CULTURE AND EDUCATION?

Convergent evolution

Convergent evolution is a process that causes animals from entirely different areas of the world to adapt similar traits due to similar environmental conditions. This is very apparent when looking at the North American horned lizards (Phrynosoma). Both Moloch and Phrynosoma have adapted to harsh environments with constant threats from aerial predators.

Thorny devils (referred to as Arnkerrth) hold significance to the Anmatyerre and Alyawarr people who have a dreaming story about the animal. The story explains that the thorny devil is responsible for the creation of coloured ochres. These pigments are still used today for ceremonial paints.

Thorny devils also play a pivotal role in many aboriginal artworks. Their colouration, their tracks, the spinifex grass they reside in, and their striking outline are often the subject of many different paintings from different aboriginal communities across Australia.

The more we learn about thorny devils, the higher the likelihood of being able to exhibit this animal across the world. They are the epitome of adaptation for harsh environments and few animals on planet earth are better suited to a challenging lifestyle than the thorny devil. Although herpetoculture in both zoos and the private sector is a continually developing process, reminding ourselves that there are species too specialist for captivity across the world is a humbling reminder of our relationship with nature.

Despite being separated by about 150 million years and Moloch being an agamid and Phyrnosoma being an iguanid, both lizards use a similar technique to hydrate themselves in the harsh deserts they inhabit. Both possess a tubular inter-scalar network of channels that essentially absorb and channel water around the body. Movement from the jaw and tongue then pump this water towards the animal’s mouth, which is assisted by the secretion of water-absorbing mucous. This niche way of drinking has been covered in wildlife documentaries and seems utterly absurd that one species does this, let alone several from two opposite sides of the planet.

Furthermore, Phrynsoma species are also extremely partial to an ant-based diet. Although they don’t feed exclusively on these, they have adapted to eat huge volumes of tiny prey. As these tiny insects are nutrient lacking, both the horned lizards and the thorny devils have developed huge stomachs to ensure they can retain as much nutrients as possible. This diet also means the two genera have extremely similar jaw, neck, and teeth structure. Having a slender mandible with little area for jaw attachment is something that can even be seen in mammals when looking at anteaters (Myrmecophaga .sp & Tamandua) and pangolins (Manis .sp).

Thorny devils in captivity

One thing almost all reptile enthusiasts across the world will have come to terms with by now, is that they are unlikely to ever see a real, live thorny devil. However, some enthusiasts are lucky enough to work with these animals every day. Lauren Hunter is a Reptile Keeper and Professional Snake Catcher at Alice Springs Reptile Centre. After studying her BSc in Animals Science in South Australia, Lauren moved to Alice Springs as a Senior Keeper in 2019. As well as relocating some of the world’s deadliest snakes, Lauren also cares for one of two of the only captive populations of thorny devils in the world.

“I absolutely love my job” explained Lauren. “The Centre has been operating for roughly 20 years now. We have such a wide variety of native Australian reptile species on display and pride ourselves in providing a fun and educational hands-on experience for our visitors.”

“Thorny devils are a common sight in sandy habitats in Central Australia, WA and SA. So, we mainly keep thorny devils to introduce visitors to this amazingly unique species. They are the most requested reptile when visitors come through our doors. The Alice Springs Desert Park here in Central Australia is also successful at keeping thorny devils. As for breeding, I believe they have a juvenile right now. Other than this organisation and The Alice Springs Reptile Centre, I am not aware of any other zoos keeping thorny devils. We currently house six at present and have observed mating behaviour, so we are keeping all our fingers and toes crossed for the pitter patter of tiny thorny devil feet!”

It is no secret that thorny devils are extremely specialised in their requirements. However, with other centralian species such as bearded dragons ( Pogona vitticeps) and Bredl’s pythons (Morelia bredli) doing extremely well in captivity,

Lauren continued: “The main challenge in keeping thorny devils is their diet. Thorny devils exclusively eat black ants. There are around 7 species of black ants however thorny devils have been known to preferentially eat three species within this genus. At the Alice Springs Reptile Centre we are able to overcome this challenge as we have the exact species of ant on site. Therefore, instead of considering these ants a pest and baiting to get rid of them, we bait to lure the ants into the thorny exhibit. Any leftover food from our other reptiles or even from staff lunches, is used to attract ants into our devils’ environment. An individual thorny devil will eat thousands of black ants in just one day! Therefore, another challenge can be sourcing enough ants. In order to overcome this, we have multiple areas where we lure ants to such that the thorny devils can be moved when one ant supply is running low.”

With thorny devils relying so heavily on such a specialised diet, it has led some researchers to suggest they are threatened. Despite good population numbers their vulnerability is increased by such a heavy reliance on just three species of prey.

Alice Springs Reptile Centre is located in one of the most remote cities on Earth. Although this presents lots of opportunities to provide natural husbandry and outdoor enclosures for exotic reptiles, it also brings its challenges.

Lauren added: “We have both indoor and outdoor enclosures for the majority of our small and vulnerable reptiles due to the weather and temperature here in Alice Springs. If it is too cold or too hot outside, we can bring the thorny devils inside to ensure they are not subject to extreme weather conditions. We also have transportable termite mounds that we bait, put outside to collect ants and then place in the indoor thorny enclosure so

Thorny devils have previously been illegally exported in the 70s with keepers attempting to keep them on sand, with micro crickets as a diet. Unsurprisingly, these animals did not last long. Since we have learnt more about their niche requirements, illegal exports seem to have subsided. However, it appears that their quirky appeal also resonates with local people in the area. Lauren explained: “Naturally, we don’t find this species close to the town. However, we do get called on the snake catcher phone to pick them up when they have been illegally picked up and brought into Alice Springs.”

Although thorny devils do require specialist care, Lauren is optimistic that advancements in care and live food breeding may one day allow zoos across the world to exhibit these unusual animals. Lauren concluded: “They are an incredible species that I would love to see zoo visitors enjoying around the world. If there is a way to supply their diet to zoos, I do not see why it would not be possible to exhibit thorny devils. Zoos have mimicked the environment of exotic species for years. Given the right conditions, a reliable food supply and a stress-free environment any species will thrive.”

Thorny devil reproduction

For those planning a herping trip to Australia, the best months to spot thorny devils are from March to May. During this time they will travel vast areas in search of a mate, meaning they are regularly spotted on roadsides up the West Coast and through Central Australia. Generally, the hottest months of January and February and the coldest months of June and July prompt thorny devils to remain relatively inactive.

Despite their obscure appearance, thorny devil reproduction mirrors many other agamids. Just like bearded dragons (Pogona .sp), thorny devils will head bob and wave their hands to attract a mate. After courtship the female will lay up to 10 eggs in a burrow deep in the sand to protect them from harsh conditions. It has been reported that the mother will actively smooth over the sand near to the burrow to hide them from predators. After an average of 118 days, the young will hatch. Sexes will be determined by temperature and the offspring are reported to feed on their eggshell before developing a diet of ants almost instantly after leaving the burrow.

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