tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22423392759820889712023-11-15T09:34:58.699-07:00The Reptile WhispererI'm starting this blog so I can share my life experiences on herps with those out there who LOVE them as much as I do! I've been around animals all my life especially reptiles and haven't yet come across one I couldn't tame. My friends have jokingly named me "The Reptile Whisperer" and it rightly suits me!The Reptile Whispererhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05911372921154370711noreply@blogger.comBlogger44125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2242339275982088971.post-50261585871071325492013-11-21T17:34:00.005-07:002013-11-21T17:34:41.265-07:00Asian Vine Snake (Ahatulla prasina)<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zDYiqDB8veg/Uo6lWbLuVcI/AAAAAAAAA5o/vVijhrYtAMk/s1600/avs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zDYiqDB8veg/Uo6lWbLuVcI/AAAAAAAAA5o/vVijhrYtAMk/s320/avs.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Female Asian Vine Snake. (this was when she was still in quarantine, being treated for parasites)</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Where do they live in the wild?</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">These snakes are found in Sri Lanka, India, China and most
of Southeast Asia, including many Pacific Islands.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>What habitat do they live in?</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Their natural habitat is humid rainforests. These snakes are highly arboreal and can be
found in trees and shrubs. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In captivity you must keep this in mind...Their enclosures
must be tall and full of plants and branches for climbing. Minimum enclosure size for this species is 24
inches x 24 inches x 36 inches tall, but bigger is better. Humidity must be kept high, around
60-80%. You can achieve this by spraying
in the enclosure twice a day and if necessary, using a fogger. Substrate can also help hold humidity, use
soil, moss, leaves and/or finely shredded cypress mulch. I suggest mixing these substrates for best
results...Ex: 50% soil with 50% moss or 50% mulch with 50% moss. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>When are they active?</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">They are a diurnal species, which means they are active in
the day time. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In captivity, you will need to provide lighting 12 hours a
day. Unlike most other snakes, Asian
vine snakes need a UVB/UVA light. Since
they are a tropical species the UV strength should be at least 5.0. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>What should the temperature gradient be?</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Enclosure ambient temperatures should be in the mid 80's
(degrees). You will also need to have a
basking lamp that produces a basking area around 95 degrees.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>What do they eat?</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Mainly lizards but they will also eat frogs and fish. Some Asian vine snakes in captivity can be
switched over to mice but it is very difficult.
Most will never take mice no matter how hard you try and will only eat
lizards. In captivity you can buy house
geckos and anoles to feed your snake.
They should be fed 4 adult sized lizards a week. These lizards should be gutloaded, just like
you do with crickets. Feed the lizards
gutloaded crickets dusted with calcium plus vitamin D3 powder before feeding
them to your snake. (Gutloading is where
you feed the intended prey healthy nutritious foods before feeding them to your
pet. Ex: Crickets should be fed fresh fruit and veggies 24 hours before you
feed them off. The reason for gutloading
prey is so that your pet will have a nutritious meal full of necessary vitamins
etc.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Watering?</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Asian vine snakes are similar to chameleons and anoles in
that they cannot see standing water and will not drink from a water bowl. These snakes will either have to be hand
misted daily so they can drink the water droplets or be provided with a
dripper. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Vision...</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">These snakes have really cool looking eyes! Instead of having a round or vertical pupil,
their pupil is horizontal. They also
have excellent vision; some say they have the best and most accurate strikes of
any snake. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Handling??? Bites???</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">These snakes are rear-fang venomous which means
instead of venom being dispersed by large teeth in the front of the mouth, it
is dispensed by larger teeth at the back of the mouth. These snakes, after catching their prey will
slowly chew with their back teeth to work the venom into their prey. After the prey is subdued the snake will
start to swallow it, often prey is still alive.
Asian vine snakes have a very mild venom, not strong enough to kill a
human, but if bitten, swelling and nausea can occur. That being said, it is not wise to handle
these snakes if you have allergies to insect bites and stings as you could also
be allergic to the mild venom. Over-all
these snakes are quite docile and tolerate handling well. As long as you are not mistreating the snake
it shouldn’t try to bite you. If bites
do occur it is usually from a feeding accident.
