Exotics Keeper - July 2024

AN UPSTREAM STRUGGLE

The Japanese giant salamander faces many threats. Thomas Marriott visits Japan to learn more.

CRUSTACEAN KEEPING? SHRIMPLE

Now, with plenty of different species frequently available, more and more people are experimenting with keeping shrimps.

HEAT UP YOUR HUSBANDRY

In the wild, the strikingly beautiful fire skinks are reclusive and secretive, but in captivity they can make excellent pets.

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EDITORIAL:

Thomas Marriott

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Front cover: Collared lizard (Crotaphytus collaris) jaroslava V/Shutterstock.com Right: Fire skink (Lepidothyris fernandi) Rosa Jay/Shutterstock.com

his issue I have the joy of sharing a conservation story from Japan that really moved me. Recently, I visited Tottori Prefecture in Japan to join Conservationist, Richard Pearce in surveying Japanese giant salamanders. This is a species that has suffered immense population declines from human activities. Whilst the greatest threat may be the permanent alteration of suitable habitats, hybridization in the pursuit of money is now threatening the last remaining Japanese giant salamanders. Hundreds of Chinese giant salamanders (a Critically Endangered species) were imported to be farmed in Japan for food. Instead, they were intercepted and released and now their spread (possibly fuelled by exotics keepers) threatens the native Japanese giant salamander with extinction.

Now, more than ever, exotics keepers must be responsible with every choice they make. In the UK and Europe, the temperate climate restricts which species can become established, however, it is worth considering that with temperatures on the rise, these

boundaries may change sooner than we think. Both intentional and accidental releases of wildlife can have drastic consequences. As the weather starts to warm up, I would urge all reptile keepers to consider implementing biosecurity protocols to ensure animals don’t escape and installing locks on every vivarium door. The UK is privileged to permit the beautiful and inspiring discipline of Herpetoculture, but this is only possible whilst the hobby works together to improve standards and act responsibly. You can learn more about responsible choices throughout the following articles.

Thank you,

Thomas Marriott Editor

The Exo Terra Thermostats Range makes regulating the temperature of your reptile’s home accurate, reliable and simple. With thermostats suitable for any heat source and utilising the latest technology with day/night timers and humidity control*, you can rely on Exo Terra to keep your reptile’s habitat perfectly balanced, 24 hours a day.

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02 08 22 02 EXOTICS NEWS

The latest from the world of exotic pet keeping.

08 AN UPSTREAM STRUGGLE

The Japanese giant salamander faces many threats. Thomas Marriott visits Japan to learn more.

16 SPECIES SPOTLIGHT

Focus on the wonderful world of exotic pets. This month it’s the Smith’s Green Eyed Gecko (Gekko smithii).

30 42 51

18 FLASHBACK FEATURE: DATING ON THE WEB

It’s tough love for jumping spiders.

22 HEAT UP YOUR HUSBANDRY Fire skink care guide.

30 CRUSTACEAN KEEPING MADE SHRIMPLE

More and more people are experimenting with keeping shrimps.

42STIFF COLLARED KEEPING

Perfecting the care of collared lizards.

51 KEEPER BASICS: Insectivorous diets

58 FASCINATING FACT Did you know...?

EXOTICS NEWS

The latest from the world of exotic animals

Road salts cause rapid evolution in frog species

Rapid evolution has been discovered in a species of frog in the USA in response to an unexpected human stimulus; the salt used to de-ice roads.

A team conducted research in New York state, targeting various populations of wood frogs. One population inhabited wetlands contaminated by salt used to de-ice a car park it had neighboured for 25 years. The salt levels in the water pockets were found to be nearly 100 times higher than that of a pristine wetland in the area.

The frogs living near the car park have shown unusually rapid rates of evolution, adapting to tolerate the higher salt levels in just 10 generations. The population’s ability to survive has depended on its ability to develop resilience to typically toxic salt levels.

Tadpoles hatched from eggs collected from nine different wood frog populations were exposed to salt and their responses gave the researchers insight into the resilience of certain populations over others. The individuals from the areas with higher salt levels survived longer than those from uncontaminated regions, showing the remarkable adaptation of the effected populations.

Despite the populations most affected by de-icing measures largely withstanding current salt levels in their habitats, their future is less certain if the levels of contamination continue to rise at pace. Scientists studying the effects on frog populations hope to work with local governments to devise new ways of ensuring roads are safe while safeguarding wood frog populations.

Snakebite treatment breakthrough

With snakebite killing between 81,000 and 138,000 people every year worldwide, a new advance in treatment against the effects of African spitting cobra venom is a universally welcomed breakthrough.

Not only are death rates caused by snakebite high, many people bitten require life-saving amputations and suffer from lifelong disfigurement and disability. These devastating effects are seen in the venom of the African spitting cobra which causes irreversible skin and muscle tissue damage.

The new treatment, developed by a team from Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine including Professor Nicholas Casewell and Dr Steven Hall, block one of two toxins which cause the damage. This is achieved by using a small amount of a repurposed small molecule drug called varespladib.

Local envenoming, the effects seen at the site of the bite, have previously had no available treatment, making bites from the African spitting cobra incredibly difficult to treat.

Professor Casewell said: “Our findings hold much promise to improve the treatment of tropical snakebite. Current treatments for spitting cobra bites are widely regarded as being ineffective, meaning that rates of disability and amputation have remained high across much of Africa. Our data shows that blocking just one of the main toxin families in spitting cobra venom will likely prevent the debilitating tissue damage seen in thousands of snakebite patients each year.”

Still the ‘lungless’ Bornean flat-headed frog?

A closer inspection of a remarkable amphibian species has revealed that there is quite literally more to it than researchers thought.

Researchers from the National University of Singapore have conducted further studies on the Bornean flat-headed frog that was previously thought to exist without any lungs. Their findings have revealed a tiny set of lungs, so small that they were missed when the species’ anatomy was first investigated in 2008.

A high-resolution scanner was used to detect a thin set of lungs, showing that the frogs do not rely entirely on breathing through their skin. The discovery leaves only one species of caecilian and only a few salamanders as truly lungless.

Although present, the lungs remain incredibly small for the frogs’ size, indicating that they have adapted to take in enough oxygen without leaving the streams they inhabit.

Frog species rediscovered in India after 200 years

The rediscovery of the Sri Lankan golden-backed frog (Hylarana gracilis) in India after two centuries with no sightings is an exciting development with wider implications.

The reappearance of the frogs is evidence of a historic land bridge that once existed between India and Sri Lanka millions of years ago. The frogs found in Sri Lanka are extremely genetically similar to the ones that have reemerged in India, showing that there was a historic change in sea level that parted the two countries, cutting off the two amphibian populations from one another.

The Indian population was rediscovered in the Koundinya

wildlife sanctuary in western India by researchers from the Zoological Society of India in partnership with the Andhra Pradesh Biodiversity Board.

The return of the Sri Lankan golden-backed frog brings the number of freshwater amphibian species in India to 20, increasing the number of known amphibian species in the Eastern Ghats region.

Wolf snake species rediscovered in China

The Gammie’s wolf snake (Lycodon gammiei) has been rediscovered by a team of scientists in Xizang, China after decades of no sightings.

The elusive species is one of 64 wolf snake species and was originally thought to be endemic to India but has now been found in ranges in China. It measures 698 millimetres from snout to vent and is black with yellow spot markings. The rediscovered species is a member of the Colubridae family and is non-venemous.

Gammie’s wolf snake was originally described in 1878 and is currently classified as Nearly Threatened by the IUCN.

©Théalie Dhellemmes

Food For Thought: The BHS/AHH Conference Roundup

By Kat Mitchell (British Herpetological Society)

About the author: Kat Mitchell is a Trustee and Council Member of the British Herpetological Society.

