1. Introduction

Green anole (Anolis carolinensis) is one of the smaller lizards, and is relatively easy to keep

In terraria, we can keep a wide range of species from different groups: all kinds of invertebrates, amphibians, reptiles, and even small mammals. Amphibians are considered the link between the aquatic and terrestrial animal worlds, as they were the first vertebrates to come out on land. Reptiles are a living reminder of the time when dinosaurs ruled the Earth. Modern living toads, frogs, salamanders, crocodiles, turtles, lizards and snakes are loved for their unusual appearance, attractive colours and interesting behaviour.

The world of invertebrates is rich in fabulously colourful arachnids or beetles. However, it is important to remember that animals kept in terrariums do not meet the requirements most people have for domestic pets. Although some of them can be tamed and recognize the owner and associate him or her with food, you can’t count on a strong bond forming between the animal and the caretaker. We won’t teach them tricks or responding to a name. If future keepers of a tortoise, lizard or snake are aware of this and do not expect attachment from their animals, they will certainly avoid disappointment, and terraristics will introduce them to the extremely interesting world of animals. Those for whom observation alone is not enough will surely find species that they can pick out of the terrarium from time to time to interact with them more closely. However, the vast majority are animals that don’t like to be taken out of their hiding places very often. Before buying the species of your dream amphibian or reptile, it is essential to know its living requirements. Such knowledge will allow you to prepare the appropriate aquaterrarium/terrarium equipped with all necessary accessories. The best idea is to start with species known for their good immunity, well-adapted for terrarium life and with low dietary needs such as axolotl (Ambystoma

mexicanum), African clawed frog (Xenopus laevis), oriental fire-bellied toad (Bombina orientalis), tiger salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum), corn snake (Pantherophis guttatus), African house snake (Lamprophis fuliginosus), crested gecko (Correlophus ciliatus), leopard gecko (Eublepharis macularius), central bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps), Chinese water dragon (Physignathus cocincinus), green anole (Anolis carolinensis) or semi-aquatic turtles (such as Chinese pond turtle (Chinemys reevesii)). The best option is to buy your pet in a specialist pet shop or directly from a breeder recommended by other hobbyists. This strategy eliminates the danger that your new pet will be in bad shape and the adventure with terrarium hobby will start with struggling with their illness. A good idea is to visit local fairs and terrarium exhibitions, where you can always meet breeders, other hobbyists and ask them about practical aspects of breeding the group of animals you are interested in. Such conversations are a valuable source of knowledge.

Signs of poor condition or disease may include:

• extreme leanness • fattening • presence of parasites (e.g. mites) • the lack of reaction to the environment • soiled cloacal region • skin inflammations • sunken or suppurating eyes • nasal discharge • deformations