You should always feed these snakes with tongs and not your hands. Also, these snakes, just like other snakes,
can mistake your hand for food when you first put your hand in the </span>enclosure. Do not
rush your hand inside, instead move slow so the snake has a chance to realize
your hand isn’t food. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When roaming about the house these snakes are fun to
watch. They do not move like other snakes
and slither with most of the body touching the ground. They tend to stick up half their bodies as
they slither looking for a high place to crawl up. They can also horizontally stick out most of
their body like a branch while only holding on to something by the tail. Very cool to watch them climb up and over
things! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Life span?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There is very little information regarding life span as most of these snakes are sold as wild caught adults. Very few people have ever bred them successfully. So far it is estimated they can live 10+ years. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Size...</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">They can reach up to 6 feet in length. Females tend to be bigger than males.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Breeding...</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">These snakes are live bearing and will give birth to a small litter of babies three months after copulation. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Health care...</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Since most of these snakes are wild caught you will have to treat them for parasites. This can be a challenge because you have to give wormer orally. Wear gloves so you do not get bitten by accident when administering medications. Sometimes you will also have to treat for mites, respiratory infection, fungus etc. (see my other post Care of newly acquired reptiles </span><a href="http://thereptilewhisperer.blogspot.com/2010/05/care-of-newly-acquired-reptiles.html">http://thereptilewhisperer.blogspot.com/2010/05/care-of-newly-acquired-reptiles.html</a> <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">to learn how to treat for parasites and illness). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Social?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Both sexes or same sex pairs/groups can be housed together and get along just fine. </span></div>
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The Reptile Whispererhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05911372921154370711noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2242339275982088971.post-36629071411057449282013-10-30T10:25:00.000-06:002013-10-30T10:25:40.516-06:00How to take care of lizard eggs<a href="http://www.wikihow.com/Take-Care-of-Lizard-Eggs">http://www.wikihow.com/Take-Care-of-Lizard-Eggs</a>The Reptile Whispererhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05911372921154370711noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2242339275982088971.post-22268141860095516222013-09-09T09:25:00.000-06:002013-09-09T09:25:35.592-06:00Care for the beautiful green tree monitor. <b>Care for the
beautiful green tree monitor.</b><br />
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By Kathy Brown<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wSCgiJJViAQ/Ui3UCaOnHjI/AAAAAAAAAzU/7VOajqbzVN4/s1600/jade.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wSCgiJJViAQ/Ui3UCaOnHjI/AAAAAAAAAzU/7VOajqbzVN4/s1600/jade.jpg" height="320" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jade (female).</td></tr>
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The green or emerald tree monitor (<i>Varanus prasinus</i>) is bright green in
coloration with black cross bars down its back.
It can be seen with or without light blue flecks and has a light to dark
yellow throat and belly. As an arboreal
monitor, its long, linear body and limbs, along with its fully prehensile tail,
black rubbery foot pads and sharp needle like nails, make it well suited for a
life in the trees.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>Varanus
prasinus</i> is the smallest species in a group of monitor lizards known as the
prasinus complex. Adults typically reach
between 24 to 36 inches long, and about half this length is the span of their
tail. They are diurnal lizards, and
during the day, they can be seen climbing and jumping, sometimes swinging from
branches by their tails. Their alert,
curious personalities often outweigh their fear, and they end up investigating
everything new, including people.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U6ufyk7Zvg0/Ui3UTg1eLqI/AAAAAAAAAzc/fjCBPfANHLE/s1600/emeril9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U6ufyk7Zvg0/Ui3UTg1eLqI/AAAAAAAAAzc/fjCBPfANHLE/s1600/emeril9.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smelling the flowers.</td></tr>
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<b>Arboreal Habitat<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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In the
wild, these monitors are found on mainland New Guinea and a few surrounding
islands. They inhabit rain and palm forests, mangrove swamps and cocoa
plantations. Keep these origins in mind
when housing them in captivity. Given
that they are a very active species, their minimum enclosure size is 6 feet
tall, 4 feet long and 2 feet wide. The
walls should be covered in something that allows these lizards to climb. I use cork sheets; not only are they a great
climbing surface, but they also help to maintain humidity. <o:p></o:p></div>
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When
building or buying an enclosure, it is important that it hold heat and humidity
well but still have good ventilation. In
my enclosure, I have a solid top and walls with ultraviolet and heat lights
attached to the ceiling inside. There
are two vents for air flow, one is at the top on the back wall and the other is
on the front wall at the bottom. This
placement allows for air circulation without losing too much heat and
humidity. Substrates that hold humidity
should be used; examples may include moss, cypress mulch, soil or a soil and
sand mix. Avoid rocks or pebbles, as
they do not hold humidity and could be accidentally ingested.</div>
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These
monitors need plenty of climbing branches, foliage, hides and a nest box. In my enclosure, I have a sturdy, central
tree. This was made by screwing smaller
branches onto a thicker, upright branch held in place by a plastic
Christmas-tree base. I then attached a
large cork tube and fake plants. There
are also artificial plants and vines attached to the enclosure’s walls. Hiding places and foliage are important for
making these monitors feel secure. Nest
boxes should be placed up high, toward the top of the enclosure, and filled
with damp moss. I use a nest box that is
around 3 feet tall, 1 foot wide and 2 feet long, with a branch attached under a
2 ½ inch hole. Monitors use these nest
boxes for sleeping in at night and for laying eggs.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GyApigyVa7g/Ui3UpbpUxlI/AAAAAAAAAzk/DmkdL6nBhfE/s1600/cage1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GyApigyVa7g/Ui3UpbpUxlI/AAAAAAAAAzk/DmkdL6nBhfE/s1600/cage1.jpg" height="320" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Emeril and Jade's (<i>V. prasinus</i> pair) enclosure.</td></tr>
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<b>Heat, Humidity and
Watering<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b> </b>Ambient enclosure
temperatures should be kept between 85 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit, with basking
areas between 110 and 120 degrees. Very young
green tree monitors prefer the lower side of 110 degrees for basking. If housing a pair of these monitors together,
provide two basking areas to avoid competition.