The British Herpetological Society and Advancing Herpetological Husbandry Facebook Group’s sixth annual reptile and amphibian husbandry conference pulled together a range of keepers to discuss nutrition and other themes.

Spread over two days in March, the successful event titled ‘Food for Thought’ brought together all areas of keeping including academia, zoological collections, commercial and hobbyists at Drayton Manor Resort.

The conference continues to grow in international importance, providing a platform where both private and professional keepers can come together and share ideas and experiences. The 2024 event was the best attended and largest to date, with speakers and delegates from the UK,

Europe and the U.S.A. The majority of the 130 plus delegates attended both days, citing the fantastic networking opportunities offered around the conference sessions.

Keynote speaker, herpetologist and author Jerry D Fife, flew in from the States to give two great presentations sharing his experiences working with and breeding a wide variety of tortoise and lizard species. Jerry’s presence was made possible by sponsorship from Zoo Med, our thanks to them.

His first presentation on Galapagos Island tortoises gave attendees the chance to share his unique knowledge of Galapagos tortoises. Based in Phoenix, Arizona, he is one of the few private breeders of this species and his hard-won expertise made for a fascinating and entertaining talk, although his more recent difficult experiences with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service were sobering if not shocking….

For his second presentation, following the Saturday evening dinner, he shared

his experiences on breeding the rare island-based Iguanidae lizards Cyclura (otherwise known as Rock Rhinoceros Iguanas) and his “Search for the Giant Leopard Tortoise” in Africa. Spoiler alert – he found them! Populations in some areas with individual tortoises of very large size for the species.

Louise Jakobsen from the Zoological Society of London shared her deep knowledge and expertise in plant toxicity and browse provision for reptiles, helping to inform both hobbyists and professional keepers of plants that can be used to safely enable a natural style of nutrition for herbivorous species. Check out Louise’s informative website www. browseposter.co.uk for information and resources on this topic.

An emerging narrative from several of the talks was that some species – some tortoises being a good example – have adapted in the wild to herbivorous diets of poor or low quality and keepers will experience challenges in trying to replicate these diets in captivity. Food for thought indeed….

At times a controversial topic, with ongoing discussion on social media being heated on the topic, attendees were also treated to a session on co-habitation. Drayton Manor Zoo’s Frazer McDade shared his experience on mixed species keeping, and how he has kept the peace in his habitats.

Other sessions included more general and species-specific husbandry talks, including the use of feeder insects and gut loading , the benefits of enrichment for captive reptiles (which included a first look at some yet to be published research from Erin Rickman), feeding techniques for snakes, and the dangers of obesity in captive reptiles.

A talk from Ben Tapley from the Zoological Society of London and Chris Mitchell from Drayton Manor Zoo also gave attendees a sneak peek into what to expect from the London Zoo’s exciting new reptile and amphibian building, as well as sharing some insight into how zoos work for the private keepers in the audience.

A new element for 2024 that proved popular was a panel discussion followed by questions from the audience around new rules and regulations being proposed for keeping reptiles and amphibians in different regions of the world, and the potential benefits and threats to the hobby. The concepts of ‘black’ and ‘white’ lists to define species that can be legally kept by private keepers loom large for many….the discussion was prefaced by a specially shot video from Tony Wigley of Responsible Reptile Keeping.

At the end of the formal sessions on Saturday, delegates were offered a chance to watch a UK herpetological film premiere – ‘Figures’ by Living Zoology – or access the Drayton Manor Zoo for an afterhours visit.

Education is a key focus for the conference and each year there are several students showcasing relevant research via poster displays. The students selected to display their work each get to choose a print from the renowned zoological artist, Tell Hicks.

The conference is only viable in its present form due to the huge support of both Drayton Manor and many other sponsors. The Resort lets the BHS and AHH have the full weekend use of a dedicated conferencing facility with multiple spaces. This meant that the sponsors had a large, dedicated room for their tables and displays, showcasing innovations and the latest technologies in the exotic pet keeping industry. The area was consistently busy during all of the breaks.

The capacity of the main room with the format used for 2024 is around 180. With organisers, speakers, sponsors and, of course, delegates we were getting close to reaching that this year! An incredible result for something that started out as an idea (largely Roman Muryn’s) some years ago and has continued to develop ever since. That said, nothing’s ever perfect of course and we’re grateful to everyone who completed the post-event survey or gave us feedback by any other means. We will be taking all of that on board when planning the 2025 conference, which is currently planned for the weekend of March 15th and 16th. Save that date and keep an eye out for details on the BHS website later this year!

The conference is entirely a non-profit event – organised by a committed team of volunteers; any surplus funds generated from sponsorship and ticket sales are retained as seed funding for the next year.

The British Herpetological Society

Established in 1947, the British Herpetological Society is one of the most prestigious such societies of its kind in the world. The society's Herpetological Journal is ranked as one of the leading scientific publications devoted to herpetology.

Via publications, specialist committees and meetings, the society actively supports:

• Conservation activities targeted at native British species.

• Field studies and conservation management work worldwide.

• Scientific research.

• Responsible captive breeding and maintenance of reptile and amphibian species.

• Exchange of knowledge and expertise between enthusiasts and herpetologists both in the UK and around the world.

The British Herpetological Society is a registered charity, No. 205666. The society is run and operated entirely on a voluntary basis - we do not employ staff.

ON THE WEB

Websites | Social media | Published research

Each month we highlight a favourite website or social media page

THIS MONTH IT’S: BRITISH HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY

The British Herpetological Society is one of the oldest and most prestigious Societies of its kind in the world. Founded in 1947 by Britain's leading herpetologists, the BHS still enjoys national learned status. The Society's Herpetological Journal is ranked as one of the leading scientific publications devoted to herpetology.

www.thebhs.org

AN UPSTREAM STRUGGLE

Conservation challenges of the Japanese giant salamander.

The Japanese giant salamander is one of the largest amphibians on Earth. Trumped only by the Chinese giant salamanders, it is a truly magnificent animal. Restricted to cool freshwater streams of West Japan, Andrias japonicus is a fragile species with anthropogenic changes and infrastructure development throughout Japan, posing a real risk to the species itself. Being such a cryptic animal that spends its entire life submerged in often remote streams, relatively little is known about these enigmatic amphibians. We visited Richard Pearce, a Researcher and Ecotourism Guide from Daisen Town in Tottori Prefecture to learn more about the unique population found on the lower slopes of one of Japan’s most symbolic mountains.

Mount Daisen

The bulk of Richard’s work takes place on the lower slopes of Mount Daisen, a sacred mountain that’s name roughly translates to “Great Mountain” and was previously called “Great God Mountain.” It is in the waters of the Nawa River Basin that Japanese giant salamanders have found a unique region to breed.

Facing the snowcapped peak of Mount Daisen, Richard

explained; “Because Mount Daisen is a huge landmass that rises directly from the Sea of Japan, it gets a lot of precipitation and receives a lot of snow in winter. So, the rivers are primarily snowmelt or heavily filtered water. This means the water is relatively cool all the way to the point where it meets the ocean. Cold water has high amounts of oxygen, which is obviously very important for giant salamanders. This makes the Daisen region the lowest altitude breeding ground for these salamanders, known to

researchers. Elsewhere, the salamanders breed at higher altitudes where the water temperature is naturally lower.”

In most parts of the Japanese giant salamander’s range, the species only breeds in areas at least 400m altitude and above. Whilst this is not a particularly high altitude in comparison to other freshwater amphibians, the breeding grounds around Mount Daisen are situated just 50 - 150m above sea level. The short rivers (often only stretching 6km from the source to the ocean) are a rarity, given their legendary water quality.

