you can go see Komodo dragons at your local zoo. Only other color more of the Komodo dragon is albino. Most interesting facts about the dragon is there venomous saliva. Komodo dragon's live in islands are volcanic in origin, rugged and hilly, and covered with both forest and savanna grassland.

Adult Komodo Dragon

Rare Albino Komodo Dragon

Agkistrodon Piscivorus

Cottonmouth snake

October 2014

I had a chance to read about the cottonmouth snake, I learned some scary, but interesting things about them. Article was mostly about how, snakes live and how they impact nature and how they are. Want to also learn was about their venom. Somethings I learned about the caramel and they are a been a mistake species may have to southeastern United States. There a semi large body pit viper and the snake family. One feature of the snake is there very broad triangular heads. You can't purchase cottonmouth snakes at all only because of how poisonous they are but you can go see cottonmouths at the zoo. There isn't any controversy about this animal because they are the least concerned animal out there, according to the University of Florida. Most interesting thing about them, is how the snake is very aggressive and how unique there head shape is. Requirements for this animal is definitely heat because all reptiles need heat (obviously). Also they do need places where they can hide and also blend in so they can hunt for there prey.

Iguana

Iguana

October 2014

I chose to read this article, because this article is very interesting to me, personally. Iguanas are the most prettiest and most unique animals out there to me. The article that I read is mainly about where iguanas are from, and the genus names and their classifications. From the article that I read I learned that iguanas, are from tropical areas of Mexico, Central America, and several islands, like Fiji and also the Caribbean. Iguanas were first found by a Australian naturalist Josephus Nocolaus Laurenti. Iguanas can range from 5 to 6 feet in length including their tail. You can actually purchase iguana at certain reptile stores. Iguanas can typically range from $23 all the way to $10,000 depending on where you get them at, or in stores like www.petsmart.com and www.vippets.com both of which sells Green iguana's for around $72 there are 10 types of iguana color morphs. There is no controversy that I know of that has an issue with keeping iguanas in captivity. Most interesting thing about iguanas is how colorful they come in and how calm they are when being kept in captivity.  

Albino Iguana

Blue Iguana

Care Requirement:

• 20-50 gallon-long aquarium

• For substrates, plain rabbit pellets.

• six heating lights to warm up the body of the iguana

Daboia russelii

Russell's viper (reptile)

August 2014

I chose to read an article on the Russell's viper, because its the most venomous, and the most aggressive snakes out there. The article that I read was mainly about how deadly the viper's venom is. The Russell's viper is one of the most dangerous snakes in Asia, mostly being responsible for thousands of deaths each year, those were some of the things I really liked about the article. What I learned from the article is, Russell's viper lives in mainly of grassy areas in southeast Asia including India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Myanmar and Taiwan. Also, Once the viper has bitten a victim, the snake delivers up to 112mg of venom and the effects begin, almost immediately. As soon as ten minutes after the bite the victim may feel pain, and death can occur in as little as 2.5 hour. You can't purchase them at all because of how dangerous they are. There's only one other color morph and that is albino. If one were do to keep a viper in a zoo, then you would need to fill out forms and need a permit. there is controversy about this animal because many people are afraid they're too dangerous to handle. this animal would most likely be an expert animal to take care of. Most interesting thing about this animal is how the venom of the snake turns blood into gelatin.

Albino Russell's viper

Requirements for survival:

• Russell's viper It is most common in plains, coastal lowlands and hills of suitable habitat, But Humid environments, like marshes, swamps, and rain forests, are avoided.
• This snake is terrestrial and is a nocturnal forager, but during cool weather it will alter its behavior and become more active during the day.
• It feeds primarily on rodents, especially rodents. However, it will eat just about anything; including rats, mice, shrews,squirrels, land crabs, scorpions.
• Mating generally occurs early in the year, reaches sexual maturity by 2-3 years of age.