In my pair’s enclosure, I have one basking area at the lower side of
their temperature preference and one basking area at the higher side of their
temperature preference so they may thermoregulate accordingly. Heat is important for their digestion and
vitamin absorption. Also, if they get
too cold, it could lead to respiratory illness.</div>
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Humidity
is also imperative and should be kept between 70 and 100 percent. Failure to do so will result in dehydration,
as well as bad shedding, where toes and tail tips might fall off. Stuck sheds can cut off blood flow to these
areas, much like a tourniquet would.
Although I have never seen any of my nine tree monitors use their water
bowls, I still recommend providing one large enough for the monitors to soak
in. That said, if you see your monitor
soaking, this could be a sign of dehydration due to humidity being kept too
low. These are not aquatic/semi-aquatic
species, so excess soaking is a sign something is wrong. All the tree monitors that I keep prefer to
drink when I lightly mist them on the body and face. When they start drinking, I spray gently on
their mouth until they stop drinking. I
mist enclosures at least twice a day for this reason, and also to keep up
humidity. To further help with humidity,
I use a fogger, especially during the drier winter months.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xlc96ncIos8/Ui3U7u96EoI/AAAAAAAAAzs/9q9OcoQ13gU/s1600/pair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xlc96ncIos8/Ui3U7u96EoI/AAAAAAAAAzs/9q9OcoQ13gU/s1600/pair.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Emeril (bottom) and Jade (top) basking together.</td></tr>
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<b>Diet and lighting <o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b> </b>In the wild, these monitors
primarily eat invertebrates. For this
reason, the main diet of my <i>V. prasinus</i>
is a variety of insects. In addition, a
couple times a month, I will offer meaty items such as rodents, chicks or
ground turkey mixed with a calcium/vitamin supplement and a small amount of
egg. These active monitors must be fed
daily. Adults typically eat about a
dozen insects a day. My green tree
monitor’s favorite commercially available insect is the lobster roach, and it
is the only type of roach they will eat.
They will also take crickets, locusts, hornworms, the moths the
hornworms turn into and occasionally superworms. Gut-load all insects with fresh fruits and
vegetables, dust them with a calcium with added vitamin D3 supplement once a
week and dust them with a multivitamin once a month. Vitamin D3 is important to reptiles, as it
allows them to absorb the calcium in their diet. Without it, reptiles develop hypercalcaemia,
a form of metabolic bone disease.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Also
necessary to prevent hypercalcaemia is the use of a UVA/UVB light. The UVB in these bulbs allows a reptile to
make its own vitamin D3. I recommend a
5.0 or 10.0 UV light for this species.