“Mount Daisen is a very sacred mountain in a country full of sacred mountains” added Richard. “For a long time, it was forbidden for people to enter the top part of the mountain. This has preserved the beech forest, which is

also very good at filtering water. Mount Daisen has been famous for its pure, clear water for centuries.”

Unfortunately, growing agricultural development outside of the protected areas at the mountain’s peak is also affecting water quality. Large numbers of indoor intensive farming facilities across Japan have contributed to huge amounts of untreated animal waste entering the ground and waterways. Naturally, as the water seeps into the river, it pollutes the water source from the foothills of the mountain and into the sea. This affects people and salamanders, however, Richard claims government officials have not been forthcoming with a solution. Whilst the pollution of Mount Daisen’s crystal clear waters may raise alarm bells with even the most novice of conservationists, there are several other threats that pose an even larger problem.

Lee waranyu/Shutterstock.com

Threats and hybridization

The Japanese giant salamander is considered Vulnerable by the IUCN. Some of these threats are extremely difficult to combat.

There are three most prominent groups of threats to Japanese giant salamanders. “Probably the main threat is hybridization,” said Richard. “Post-World War Two, giant salamanders were being harvested for food at an unsustainable rate. In 1952 they became a Special Natural Monument that made it illegal for anyone without a license to touch them. However, since 1952, not one person has been charged with the crime.”

Richard continued: “In the early 70’s, one Okiyama businessman imported 800 Chinese giant salamanders to farm for food. At the time, the government expected that regular citizens wouldn’t be able to tell the difference between Chinese and Japanese giant salamanders. So, those 800 specimens were tossed into the waterways and

have been breeding with native salamanders ever since. One even turned up in the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, so they got everywhere!”

“Like many species, the hybrids are stronger than the native species and so are outcompeting them, pushing them out of the environment. eDNA testing on the river that runs through central Kyoto found that 98% of all specimens in the entire river system are hybrids. That stretches way up into the mountains.”

Japanese giant salamanders are not thought to be over-collected for the pet trade like the Chinese giant salamanders are. However, they have faced other threats from the pet trade. “The hybrids are also starting to appear in other prefectures with native salamander populations including Hiroshima Prefecture,” added Richard. “This is probably because people are removing the hybrids to keep as pets, realizing that’s a bad idea and then releasing them in other rivers.”

Infrastructural development

Richard’s work with his organization “Sustainable Daisen” focuses primarily on the second-most serious threat to Japanese giant salamanders; infrastructural development. Within this destructive blanket are two very specific threats; weirs and concrete banks.

The Japanese government has installed dozens of concrete weirs to speed up waterflow and straighten the river. This is to make rice fields more regular in their shape and thus allow the agricultural sector to calculate the amount of chemical fertilisers they require more accurately. Whilst many nations around the world are removing their weirs from waterways, Japan is continuing to add them - a model that Richard describes as “out-dated”.

Richard explains: “Unfortunately, the Japanese are not great at environmental stewardship. Largely, the government invests money into infrastructure and building and props up large building firms to protect people’s jobs so even the smallest of towns and villages have unnecessary brand new roads running through them. This constant drive to develop, sometimes unnecessarily, has negatively impacted wildlife.”

“During heavy rains, more of the salamanders are swept downriver. The

weirs segment the river and prevent the salamanders from climbing back up into the prime habitat. One solution is to build ramps and this is where my organization comes in. Unfortunately without solid evidence, the government would not invest in building these ramps. So, a team of international experts, including from the IUCN’s Amphibian Specialist Group, a Japanese researcher and I have worked on a peer-reviewed scientific paper that will be presented to the government soon. We’ve looked at water testing and surveying over two years, etc to PROVE that there’s a problem.”

The weirs present a major challenge to individual salamanders as they are inevitably pushed closer and closer to the ocean. Once a salamander reaches the ocean, it will die pretty quickly due to the salinity of the water and lack of oxygen. Even if the final few segments of the river are inhabitable, they are uninhabitable over an extended period of time as they are occupied by marine fish. “Even if a salamander could theoretically survive in the final segments, prey from the ocean will cause kidney failure fairly quickly. It is really sad to see some of the largest salamanders, perhaps 80+ years old, get swept into these parts of the river. Furthermore, the laws put in place to ‘protect’ them might actually be working against them. Even with a licence to touch salamanders, we cannot just relocate them as we need

Stripes and Spots

DID YOU KNOW

The Japanese giant salamander has remained relatively unchanged for 23 million years.

There are technically 5 species of giant salamander; the Japanese giant salamander (A. japonicus), the Northern Chinese giant salamander (Andria davidanus), the Southern Chinese giant salamander (Andrias sligoi), the Jiangxi giant salamander (Andrias jiangxiensis) and the Qimen giant salamander (Andrias cheni).

The giant salamanders and the hellbender are all members of the Chryptobranchidae family. Fossil records indicate that another species of giant salamander used to live in Europe too.

Giant salamanders are sometimes called “Hanzaki”. “Han” means “half” and “Zaki” means “split” or “cut”. It refers to the belief that the salamanders will continue living if ripped in half.

JoshuaDaniel/Shutterstock.com

to be sure that the salamanders can survive in the river segments they have been relocated to. These animals that are trapped and trying to clamber up the weirs all night, cannot be moved manually. This is why it is extremely important to build ramps, as well as protect the waterways themselves.”

Shortly before joining Richard on a survey, he explained that the US Marines were working with his organisation to create four ramps between the weirs and the optimal habitat. Hundreds of extremely heavy rocks were lifted and placed into the river to connect the best habitat with the first segment of the river. This process took a team of 23 people two days to complete.

Whilst there is seemingly a short-term solution for the weirs, should the Japanese government approve the building of ramps, a more national infrastructural threat faces the salamanders too. Concrete banks create smooth edges to rivers in urban environments, however, this development has now stretched all over the country, permanently disfiguring rural rivers and streams. Smooth concrete banks leave no room for the salamanders to hide or breed. This means that entire stretches of river are becoming unsuitable for giant salamanders. The continuation of this river degradation is reducing the range of the Japanese giant salamander indefinitely and seriously impacting population numbers.

A “Special Natural Monument”

The Japanese giant salamander is considered a “Special Natural Monument of Japan”. They, along with their Chinese cousins and the Hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis) of North America, make up an ancient family of amphibians known as the Cryptobranchids. These salamanders have remained reasonably unchanged for 23 million years. “When you think about it, Homo sapiens have only been Homo sapiens for about 400,000 to 1,000,000 years” added Richard. “When you hear people call giant salamanders ‘living fossils’ it is pretty justified!”

There is not a lot of historical research on Japanese giant salamanders. As a protected species, it is illegal for anyone to touch a salamander without a permit. However, those that are generally granted permits face certain legal requirements to delete scientific data after a certain number of years. This law that protects citizens in a similar way to GDPR regulations, is of course, counterproductive to tracking salamanders. However, Richard, alongside other researchers, have found that the blotches and patterns on the Japanese giant salamanders’ head and body are all unique. By developing unobtrusive methods of morphologically identifying each individual salamander, Richard’s team are hoping to gather a greater understanding of the unique behaviours, movements and longevity of giant salamanders. Some captive specimens

have been recorded to live up to at least 100 years old. However, historical data on wild specimens does not exist, meaning some individuals could be much older or perish much younger than this.

Japanese giant salamanders have a unique feeding method. They create a vacuum between their plate-like upper and lower jaws and as they open their mouths it flushes any unsuspecting prey into the animal’s throat. Rather than ambushing forward and biting down like a fish, the pressure from their jaws is used in reverse, allowing them to capture large-bodied prey. “I’ve seen some salamanders actually catch the tail of a fish and hold onto it for a while before creating a vacuum and swallowing the prey in the blink of an eye” explained Richard.