Pogona

Bearded Dragons

September 2014

I chose to read about this animal because I had seen an article in a reptile magazine I was reading about a week ago. The article had very nice information about Bearded dragons. The article talked about where these animals can be found, and what type of of diet they have. Also, the article did give me a good idea of how many bearded dragons there are in the world, which all I did like from the article I read. What I learned from the article I read was, Bearded dragons are from Australia, but are now available at a local pet store because of there willingness to breed in captivity. Also, they are very easy going animal, and normal bearded dragons come in a small size (around 15-22 inches) they have become really popular in the past couple of years. The only question that I do have is why do bearded dragons have a dark red under there mouths. I would love to buy a bearded, only because they're really friendly, and really energetic. Bearded dragons price range can range from 14 to 80 dollars. the website Petsmart.com and bloodbankdragons.com both sell bearded dragons and they both sell for about 20 dollars. There are only 5 different color morphs of the Bearded dragons. Different morphs can usually cost around 30-40 dollars depending on where you get them from. None of the bearded dragons are endangered in the wild, and you don't need a permit to buy a bearded dragon, and there isn't any controversy surrounding the animal about being kept in captivity. This animal is a very easy animal to take care of. The one thing I love most about bearded Dragons is how laid back they are.

Blood-red bearded dragon

Snow bearded dragon

Care Requirements:

• Young Bearded dragons under 10 inches in length can be housed in a 20gal long aquarium. This will last them for a few months only though as they grow quickly. Adult Dragons should be housed in nothing smaller than a 40gal breeder tank.
• Bearded Dragons require full spectrum lighting for 12-14 hours a day.
• The temperature for this basking spot you created should be around 105f to 110f for babies, 105f for juvenites and can be around 95f to 102f for adults.
• For substrate using sand or newspaper is good.
• Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning that they eat both animal and plant matter. Any and all food items that your Bearded Dragons eat should be no bigger than the space between their eyes.

Chrysemys Picta

Painted Turtle

Gurley, R. 2005. Turtles in Captivity. ECO Herpetological Publishing and Distribution. Lansing, Michigan

Painted turtles come in many colors, and they are the most beautiful turtles out there, with their striking features. I did some research on the painted turtle, and I found interesting articles that I had read over the past couple days. Somethings that I have found their interesting about the articles that I have read is painted turtles are found throughout United States and Mexico. The articles I read gave a vague summary about these animals so I had to do some heavy research to achieve the things I have found. What I liked about the articles is The articles I have read gives a brief general description of what a painted turtle eats, what there natural environment is like, and where they are usually found in the world. There's not much questions that I have, that I would like to know more about, turtles are common knowledge and you can easily look up questions online. I would love to have a pet painted turtle, but turtles are a lot of work, mostly because painted turtles needs multiple habitats to ensure their survival. The price ranges from 14 to 40 dollars, depending where you purchase them from. Two websites where you can look at painted turtles if you're interested in buying them are www.petsmart.com and they sell painted turtles in store for $29.99 also, another website is www.undergroundreptiles.com and that website is an online website and painted turtles on there are sold for $14.99 with shipping, and handling. There are 10 different types of morphs for painted turtles, and 4 different sub species. People aren't concerned about painted turtles, only because they're a large number of turtles throughout US, and Mexico. There hasn't been any controversy about painted turtles being kept in captivity. No, you do not need a permit to take care of a painted turtle. You can go to your local pet store and purchase one without a hassle of bringing permits.

Albino Eastern painted turtle

Western painted turtle

Midland painted turtle hatchling

Care Requirements:

• Size: typically a grown female will be from 6-7 inches, while makes are smaller (5-6 inches)

• Housing: Young painted turtles thrive in a warm environment with clean water, and live plants, both floating, and underwater. Their enclosure should be similar to how they would live in the wild. Having places where they can hide can help them out to feel more secure.

• Food: Romaine lettuce, Duckweed, crickets would be fine for your turtle, but also keep in mind they do sell turtle food at your local pet store.