Care should be taken with the placement of these lights. Read the instructions that come with them to
find out how far away from the monitor they should be placed. Too close and the light could be harmful, too
far and the beneficial UVB will not be utilized. Replace UV lights every six months to a year,
as UV rays produced by these lights decay over time. The UVA, also put off by these lights, is
beneficial for overall reptile health and vision. Reptiles see UVA and without it, they are
essentially color blind.<o:p></o:p></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4CnvoYLfZjg/Ui3VKijnylI/AAAAAAAAAz0/vXOeGg1J94c/s1600/emeril11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4CnvoYLfZjg/Ui3VKijnylI/AAAAAAAAAz0/vXOeGg1J94c/s1600/emeril11.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Emeril (male).</td></tr>
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<b>Quarantine and
Healthcare<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b> </b>Unfortunately, most <i>V. prasinus</i> in the pet trade are wild-caught. Not many people breed this species in
captivity for a variety of reasons. I
speculate that it is mostly because they require significant care and are
considered high-maintenance. The other
reason is probably because they are expensive to buy and keep. Hopefully, as their popularity increases,
more hobbyists will keep and breed this wonderful lizard. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Green
tree monitors are usually sold for $500 to $1,000 each, so it is important to
make sure they are healthy and stay that way.
Upon first receiving any new reptile, always quarantine it away from
existing collections for three to six months.
Wild-caught reptiles are often infected with parasites and/or
respiratory illness. Over half the tree
monitors in my collection were infected with both and needed treatment with the
proper medications. Reptiles can also,
more rarely, be infected with fungus, and if possible, should be kept in a
separate room away from other reptiles.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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During
quarantine, new animals may be housed in large tanks. This aids in getting fecal samples for your
veterinarian, easy clean up of fecal matter and disinfecting when treating for
parasites, and easier access to the monitor when giving daily medications. It is important to note that when using tanks
with a screen lid, most of the lid must be covered to prevent heat and humidity
from escaping. I have had success using
foil for this purpose, but you can also use wood or plastic. After the first week, make an appointment
with a knowledgeable herp veterinarian for a health check and fecal exam. After your new <i>V. prasinus</i> is deemed healthy and parasite-free, you may move it
into a bigger enclosure, but do not expose this new lizard to any others before
the three to six month time period is up.
Some illnesses take a while to develop, and it is always better to be
safe than sorry.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WtSO6l4K_yQ/Ui3V56f93hI/AAAAAAAAA0A/hLtEl7Ukccw/s1600/esex.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WtSO6l4K_yQ/Ui3V56f93hI/AAAAAAAAA0A/hLtEl7Ukccw/s1600/esex.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Male side view of hemipenal bulges</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3-8Pf4VVJOg/Ui3V_oa_jAI/AAAAAAAAA0I/OXI8vN3Ancs/s1600/esex1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3-8Pf4VVJOg/Ui3V_oa_jAI/AAAAAAAAA0I/OXI8vN3Ancs/s1600/esex1.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Male underside view of hemipenal bulges. The dark patch under the tail base shown here are scale glands for scenting.<br /><b> </b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ccG5kVwlUDQ/Ui3ZbjPb05I/AAAAAAAAA0U/kPiJ9CefE6A/s1600/jsex.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ccG5kVwlUDQ/Ui3ZbjPb05I/AAAAAAAAA0U/kPiJ9CefE6A/s1600/jsex.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Female side view.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</b></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YJ3RsmsHeBk/Ui3ZgcArCNI/AAAAAAAAA0c/G6oTwHGRGQo/s1600/jsex1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YJ3RsmsHeBk/Ui3ZgcArCNI/AAAAAAAAA0c/G6oTwHGRGQo/s1600/jsex1.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Female underside view.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Sexing and Reproduction</b><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sexing these monitors is
easy when you know what to look for.
Males have large hemipenal bulges at their tail base, which are visible
at an early age. Females also have bulges,
but they do not extend very far underneath or on the sides, as seen in
males. Both sexes can fully or partially
evert their sexual organs when frightened or defecating. This confuses most keepers, as they can look
similar. In females, you can see the end
of their hemiclitoris as a small, dark star-shaped tip, and eversion protrudes
this maybe a quarter to half an inch. In
males, that are only partially everted to the same length, the dark star-shaped
tip is not present. When males fully
evert their hemipenes, they are about 2 inches long.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Over
the years, a few zoos and hobbyists have been able to captive breed and hatch
out neonates of this species. In the
wild, it has been documented that in one instance, <i>V. prasinus</i> eggs were laid inside a termite nest, and upon hatching
the neonates consumed the termites before emerging outside the nest. In captivity, however, these monitors use
nest boxes filled with various types of moisture-retaining substrates. Females reach sexual maturity at two years of
age and have been observed laying clutches of two to six eggs up to three times
a year. Copulation occurs when a female
is healthy and well-fed enough to cycle.
The male and female will stay joined for hours, sometimes several days
before the copulation time-period is over.