Japanese giant salamanders feed on a wide variety of prey composed mostly of small vertebrates such as fish, frogs, moles and snakes. This is likely fueled by a keen sense of taste as demonstrated by a case where a kitten in a plastic bag was found in the stomach of a Japanese giant salamander. Sometimes plastic packaging and debris will be consumed by salamanders if they contain meat products.

Being well adapted to cold, oxygen-rich water, the giant salamander has evolved an extremely slow metabolism. This means that it can go for weeks without feeding and typically grows very slowly.

Breeding

The Japanese giant salamander has a complex social structure when it comes to breeding. Although specimens will frequently occupy the same stretches of river harmoniously, this changes during the breeding season.

Richard explained: “Breeding season occurs around late August to September.”

“The largest male will create a territory in a suitable breeding site and ward off any rival males to protect his den. These animals are known as ‘den masters’. A gravid female will then seek out a suitable den to deposit her eggs and the male will fertilize them. However, this mating often stimulates other males to seek out the den and deposit their sperm on the eggs too. This strategy allows for good genetic variation and gives the smaller animals a chance to pass on their genes.”

After mating, the male exhibits some excellent paternal behaviour. He will tend to his den, keeping it clean and protecting the eggs from predators whilst fanning water over the eggs with his tail. This fanning action increases oxygen levels and also prevents organic material from building up on the eggs and causing mold to build up. The den master will do this for many months, until Spring when the larvae start to emerge from the nest and into.

Researchers have even identified den masters feeding on unfertilized, dead or mould-infected eggs. They termed this action “hygienic filial cannibalism” as the objective is to protect the remaining eggs from potential damage. This is a highly advanced parental behaviour from an amphibian.

Conclusion

The Japanese giant salamander may be one of the most iconic amphibians on Earth, yet a myriad of factors threatens its survival. Richard Pearce is hoping that ecotourism may help raise funds to install bypass ramps, purchase land and protect the precious waterways that these prehistoric creatures still inhabit. Whilst the unwavering decimation of reptiles and amphibians across the world paints a horrible picture, the loss of a species that has occupied Earth for 23 million years at the hands of humans is a truly tragic reality.

For more information on Richard Pearce’s organization “Sustainable Daisen” visit www.sustainabledaisen.org To book a conservation tour to see wild Japanese giant salamanders please visit www.bushidojapan.com

SPECIES SPOTLIGHT

The wonderful world of exotic animals

Smith’s Green Eyed Gecko (Gekko smithii)

The Smith’s or “giant” green eyed gecko is a close relative of the iconic tokay gecko (Gekko gecko). Found across Southeast Asia and reaching up to 35cm in length, these impressive lizards are reasonably straightforward to care for.

Like many arboreal geckos in the Gekko genus, greeneyed geckos will usually occupy a small territory. This makes them very well suited to a large, arboreal terrarium that they can call their own. A 90 x 45 x 90cm glass terrarium, with plenty of cork bark hides and a warm (2228℃) and humid (+70%) environment will work perfectly for this species. Real plants should be added to provide shelter and help maintain humidity, however, these should be sturdy enough to not get displaced by the largebodied geckos.

Green-eyed geckos can be territorial and given their large size, can deliver an unpleasant bite. They are also extremely agile and therefore, handling should be kept to a minimum. For the more experienced keeper, training these intelligent reptiles to tong-feed can be a rewarding task.

Green-eyed geckos are insectivorous and will feed on a variety of flying insects. They will typically perch in an area that attracts plenty of bugs and opportunistically strike at prey. Therefore, a varied diet is an excellent form of enrichment. Where some species may be picky with their prey, trying a wide range of feeder insects is encouraged for green-eyed geckos. Allowing worms and caterpillars to metamorphose before feeding them to the gecko, will encourage geckos to chase silk moths or black soldier flies across their terrarium. This prey should be gut loaded and dusted with multivitamins as often as possible.

NutriRep™ is a complete calcium, vitamin & mineral balancing supplement with D3. It can be dusted onto all food sources including insects, meats & vegetables. No other supplement is required.

Jumping spiders are easily some of the most charismatic spiders on the planet. Comprised of over 6000 species from the Salticidae family, they make up a whopping 13% of all known spider species. They are found across almost the entire planet and are broken into around 350 genera. They are most easily distinguished by their eye formations, comprised of four pairs, with the anterior median (middle) being much larger than the others. Many possess forward-facing eyes which have influenced Hollywood’s most famous anthropomorphic spiders, usually as terrifying creatures. However, many invert-enthusiasts can find these huge eyes appealing and even cute.

As well as incredible vision that allows them to see almost the entirety of their surroundings and the superhero ability to jump many times their body length, some genera of jumping spider also have very complex courtship habits.

Risky business

Most male jumping spiders possess colourful or iridescent hairs to attract a mate, but none are more famous than the peacock spider (Maratus spp.). This group of tiny Australian spiders are some of the most beautiful arachnids on the planet and millions of years of evolution have given them bold characters to match. Peacock spiders will dance, drum and vibrate in elaborate courtship displays to draw the attention of a mate.

The vibrant colouration or iridescent patterns is likely to stun a female, who despite her exceptional vision, sees mostly in black and white. At this point, the male will begin his dance routine to woo her. Although this may at first appear to be romantic, ongoing research suggests that most species of jumping spiders will dance with 100% of the females they encounter, even if they are an entirely

different species. While this may seem like an excessively flamboyant routine to enact time and time again, if the male spider makes a wrong move or picks the wrong partner, there is a high probability he will be eaten on the spot. In fact, in areas where there is a high density of jumping spiders, it’s very probable that males make up a good percentage of female diets.

Research on another species of Australian jumping spider, Servaea incana, by Vivian Medez at Macquarie University found that females would express sexual inhabitation immediately after their first mating. Like many species, especially other invertebrates, jumping spiders can store sperm for their entire life. Further sexual encounters can also dilute their sperm storage, meaning females will actively fend off any male attempting to mate with her after her first partner. The study saw 89 female spiders paired with a different male for the first 10 days of their adult lives, then subsequently paired with more males for the rest of their lives. Most females only mated once and some mated twice, but very few continued to mate beyond this, suggesting female jumping spiders can store male sperm for the entirety of their short (on average, 10 month) life.

Title Dating on the Web

Tricks of the trade

Further research into the Habronattus genus is beginning to unearth even more interesting dynamics into the way jumping spiders mate. This genus, along with many others in the Salticidae family, uses percussion to attract a mate. Complex vibrations and drumming are used in conjunction with elaborate dances and bright colouration. In fact, the vibratory songs are so complex, they are comprised

of 20 different motifs that change as courtship progresses. Most species of Habronattus are found in North America and are often referred to as ‘paradise spiders’.

The Jotus genus of jumping spider employs the use of accessories to attract a partner. Equipped with paddleshaped limbs, the males will hide on the overside of a leaf, waving each paddle in the view of a female. As the dance

progresses, they will wave both paddles to hold her attention and display his intentions, before springing from the underside of the leaf or branch, ready to mate. There have been several species of Jotus officially identified recently. Most prominently, a black and white spider named after Karl Lagerfield, the famous fashion designer, called Jotus karllagerfieldi. With such an abundance of species, scientists are still discovering new invertebrates every week. This

means that many invertebrates are named after contemporary icons as well as 18th Century naturalists.

Jumping spiders in captivity

The complexity and appealing nature of the jumping spider is changing attitudes of arachnophobes across the world. Now a reasonably common

pet, jumping spiders have established themselves not just in bug-keeping but as very popular invertebrates that require very simple care.