Eublepharis Macularius

Leopard Gecko Care

September 2014

I chose this article because I have a love for Leopard Gecko's, and also they are beautiful reptiles. What I liked from the article I read was it gave me information about the gecko in depth. The article that I read, gave me information about taking care of the animal and there diet. What I liked about the article is, its's very descriptive and very informative. The article tells you the pros and cons of taking care of a gecko which is very helpful to beginner gecko owners. Questions I have regarding to this animal is, how many eggs does a female typically have and how long does it take for the eggs to hatch? I already own my own gecko but if I never had one I would definitely buy one, they're beautiful reptiles and they're very photogenic! The price range for these geckos vary from 14 to 200$ depending where you get them from. some websites are www.petsmart.com/ which leopard geckos are $14.99 another website is http://www.reptmart.com/ which is $19.99 plus shipping and handling. There is 23 different types of color morphs for this particular reptile. The cost for each morphs vary depending where you get them from. Leopard gecko aren't endangered at all, Leopard geckos are usually found in Afghanistan, Northwestern India, Pakistan, Iran, and lastly Iraq. Leopard gecko's aren't endangered, and there isn't any recent debate about leopard geckos being kept in captivity. You don't need a permit to take care of these creatures. The care requirements I will list down below.

Diablo Blanco Leopard Gecko

Nova Leopard Gecko

High Yellow Leopard Gecko

Red Striped Leopard Gecko

Care Requirements:

• Housing: one or two adults will be comfortable in a 10-gallon aquarium, but 20 or 30 gallon is perfectly fine for your pets.
• Substrate: Sand is the best bedding for your pet, using fine-grained sand (0.5mm or less) will be the best for them because anything couarse will harm your pet because the coarser sand can scratch their under bellies.
• Heating: reptiles require a temperature gradient that will allow them to select the temperature that best suits their needs at that moment. Sometimes your leopard geckos will want to heat up, other times they will want to be cooler. The best way to heat your gecko enclosure is with an under-the-tank heater. It all depends.
• Shelter: Leopard geckos are nocturnal, and in the wild they hide under rocks or other places during the day. Your pet would love it if you gave them something to hide during the day.
• Food: I recommend crickets or meal worms, only feed them wax worms if they're under weight or sick. For water change the water every couple of days. Also, once in awhile you should consider dipping your pets food in calcium powder so they get there vitamins. 
• Level of experience: Leopard geckos are intermediate level animal to keep, they aren't really hard, but they are not easy to take care of either. 
• One thing that I personally love about this animal is how colorful they are and there eyes are just beautiful.

Lampropeltis triangulum

Lampropeltis triangulum

June 2014

I chose this reptile article because I am very fascinated by the Milk snake.

   What I liked about this article is how informative this article is. The article gave me information about their diet, what they eat, how they hunt and where they live at in the wild. I also like the fact that they gave the physical description of the snake I was researching on. Reading this article gave me more information about this type of snake because I do love this breed of snakes. What I learned from this article is Milk snakes breed once yearly, breeding occurs in spring and early summer, from April through June. The Milk snakes are native to both United States and Canada, Typically Milk snakes can be from 35 to 175 cm long. Also some other things that I learned is Milk snakes have 19 to 23 rows of smooth scales and a single anal plate. Lastly, Milk snakes typically live in either a savanna, forest or grassland type of place. The only question I really have about this snake is, how can you tell the difference between male and female? I would like to purchase one because they are very smart animals that are loving and very friendly. The average price for a milk snake is $59.00 and up. You can purchase these snakes at pet stores like Petco, Pet Smart and VIP Pets. You can purchase animals from "http://www.petco.com/" and also "http://www.petsmart.com/" prices may vary with these types of snakes and your experience on them. There are multiple colors that comes to this type of snake, ranging from the brightest reds, to the darkest blacks and to the coldest whites. they're over 18 different morphs of this snake. The albinos and less common Milk snakes will be $79.00 and up the common Milk snake like the nelson Milk snake will be $54.00 and up. Even though Milksnakes are often killed by humans who mistake them as venomous snakes, they are widespread and considered abundant. No, you do not need a permit to buy a Milk snake because they are harmless and they do not have any venom. There isn't any controversy surrounding the milk snake being kept in capitvity. 

Anerythristic Honduran Milksnake

Patternless Extreme Hypomelanistic Honduran Milksnake

Vanishing Pattern Ghost Honduran Milksnake

Care requirements: 

• Heating lamp
•  Bedding
•  Bowl of water for the snake to soak in. 
• This animal is considered an intermediate animal to take care of. The most interesting thing about this animal to me is how diverse they are and how abundant they are through out the country.