Between 30 to 40 days after the first day of copulation, the female will
go in her nest box, dig a tunnel and lay her eggs. It is best to remove the male from the
enclosure a week before you think the female will lay her eggs. Females can be very protective of their nests
and have been known to kill males while guarding their eggs. After a week or more, you may reintroduce
males back into the enclosure. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I
remove eggs from their nest box promptly.
They are either placed into a Suspension Incubation Method container,
otherwise known as S.I.M. container, or placed in a container with moist
incubation substrate. Incubation
temperature is set to 85 degrees and neonates usually hatch within 150 to 190
days. Neonates usually take a few days
to hatch out of the egg completely.
After hatching, they are placed into a small ten gallon tank with a
partially-covered screen lid. The tank
is set up with climbing branches, vines, a hide and a water bowl. The preferred basking temperature of neonates
is around 100 degrees. They are small,
their skin very thin and it does not take long for them to heat up to desired
body temperatures. Care and feeding is
similar to adults, just on a smaller scale.
At one month of age you may move babies into a larger tank, 40-60
gallons and at six months of age you may move them into adult enclosures. <o:p></o:p></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--YaJih0jMlk/Ui3bRvIAlWI/AAAAAAAAA0k/gf4xXwrNSBw/s1600/breeding1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--YaJih0jMlk/Ui3bRvIAlWI/AAAAAAAAA0k/gf4xXwrNSBw/s1600/breeding1.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Breeding.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Kub-qsKnXd8/Ui3bY80CvuI/AAAAAAAAA0s/k3hXpswWRIE/s1600/eggs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Kub-qsKnXd8/Ui3bY80CvuI/AAAAAAAAA0s/k3hXpswWRIE/s1600/eggs.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eggs in containers with incubation medium (top shelf) and eggs in a S.I.M. (bottom shelf).</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--HOX8HpAxTo/Ui3bicIAyQI/AAAAAAAAA00/RSk4uQyLOWk/s1600/babyhatching.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--HOX8HpAxTo/Ui3bicIAyQI/AAAAAAAAA00/RSk4uQyLOWk/s1600/babyhatching.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hatching.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xfMov3LPtWk/Ui3blTLIE4I/AAAAAAAAA08/loU2VVGTA5k/s1600/baby7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xfMov3LPtWk/Ui3blTLIE4I/AAAAAAAAA08/loU2VVGTA5k/s1600/baby7.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Neonate.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Temperament and
Handling<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b> </b><i>Varanus prasinus</i> is a gentle-manned monitor that is typically all
bark and no bite when frightened.
Fleeing the scene is the first thing they try to do. If cornered, they inflate their throats,
slightly open their mouths and curl their tails to their bodies for
protection. Their tails are an invaluable
tool for climbing and are not used as a whip like some other lizards. They are also gentle when walking on people
and eating from someone’s hand. Mine
will actually turn their heads so they angle their bite on prey to avoid biting
my fingers.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Along
with being gentle, they are also smart and curious. Keep this in mind when building a cage. If there is possibly a way out, they will
find it. When I built mine, I used cord
grommets for the electrical cords. After
a year, my female decided to hook her claws into the tiny crack where the
grommet met the wood. She swung her whole
body out over and over until there was enough room to fit in her upper
jaw. She then jiggled and pried using
both her claws and her mouth, and eventually hung using her weight to
completely take it off. Luckily, I was
there watching and took her down off the top of the enclosure after she made
her exit. As a result, I now seal cord
grommets in place with sealant. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Due to
their curious personalities, and contrary to popular belief, these lizards can
become very tame and interactive with people.
The younger the lizard is when acquired, the easier it is to get it to
trust you. The best option would be to
find a very young, captive born <i>V. prasinus</i>. Unfortunately, these are hard to find. If possible, try to get young, wild-caught
lizards instead of adults. Adult
wild-caught <i>V. prasinus</i> are shy and
take some time to acclimate to captivity.
These adults can become tame after a while, but they are not nearly as
interactive with people as a baby raised by its keeper. With young <i>V. prasinus</i>, there is little to no effort in getting them to trust
you. Simply stick your hand in the
enclosure and wait for them to come over and check you out. Try not to move or make any noise as you do
not want to frighten them. Eventually,
curiosity outweighs fear, and they will slowly climb up to investigate. Be still and let them walk on you. Move slowly, and never grab them. After a few weeks of this behavior, the
lizard learns that you are not a threat and will want to come out and explore
more and more often. Handled daily in
short 10-to-15 minute sessions, a young <i>V.