Phiddipus regius, or the regal jumping spider is by far the most popular species in captivity, but there is a whole spectrum of regularly captivebred jumping spiders in the UK. They require well-ventilated enclosures and should always be provided bright light

during daylight hours. They are diurnal and thus thrive in sunlight. Keepers should be careful this sun (or artificial light) does not warm the enclosure too much. This is arguably the most misunderstood aspect of their care, as they are easily housed, maintained, and fed using products available on the market. Despite this, keepers should always do thorough research, from multiple sources before purchasing an animal regardless of their size.

The fire skink is an iconic species of lizard in herpetoculture. For decades, these animals were imported from Ghana and Cameroon in large numbers. However, they are now frequently bred in captivity and as one of the most beautiful and affordable skink species, they are incredibly popular across the world. In the wild, these strikingly beautiful skinks are reclusive and secretive, but in captivity they can be extremely bold animals that make excellent pets.

Natural History

The fire skink has been reclassified under a staggering amount of genera and still today, there are disputes over which genus this species belongs. As it currently stands, there are two subspecies of fire skink, one (M. f. fernandi) comes from Central Africa and Nigeria and the other (M. f. harlani) is found further West. It is likely that some hybridization has occurred in captivity as exports from both subspecies’ native ranges have introduced animals into the hobby labelled under their species epithet.

Fire skinks can grow up to 30cm in length and adults exhibit some sexual dimorphism. Males are larger and

more robust. They are also usually brighter in colouration than their female counterparts. There are also no distinct locality forms described. Instead, each animal has unique patterns and whilst the species is not considered particularly variable, individuals are easily recognizable.

Fire skinks occupy tropical forests and live a cryptic life on the forest floor. Despite their reasonably large size, they are agile and traverse leaflitter and decomposing wood during the daytime in search of arthropods. These almost sub-terranean lifestyle provides them with reasonably stable environmental conditions. Even though their range

will naturally experience high temperatures and drastic fluctuations between wet and dry seasons, the fire skink will utilise complex microhabitats to thermoregulate.

Captive care

Fire skinks, whilst beautiful and capable of taming, are not the most interesting species to observe. This is simply because they will spend a large amount of time buried beneath the substrate. Their complex microclimate requirements can only be met by building a reasonably busy terrarium with deep layers of substrate. Captive fire

skinks should be able to burrow and remain out of sight which can prove to be a challenge when conducting visual health assessments or simply observing the animals’ behaviour. There are two ways to increase the visibility of these animals; by denying them adequate space and hiding opportunities or the preferable option of creating the best enclosure possible. The latter will prompt the lizards to hunt and explore more frequently and give them options to bask, climb, burrow or hide. Taking measures to reduce stress caused from factors within and outside of the terrarium can also encourage the lizard to be more active.

Danny Ye/Shutterstock.com

100% NATURAL PEST CONTROL

TAURRUS® is a living organism (predatory mite) that is a natural enemy of the snake mite (Ophionyssus natricis).

TAURRUS® mite predators are very small, measuring less than 1mm as adults. They are able to live for several weeks and reproduce in the areas where they find their prey. Despite its small size, the TAURRUS® predator acts aggressively and is able to attack and kill preys 3 to 4 times larger than itself.

Once released, the microscopic predators will actively seek and consume parasites. Once eliminated, the predators disappear naturally. The mode of action requires several days. After introduction of TAURRUS®, pest populations should be monitored: at first it will stabilize, and then gradually decline. In heavy infestations, several releases may be needed to eradicate all parasites.

A 90 x 45 x 45cm glass terrarium is a great “forever” home for a single animal or two females. Males should be housed solitarily until breeding season. Fire skinks require Ferguson Zone 2 lighting. Despite people managing to keep these animals alive for many years without UV, their diurnal behaviour clearly points towards a relationship with sunlight that should be replicated in the terrarium. A basking spot of 35℃ should also be included and careful consideration should be placed on the positioning and spread of this hotspot. Ideally, the skink should be able to bask openly, as well as cryptically. Therefore, having a large stack of cork bark flats should make an excellent artificial “decomposing log” to bask upon and amongst. Positioning leaf litter and rocks around the edges of the basking spot will also help to hold heat at different rates, which will provide more options for thermoregulation.

Historically, many reptile keepers would avoid installing bright lights for cryptic, semi-fossorial species. Today, we know that even the brightest terrarium LED’s barely simulate a fraction of the visible light in sunlight. Fire skink keepers should bear this in mind when creating a large bioactive enclosure. Providing the animal has plenty of opportunities to hide beneath décor and a mini canopy of live plants helps to break up the sunlight as it would in the wild, there is no reason to avoid appropriate lighting. Reptiles have varied and complex relationships with the sun. Even nocturnal species that occupy dark caves and live cryptic lives are still influenced by the natural cycles of the sun. Fire skinks, being diurnal, are perhaps even more finely tuned and thus should not be denied bright, full-spectrum (or as close as artificially possible) lighting.

Typically, the west African “wet season” runs March until October with two peaks throughout this time. Therefore, humidity should sit around 70% (with occasional spikes up to 85%) throughout these months. November through February should be slightly cooler and reasonably drier (50 – 60% RH).

Fire skinks are insectivores. Their terrestrial/fossorial behaviours expose them to a wide variety of insects in the wild. From mollusks and soft-bodied prey to roaches, grasshoppers and beetles, fire skinks are not fussy eaters. This provides a great opportunity to feed a varied diet and consequently observe a wide range of feeding behaviours. A confident fire skink will leave its hiding area to hunt prey. They will climb and strike at locusts, chase dubia roaches, devour earthworms and crunch through snails. Super-nutritious prey items such as calci-worms and silk worms alongside fatty items like waxworms and Pachnoda grubs will also ensure a varied nutritional profile. Some keepers also provide berries, quail eggs and more. All insects and other feeder items should be dusted in a calcium and multivitamin supplement. fivespots/Shutterstock.com

RMMPPhotography/Shutterstock.com

Wild caught vs captive bred

There are countless reasons why captive bred specimens are better to keep than wild caught ones. In the case of fire skinks, captive bred specimens are easier to tame and reportedly much hardier and better suited to captivity than wild caught ones. Whilst there are certainly wild caught fire skinks available within the hobby, new keepers should seriously consider networking with a reputable breeder when sourcing their skinks. Whilst

the justification of “genetic diversity” can be applied to most wild caught animals, the amount of imports of M. fernandi from a wide range of countries means that most professional breeders should have a strong idea of the bloodlines of the animals they sell. Therefore, the new keeper will benefit far more from having a stronger, easier-to-tame lizard and connections to other captivebred bloodlines than starting their hobby with wildcaught specimens.

CRUSTACEAN KEEPING MADE SHRIMPLE

Now, with plenty of different species frequently available, more and more people are experimenting with keeping shrimps.

Freshwater shrimp keeping has increased in popularity over the last decade. Their interesting behaviours and unique appearance makes them an excellent addition to planted and landscaped aquaria. Their small size also makes them suitable for the growing trend of nano aquaria, where they can thrive as sole inhabitants or make good companions for peaceful fish species. Now, with plenty of different species frequently available, more and more people are experimenting with keeping shrimps.

Neocaridina

The most popular shrimp in the UK hobby is the red cherry shrimp (Neocardina davidi), a small 3cm long shrimp which originates from Taiwan, southern China and Vietnam. In the wild, these shrimps are a dull brown colour but through selective breeding, red, yellow, blue, black and other colour varieties are frequently available in the aquarium hobby. Red cherry shrimps are great for beginners as they are relatively hardy and able to tolerate a range of aquarium conditions. They are also prolific

and given suitable conditions will rapidly increase in numbers. Although it is tempting to have a mix of colours, the different varieties of Neocaridina will interbreed and you will end up with a mix of offspring, often very much duller in colouration. Therefore, selecting a specific colour morph and keeping a small colony of these animals is preferable to mixing and matching. It is possible to identify female red cherry shrimp by their orange “saddle” that sits beneath their tails and carries eggs.

Neocaridina shrimps should ideally be given water with a temperature of 18 - 26°C, a pH of 6.5 – 8.0, a general hardness of 5 – 15°dH and a carbonate hardness of 5 –15°KH. In many parts of the country, these conditions will be found in tap water. This makes their care very accessible to most hobbyists. Red cherry shrimp will also show very visible signs of stress, as their usually vibrant colouration becomes much duller. If the shrimp appear unwell, the aquarist should seek advice from a professional shopkeeper or breeder. This can be due to water conditions, overcrowding, poor scaping/hide options and more.

All shrimps are very sensitive to pollutants, so careful maintenance and filtration are important. They cannot tolerate copper, so ensure any water is treated and you take care not to use medications or décor that has any copper present.

Freshwater shrimp also seem to enjoy a current in their water. Strong filtration or a “wavemaker” unit can be installed into the water to ensure that it is always moving. Another great tip is to use a sponge filter. The sponge filter will gather bits of detritus that the shrimp will spend

Crustacean

Neocardina davidi - Florian Hipper/Shutterstock.com

hours feeding from. This essentially provides a tiny little maintenance crew who will clean the filter and ensure it is working at its best for as long as possible. Whilst shrimps do not remove the need for aquarium cleaning, they will actively scavenge parts of decomposing plants and other items that might deteriorate water cleanliness.

Many specialist aquarium shops will sell Neocaridina shrimps of various colourations, but also different “grades”. Essentially, the highest-grade shrimps are vibrant red across their entire bodies, including their legs. They are 100% opaque. “Fire red” only have red on their bodies while “Sakura” have speckled red patterns across their bodies and legs, whilst the

rest is transparent. These morphs are “medium grade” and are around 50/50 opaque to transparent. The lowest grade shrimps are mostly clear-bodied with some red patterns. As well as these grades, certain pattern types have also been given names including “Kanoko” which has black spots, “Bloody Mary” which is vibrant red and transparent and “Red Rili” which has bands of opaque and transparent.

Interestingly, it is not just the price of the shrimp that changes with the grading system. In fact, it is thought that the highest grade shrimp require the highest quality water and most stable conditions. This may be because these shrimp are further removed from their wild ancestors and have been bred meticulously and carefully by

professionals with an investment in their wellbeing. Over generations, this professional care requirement has been inherited by the highest grade shrimp.

Red cherry shrimp are peaceful tankmates that do very well with other species of shrimp. Amano Shrimp, small Ghost Shrimp, Bamboo Shrimp (aka Wood Shrimp) and Vampire Shrimp (aka Viper Shrimp) all make good tankmates. Freshwater snails like Nerite Snails, Gold Inca Snails, Ramshorn Snails, Ivory Snails, Malaysian Trumpet Snails, and Mystery Snails can also be a good fit. As for fish, choosing something that does not naturally feed on invertebrates can help avoid problems. Cory Catfish and Otocinclus Catfish are good choices.

Three types of red dwarf shrimp: super crystal red, red bee and galaxy red SritanaN/Shutterstock.com

Caridina

Originating from Taiwan and Japan, the Caridina shrimp species tend to be smaller than their Neocaridina cousins but are also available in a wide range of stunning colours. These species also have some interesting patterns on their bodies. They are less tolerant to unsuitable water conditions making them slightly more difficult to keep. The key to success is to ensure that they are given the water conditions they are used to and ensure it doesn’t change (for example when you change part of the water during aquarium maintenance).

Caridina shrimps need slightly cooler water with a temperature of 18 – 23°C, pH of 6 – 7, General Hardness of 0 - 5°dH and a carbonate hardness of 0 – 2°KH. Due to their small size, these shrimp are great for nano aquaria. However, small aquaria tend to have less stable water conditions and so will need more careful maintenance. A good compromise for a newcomer to shrimp keeping would be to aim for a 30 – 40-liter aquarium. General rules apply; using a sponge filter will prevent shrimplets from being sucked into the filter and also provide a feeding platform, live plants and hiding places should be provided and some water movement should be present.

There are over 200 species of Cardinia officially described, 56 of which are listed on the IUCN RedList. Most of these are Vulnerable, with several species considered Endangered or Critically Endangered.

They are known to be extremely variable and there is a vibrant morph trading hobby for these invertebrates. This is partly due to the ability for crossbreeding between species within the genus.

Ghost Shrimp

The ghost shrimp (Palaemon paludosus) is a striking species of invertebrate. Their transparent exoskeleton gives them their common name. Their long antennae

contributes to their gothic appearance which make them excellent observation animals. The ghost shrimp requires similar water conditions to the red cherry shrimp, but prefers temperatures a little warmer (20 - 27℃) and increased hardness (10 – 15dH).

The ghost shrimp may date back to the cretaceous period, giving them the title of “living fossils”. However, the species was first described in the 1850s. They are a North American freshwater shrimp and can be found across the USA. They also occupy rivers and streams close to the coast and therefore, can often be spotted on beaches and sand banks.

These shrimps are as delicate as they look. In fact, keepers should avoid having sharp rocks in the enclosure, in case it damages the animals’ exoskeleton. It is also advisable to have less water flow in the tanks of ghost shrimps, as these animals may struggle to swim and navigate the aquarium.

Crystal red caridina - VladiMil/Shutterstock.com

Palaemon paludosus - Dan Olsen/Shutterstock.com

Vampire Shrimp

Vampire shrimp (Atya gabonensis) are some of the largest and longest-lived of the shrimp species available in aquatics. Growing up to 15cm and living for over 5 years, these interesting crustaceans are the ideal first pet for a young aquarium hobbyist. They are bulky animals and exhibit “fan feeding” behaviours as they lift their arms to sift organic matter out of the water.

Vampire shrimps are little less vibrant than other popular species of aquarium shrimp, however they are still rather variable. Most animals are a blueish-grey but some can be various shades of red, orange or brown. This colour will also change throughout the animals’ life. Animals kept in darker environments typically have darker colouration than those in brightly-lit tanks. Males are generally larger than females and have a thicker first pair of legs.

Vampire shrimp require similar water temperature and hardness to other species, but have a greater requirement for pH neutrality. Water must be between 7 and 7.5pH. Vampire shrimp are also perhaps a little more sensitive to ammonia and nitrate build up than other freshwater shrimps (although all species are quite sensitive). Two major tricks will help the first-time vampire shrimp keeper be successful; always cycle the tank before adding new shrimp and install a powerful filtration system. These shrimps are more robust than others and use water movement to their advantage, so a stronger filtration system should not cause a problem.

The vampire shrimp is a very docile species. It will not show aggression towards other tank mates, but can become stressed if surrounded by highly active fish. Vampire shrimp will cohabit with much smaller freshwater fish amicably.

Atya gabonensis - Guillermo Guerao Serra/Shutterstock.com

You Little Ripper!

Décor and plants

The substrate on the bottom of the tank will depend on the species of shrimp being kept. For Neocaridina coarse aquarium sand is perfect. A dark colour is advisable as it shows off the fantastic colours of the shrimp. For Caridina shrimp, an active substrate that softens the water and keeps the pH below 7 makes life a lot easier. Pebbles and rocks can add structure to the tank, but make sure they don’t contain lime which will raise the pH of the water. Driftwood is also a good idea and quickly gets coated in a fine biofilm which the shrimps will graze on. Aquatic mosses provide great habitat for your shrimps, whilst

larger leaved plants provide shade and more surface for biofilm growth.