prasinus</i> will become a very interactive adult monitor. Do not handle these monitors for more than 15
minutes at a time. Normal household
temperatures and humidity are not high enough for prolonged handling and too
much could cause illness.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O_UIPLQhPKI/Ui3cyUmqtJI/AAAAAAAAA1Q/3IhliE8b6_c/s1600/babyp2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O_UIPLQhPKI/Ui3cyUmqtJI/AAAAAAAAA1Q/3IhliE8b6_c/s1600/babyp2.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Four month old baby.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Inquisitive and
Engaging<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b> </b>The personalities of all
monitors in the prasinus complex appear similar. They are curious, inquisitive and interactive
with people once trust is established. I
frequently let all my tree monitors roam about my reptile room while I am in
there working. I only take out one
species at a time to avoid possible quarrels between them. All the monitors love to explore and walk
around. They like to watch everything
going on, what I am doing and if I happen to walk by, they just might leap on
my back!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The
pair of <i>V. prasinus</i> I have raised
from babies have no fear of people. They
readily jump from me to new people to investigate, often climbing in their
clothes to see what is in there. They
eat from my hand, sit on my head while I walk around and follow me indoors and
outside without ever running away.
Often, when my male is outside his enclosure, he rubs his scale glands
all over everything, including people, trying to mark his territory. He rubs his head, belly and the underside of
his tail base on objects and wiggles around.
This is very funny to watch! I’ve
kept many reptiles throughout my life, and I have to say <i>V.prasinus</i> is by far my favorite.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4m8jlu7NBCI/Ui3d4FL-YMI/AAAAAAAAA1c/0ep_PzSOelQ/s1600/emeril.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4m8jlu7NBCI/Ui3d4FL-YMI/AAAAAAAAA1c/0ep_PzSOelQ/s1600/emeril.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Emeril coming out of his enclosure.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JXEsOr_n5po/Ui3d6uzeO0I/AAAAAAAAA1k/cMk83iTUavw/s1600/emeriloncomp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JXEsOr_n5po/Ui3d6uzeO0I/AAAAAAAAA1k/cMk83iTUavw/s1600/emeriloncomp.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Emeril seeing what my daughter is doing on the computer.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-30grq03ulYs/Ui3gaYeaY0I/AAAAAAAAA1w/r6IfqKh2Qj8/s1600/bbwindow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-30grq03ulYs/Ui3gaYeaY0I/AAAAAAAAA1w/r6IfqKh2Qj8/s1600/bbwindow.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baby investigating the window.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H3j62YONypg/Ui3geMJP_KI/AAAAAAAAA14/EIN9yNHTqJw/s1600/emeril+chin+rub.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H3j62YONypg/Ui3geMJP_KI/AAAAAAAAA14/EIN9yNHTqJw/s1600/emeril+chin+rub.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Emeril getting a chin rub.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QIQekF0sIz4/Ui3gj7MVG9I/AAAAAAAAA2A/NlrRq5tWQU4/s1600/emerildarian.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QIQekF0sIz4/Ui3gj7MVG9I/AAAAAAAAA2A/NlrRq5tWQU4/s1600/emerildarian.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Emeril trying to get to my son who is hiding under a shirt.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wHqG4ypP9WE/Ui3gnI_PttI/AAAAAAAAA2I/OHKPGMYlPyc/s1600/emerilout.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wHqG4ypP9WE/Ui3gnI_PttI/AAAAAAAAA2I/OHKPGMYlPyc/s1600/emerilout.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Emeril wanting to come out.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mqvgh1PlRYE/Ui3gqvUZNzI/AAAAAAAAA2Q/xQ2ccBOoVlk/s1600/emerilsierra.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mqvgh1PlRYE/Ui3gqvUZNzI/AAAAAAAAA2Q/xQ2ccBOoVlk/s1600/emerilsierra.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Emeril trying to get out to my daughter.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g9c3lSlils8/Ui3gtpLPsfI/AAAAAAAAA2Y/Azjx8vtnfZo/s1600/jade+curtains.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g9c3lSlils8/Ui3gtpLPsfI/AAAAAAAAA2Y/Azjx8vtnfZo/s1600/jade+curtains.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jade climbing my curtains.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_XZ5_ZWDSyU/Ui3gxvHKKRI/AAAAAAAAA2g/rU93d7woj2c/s1600/jadepants.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_XZ5_ZWDSyU/Ui3gxvHKKRI/AAAAAAAAA2g/rU93d7woj2c/s1600/jadepants.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jade crawling out of my friends pants.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ans1341vsyg/Ui3g0Kcq10I/AAAAAAAAA2o/d6TjviTRjrs/s1600/jadeplants.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ans1341vsyg/Ui3g0Kcq10I/AAAAAAAAA2o/d6TjviTRjrs/s1600/jadeplants.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jade investigating my plants.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Others in the
prasinus complex <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b> </b>There are currently nine
known species of tree monitors belonging to the prasinus complex. These are green or emerald (<i>Varanus prasinus</i>), blue (<i>V. macraei</i>), yellow (<i>V. reisingeri</i>), kordo or biak (<i>V. kordensis</i>), black (<i>V. beccarii</i>), golden spotted (<i>V. boehmei</i>), <i>V. bogerti</i>, <i>V. kehorneiith</i> and <i>V. telenestes</i>. These
monitors are found in different locations, including New Guinea, its
surrounding islands and Australia. All
are arboreal and have the same body type, tails and specialized foot pads. Care for all of them is similar. Besides <i>V.
prasinus</i>, I currently keep <i>V. macraei</i>,
<i>V. reisingeri</i>, <i>V. kordensis</i> and <i>V. beccarii</i>. <o:p></o:p></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-arha3qs0seE/Ui3k4W2kzKI/AAAAAAAAA20/v6rSnLyG6gU/s1600/blue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-arha3qs0seE/Ui3k4W2kzKI/AAAAAAAAA20/v6rSnLyG6gU/s1600/blue.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Male blue tree monitor.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Varanus macraei</i> is found on Bantana and
is the largest species belonging to the prasinus complex. They can grow up to 38 inches total
length. Their main color is black to
dark blue, with bright blue ocelli and spotted bands across their bodies, limbs
and tail. Their snout, throat and belly
are light blue to gray, with or without orange flecks. Given that they are larger than <i>V. prasinus</i>, a larger enclosure would be
appreciated if you have the room. With
any of the tree monitor species, the bigger the enclosure, the better.<o:p></o:p></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vDOu_Zu29FM/Ui3k_c-UuRI/AAAAAAAAA28/t2eFyirFknA/s1600/yellow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vDOu_Zu29FM/Ui3k_c-UuRI/AAAAAAAAA28/t2eFyirFknA/s1600/yellow.jpg" height="320" width="273" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Female yellow tree monitor.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Varanus reisingeri</i> is found on Misol and
falls only an inch or so shorter in total length than <i>V. macraei</i>. The main color
of this monitor is bright yellow to neon green with black cross bars going down
the back, with or without yellow flecks.
Their throat and belly is light to dark yellow. The pair I keep are gorgeous and brightly
colored. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8kCmEXonV-4/Ui3lhCUjggI/AAAAAAAAA3M/cRPFeF-Z0ZU/s1600/kordo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8kCmEXonV-4/Ui3lhCUjggI/AAAAAAAAA3M/cRPFeF-Z0ZU/s1600/kordo.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Female Kordo monitor eating a hornworm.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Varanus kordensis</i> is found on Biak and
is also only a few inches shorter than <i>V.
macraei</i>. This monitor is sometimes
mistaken for <i>V. prasinus</i> because its
main color is also green. Besides the
size difference in these monitors, they are different shades of green and have
different back patterns. This monitor’s
main color is olive green to grayish blue/green with a black lace or net-like
pattern going down the backs, which turns into black flecks when going down the
tails. Their throats and bellies are
greenish/gray to light brown. Although
not as brightly colored as <i>V. prasinus</i>,
<i>V. macraei</i> and <i>V. reisingeri</i>, they are still beautiful. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Varanus telenestes</i>, called the Rossel
Island monitor, is found on Rossel and is protected. It has a black body and a cream belly
decorated with brown spots. Its throat
is banded. Total length is around 28
inches.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Varanus keithhornei</i>, also known as the
canopy monitor, is the only tree monitor found in Australia and is
protected. It is located in the rain
forest region of Cape York in northern Queensland. It is dark gray to black with or without
faint large spots on the back and has a light gray colored belly. Its total length is around 30 inches.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Varanus boehmei</i> is found on Waigeo and
is around the same size as <i>V. macraei</i>. It has a black body with golden yellow spots
and a light colored belly. It looks very
similar to <i>V. macraei</i> replacing the
blue markings for gold. <o:p></o:p></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OBj4LLrLKYM/Ui3lMkdRmxI/AAAAAAAAA3E/pShYI_Pff4U/s1600/black.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OBj4LLrLKYM/Ui3lMkdRmxI/AAAAAAAAA3E/pShYI_Pff4U/s1600/black.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Female black tree monitor.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Varanus beccarii</i> is found on Aru and is
completely solid black. Its scales are
very shiny making it look like polished black onyx. Most <i>V.
beccarii</i> I have seen have brown eyes, but the one I have has bright
red/orange eyes. This makes for an
exceptional looking lizard. This monitor
reaches a total length of 37 inches.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Varanus bogerti</i>, also known as Bogert’s
monitor, is found on Fergusson, Normanby and St. Aignan islands (off of
northeast New Guinea), and is protected.