Feeding

Shrimps are omnivores, meaning they eat both plant and animal material. There will be algae and bacteria forming a biofilm on most structures in the aquarium in which the shrimp will graze. Keepers should also add a specialist shrimp food that ensures they get the necessary minerals and trace elements for carapace growth. FishScience Shrimp Sticks are perfect for this and will encourage

Toxotes Hun-Gabor Horvath/Shutterstock.com

healthy growth and shell formation. Remember that shrimps moult as they grow, leaving a clear shell that is a perfect shrimp shape – most shrimp keepers will admit to a ‘heart in mouth’ feeling when they first see a discarded shell in their tank, fearing that one of their shrimps has died. Leave the shell in the aquarium for a few days as the shrimp will pick at it and gain valuable nutrition.

Most shrimp keepers have a small glass or pottery dish at the front of the aquarium where they can put the food. Shrimps love to pick up their food and carry it to cover to eat it or to leave it to decompose. The dish helps to keep the food in one place so that you can remove any uneaten pieces.

In a short article, it is impossible to cover all aspects of

shrimp keeping. They are fascinating creatures that you will enjoy keeping. Make use of your local aquatic store as they will be able to provide you with invaluable advice on setting up your tank, which varieties to keep together and what to do if and when you have any issues.

Conclusion

Freshwater shrimps make excellent pets and their care requirements are reasonably straightforward when compared to other aquarium animals. However, being a fragile species, the keeper must be diligent towards understanding water levels, cleanliness and maintaining a peaceful environment. These may be basic steps for the more advanced aquarists in the hobby, but novices can learn a lot from the humble shrimp.

STIFF COLLARED KEEPING

The Eastern collard lizard is a striking species of Iguanid from North America that in recent years, has become increasingly popular in herpetoculture. Whilst their care requirements are very similar to bearded dragons, their smaller size, social behaviours and vibrant colouration add extra appeal for many keepers. In the UK, several dedicated breeding projects have increased the availability of these amazing reptiles. This article explores the natural history and nuances of the husbandry of these charismatic lizards.

The Crotaphytus genus

There are currently nine recognised species of ‘collared lizard’ that stretch throughout the arid regions of the Southern United States and Mexico. All species are fast-moving and generally exhibit stunning colouration, particularly around the breeding season. The wider Crotaphytidae family contains all collared lizards, as well as three “leopard lizards” (Gambelia sp.), some of which are also frequently available in captivity.

Crotaphytus collaris, or the ‘common’ or ‘Eastern’ collared

lizard is the most popular species in the hobby and is also the species with the widest distribution in the wild. They can be found from California to Missouri in arid and semi-arid landscapes. As such, the Eastern collard lizard is considered “Least Concern” by the IUCN. However, their tendency to live in isolated populations across reasonably harsh habitats means that some populations will be at greater risk than others.

With such a wide distribution, it is perhaps unsurprising that there are five distinct subspecies of Crotaphytus

The head shape of the collared lizard is archetypal “Iguanid” with similarities to desert iguanas. reptiles4all/Shutterstock.com

collaris . Each subspecies presents slightly different colouration and also slightly different diets. For example, some subspecies have been recorded to feed on vertebrate prey (rarely), whilst others will feed on unusually high percentages of particular berries.

The most recent description of a new subspecies happened in 1995 (C. c melanomaculatus), with most other subspecies being described way before private herpetoculture gained traction. This means that there are possibly many true C. c collaris in circulation in the hobby, even though some hybridization may have taken place over the decades in which collard lizards have been bred in captivity.

In the USA, there are a multitude of breeders working with collared lizards, some of which specialize in unique species or subspecies. Even the rarest subspecies, C. c melanomaculatus is bred with some regularity. These animals are generally duller in colouration but have just as contrasted patterning, making them particularly interesting.

All species of Crotaphytus exhibit some degree of sexual dimorphism, most of which are quite drastic. Males typically have much brighter colouration and stronger, more distinct patterns. Females, on the other hand, are slighter in frame with smaller heads and less muscular bodies. They are drabber, but still beautifully ocellated or spotted in their patterning.

Diet

One theory by Selander in 1966 suggested that through evolving morphological differences, the two sexes can feed on different diets and occupy different ecological niches to avoid competition. Males with larger heads can feed on larger insects, while females would feed on smaller-bodied prey. More current research has shown very little variation between the two sexes. The same research by Husak & McCoy identified that although collared lizards are thought to be “strict opportunists” the true diet of a population from central Texas consisted of:

“87.5% Orthoptera (grasshoppers) of which, over 80% were Acrididae, 31.3% Coleoptera (beetles) and 25% Hymenoptera (bees and wasps).” Plant material only accounted for less than 5% of the diets of these animals. However, other research has suggested that almost triple the amount of vegetation is eaten by other animals. Therefore, offering a varied diet of 85% insects, with regularly available vegetation is the most appropriate method of feeding.

A primary diet of locusts (of different sizes), crickets and roaches should make up the bulk of their diet. Allowing flying insects to also occupy the terrarium will encourage

active hunting. Black soldier flies are the most frequently available in the hobby.

Vegetation should be rich in carotenoids. A simple rule of thumb is the brighter the vegetable, the more carotenoids are likely to be in it. Carrots, peppers, beetroot, pumpkins, tomatoes, etc are naturally rich in carotenoids. This, combined with a well-balanced multivitamin will help these vibrant lizards reach their full-colour potential.

Opuntia pads are also a readily available form of cacti that are rich in antioxidants. Providing these to desert species such as collared lizards can help to mimic a natural diet. Likely, these lizards will also consume the brightly coloured flowers of cacti. Spreading fresh dandelions across the vivarium can help simulate these.

Creating the Ideal Terrarium

Their active personalities, bright colours and reasonably straightforward requirements in captivity make collared lizards some of the most rewarding reptiles to own and will appeal to anyone looking to keep active desert-dwelling reptiles. It is possible to keep a small colony of one male to two females, but this should be reserved for keepers

Breeding male collared lizards are amongst the most colourful reptiles on Earth. Joe Farah/Shutterstock.com

who have the facilities to separate the animals if the male becomes aggressive (which is common during breeding season). Otherwise, a single male or single female can live happily on their own.

Collared lizards are diurnal and should be provided with Ferguson Zone 3 lighting (UVI range of 1.0 – 2.6, with a maximum of 7.4 in the basking spot). The enclosure should be laid out to ensure that the lizards can move closer, or away from the lighting by providing various décor and hides throughout. Keepers should aim to provide the largest vivarium possible for these active lizards. A single lizard should receive a 5 x 3 x 3ft wooden vivarium. A colony of three animals should be housed in a vivarium of at least 8 x 3 x 3ft. This will allow a suitable

temperature gradient to be provided without competition for particular microclimates.

A basking spot of 38℃, large enough to cover the entire animal(s)’ body is required for thermoregulation. The “cool end” should naturally peter off to the mid-20s. All lighting and heating should be switched off at night to create a reasonably drastic temperature drop (but no lower than 16℃). Coming from the northern hemisphere, seasonality should broadly mirror what’s happening in the UK and Europe. Lighting hours should be reduced to match the daylight cycle outdoors. Additional heating within the enclosure should also be lowered so that the ambient temperature sits in the low 20s, whilst the basking spot is maintained at a slightly cooler 32℃.

The collared lizard is a highly active species and requires as much room as possible. Vaclav Sebek/Shutterstock.com

Décor and Substrate

Replicating a North American desert can be challenging in a bioactive context. However, utilizing the correct décor and replacing substrate frequently can make for a beautiful naturalistic enclosure whilst also being practical for the keeper.

Eastern collared lizards live on rocky outcrops and whilst a few branches for perching and basking can be beneficial, creating a three-dimensional environment with a variety of rocks should be the keepers’ priority.

As collared lizards are so widespread, it’s a good idea to fit as wide a variety of substrates and microhabitats into the enclosure as possible. Having half of the enclosure carpeted with gravel and rocks and the other half with soil and sand should help create a mix of microhabitats. Each substrate will absorb heat and moisture differently, so utilizing these covered by hides, grasses or branches will ensure that a maximum amount of microclimates are formed.

Morphs

There are numerous locality variants of the Eastern collared lizard available to hobbyists, particularly in the USA. However, it is important to note that like many sexually dimorphic lizards, collared lizards will “colour up” and “colour down” according to their environment, diet and health.

“Aquaflame” is a locality from Oklahoma that typically exhibits brighter cyan colouration and some orange banding. “Yellowheads” come from Utah and these animals have a greater percentage of their heads and front arms yellow/orange. The “Kansas” locale has more distinct spots that are highly visible on the head and neck of the lizard. “Peacock Blue” and “Lighting Yellow” come from New Mexico and the males of the former locality have greener colouration in their head and dorsal patterns while the males of the latter are almost 50% bright yellow.

Females of particular localities are slightly harder to distinguish than males because the males are usually the

Charles T. Peden/Shutterstock.com Stiff

inspiration for the morph’s namesake. However, research into the animals’ specific patterning and a second opinion from an expert breeder can usually help define an adult female collared lizard’s locality form.

Conclusion

Will the Eastern collared lizard one day become as popular as the bearded dragon? It’s unlikely. As a species that is difficult to handle and not nearly as well established in Europe, the collared lizard is certainly an interesting alternative. Collared lizards are an excellent desert species and amongst the most beautiful of all lizards. For the hobbyist looking to develop their arid-keeping endeavours with a species that is just as spectacular to observe as it is simple to keep, the Eastern collared lizard may be the perfect subject.

Many of the most popular pet reptiles are at least partly insectivorous. Whilst it is well known that a diverse and varied diet is necessary to provide a spectrum of nutrients and prompt natural hunting behaviours, there are now many ways to ensure that the varied diet is of the best quality possible. The following feature discusses ways in which keepers of insectivorous species can improve their animal's diet, to ensure healthier and more active reptiles…

Are we doing it wrong?

Every insectivorous reptile should be given a varied diet. Except for a handful of ant-eating Agamids, most insectivorous reptiles will have a diet comprised of a wide range of invertebrates. Peer-reviewed research states that, of the insect components of their diet, bearded dragons eat mostly termites, leopard geckos (during monsoon season) eat mostly caterpillars, crested geckos eat mostly

beetles and blue tongue skinks eat mostly larvae and grubs. None of these animals are eating crickets or locusts as their primary insect intake. Of course, all species (perhaps except for leopard geckos) are omnivorous by nature. Careful care and consideration are usually given when keepers prepare their animals’ favourite salad, yet there may be some hesitancy to provide a fearsomelooking morio worm or a scuttling cockroach. Keepers

Danny Radius/Shutterstock.com

of insectivorous reptiles should not project their societal aversions to certain live foods. Furthermore, some livefoods are also more expensive than others and whilst economic factors will come into play with all aspects of animal care, it may be that feeding an animal less, but of a wider variety of prey items, will be beneficial to the wellbeing of that animal. Obesity is rampant amongst certain reptile species, so reducing food provisions and introducing more active or unique live foods may prompt enrichment, exercise and better nutrition.

A Natural Boost

Many flying insects in the wild will carry some amount of pollen on them. Pollen is considered a superfood due to its 200+ natural compounds that include antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and antibiotics. The substance itself is also 35% protein and only 5% fats, which makes it generally very healthy for animals and humans alike. Whilst humans are only just discovering the medicinal benefits of bee pollen, animals have evolved to digest pollen as part of a natural diet. Chameleons, crested geckos, anoles and

more will eat a significant amount of pollen aggregates, whilst bearded dragons, collard lizards and other popular reptiles will also naturally consume pollen. Many diurnally active (and many nocturnal) insectivorous animals will hunt pollinating insects, simply because evolution has caused plants to develop brightly coloured flowers that attract insects during daylight hours. It isn’t just bees that pollinate either, many species of beetles, butterflies, wasps and other flying insects will frequent enough flowers to build a significant amount of pollen on their bodies.

In captivity, animals must be fed the closest available selection of foods to their natural diets. In some cases, crickets and locusts make up a large percentage of a wild animal's diet. However, many arboreal lizards will eat far more flying insects. In this case, dusting feeder insects with bee pollen can at least replicate some of the nutritional aspects of a species’ diet.

More and more frequently, chameleon keepers are breeding their own bees. This allows for a sustainable selection of drone bees to be used as feeders, whilst maintaining a hive has various ecological benefits. Not everyone can set up their own beehive at home, but investing in some bee pollen is the next best thing!

You are what you eat

Gutloading is one of the most important things you can do to ensure your animal receives a nutritious diet. Insects are typically rather chitinous, with tough exoskeletons and so the available space to pack with nutrients and moisture is limited. This means that essential nutrients can pass through an insect very quickly and although insect breeders will aim to ensure the bugs are well fed before leaving the facility, a day or two sat on a shop shelf, followed by a few days without adequate food in the keeper’s cupboards will undoubtedly drain a large percentage of the feeder insect’s goodness.

Most keepers will throw some old vegetables into a tub of crickets to extend their longevity, but it is important to be selective with what you use. Whilst celery, cucumber and lettuce may be rich in water, they do not contain much else. Instead, try carotenoid-rich veggies such as peppers, carrots and beetroot. Alternatively, use Bug Grub and Bug Gel to be certain the insects are well-fed with a wellrounded diet. You can always throw some fresh veggies into the tub as a bonus. The more care you put into your feeder insects’ diet, the better your food offerings are for your animal.

Serhii Shcherbyna/Shutterstock.com

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Mixed species feeds

Whilst not the most economically conscious choice, providing a range of insects in a single feed will open new hunting opportunities for a captive species. Instead of, for example, every cricket being picked off almost instantly and the occasional few dispersing into the terrarium, crickets, silkworms and bean weevils could be added at once. They will occupy different niches within the enclosure and prompt active hunting behaviours. If appropriate, allowing silkworms to metamorph into silkmoths, or allowing calciworms to become black soldier flies will allow new areas within the terrarium to become active hunting grounds for the pet. Lizards may leap for their prey, whilst frogs might utilise more space across the terrarium.

Herpetoculture went through a major shift in the late 90s and early 00s. A previously emerging hobby eventually turned its head towards more scientific practices. As reptile keeping became more popular, people wanted to protect their animals from ailments that we knew little about and a “sterile” approach to pet keeping emerged. Today, with better products and a greater understanding of animal husbandry practices available, we know that providing a varied diet is not only safe but beneficial to captive reptiles. Therefore, exploring new feeder insect species, different prey sizes, various stages of the developmental cycle and other innovative ways of simulating a natural diet is recommended.

FASCINATING FACT

World’s First Zoo

Archaeological discoveries suggest that the first ever zoo was built in Hierakonpolis in Ancient Egypt in 3,500BC. 112 animal remains were found from the dig spanning dozens of species. Careful assessment of the

bones suggests the animals were kept in captivity for some time and although their husbandry was (at best) sub-par, the mummification of their bodies indicates a level of respect or adoration for the menagerie.