It is dark, nearly black in color.
No live specimens have been found.
The preserved body discovered is currently at the Natural History Museum
in London. It is estimated to be around
29 to 39 inches total length. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Protected<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
All tree monitors in the prasinus
complex are listed as CITES II. This
means they are not endangered now, but trade needs to be regulated in a way as
to prevent over collecting. Different countries also have their own
protection they can give to species.
Unfortunately many reptiles are smuggled illegally in the pet
trade. Quite a few are listed as
farm-bred from the country they come from, but you can tell they are wild-caught
animals.<o:p></o:p></div>
The Reptile Whispererhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05911372921154370711noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2242339275982088971.post-84099216332165714402013-05-14T17:26:00.001-06:002013-05-14T17:26:03.920-06:00Green tree monitors (playlist) <br />
This is a playlist of all my Green tree monitor videos. It starts from when I got Emeril as a baby 4 years ago and ends with videos of his baby:) <br />
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<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/videoseries?list=PL585014EF63EB6AC2" width="425"></iframe>The Reptile Whispererhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05911372921154370711noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2242339275982088971.post-83873754667436566422013-05-01T14:36:00.004-06:002013-05-01T14:36:43.157-06:00My first Green tree monitor (Varanus prasinus) hatchling!So the day has finally come where I have succeeded in hatching out a Green tree monitor! It's been about four years since I first got my pair of Greens as a baby and a juvenile. The first two years I waited for them to grow up and the next two years were spent collecting eggs and trying to hatch them. It has taken a long time to hatch a baby because my pair only lays eggs about every six months, and only three eggs are laid at a time.<br />
<br />
My first clutch died when I failed to remove the eggs fast enough and the male ate them. The second clutch died when I had a power failure one winter. The third clutch died right before hatching when I added too much water to the incubation medium. It was starting to dry out and I got nervous. My forth clutch I did the exact same thing as I did with the third, I'm lucky all the eggs didn't die. This forth clutch I killed two eggs but the third egg survived and hatched:) Lesson learned...NEVER add water to the incubation medium, even if it is drying out! <br />
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In this photo the baby is starting to pip after 158 days of incubation. Notice the dark spot on the top right of the egg.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ex2dBZ3pbkg/UYF3OrjmwqI/AAAAAAAAAvE/9fJJGk75I-c/s1600/babypip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ex2dBZ3pbkg/UYF3OrjmwqI/AAAAAAAAAvE/9fJJGk75I-c/s1600/babypip.jpg" /></a></div>
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The next day...the baby is resting with it's head sticking out of the egg.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-thOI78yf8JU/UYF3w95_W3I/AAAAAAAAAvM/JzLf7UCMfP8/s1600/babyhatching.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-thOI78yf8JU/UYF3w95_W3I/AAAAAAAAAvM/JzLf7UCMfP8/s320/babyhatching.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Later that night after hatching...some photos of when I first put the baby in it's cage. It still has parts of the egg and incubation medium stuck to it's back.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jop3gGOGD5o/UYF4J1N-hBI/AAAAAAAAAvU/HQb8G0N6RlA/s1600/baby2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jop3gGOGD5o/UYF4J1N-hBI/AAAAAAAAAvU/HQb8G0N6RlA/s320/baby2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0gVUFFyV3gI/UYF4M57r58I/AAAAAAAAAvc/8oy2cbXMmE8/s1600/baby3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0gVUFFyV3gI/UYF4M57r58I/AAAAAAAAAvc/8oy2cbXMmE8/s320/baby3.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<br />
Already, not even 5 minutes in it's new home it is trying to run around and get out of it's cage hahaha!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2VUUaEz9A3Q/UYF4O-9Y0NI/AAAAAAAAAvk/s0zPGGg1WLc/s1600/baby4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2VUUaEz9A3Q/UYF4O-9Y0NI/AAAAAAAAAvk/s0zPGGg1WLc/s320/baby4.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<br />
A day after hatching...I stuck my hand in the cage and just like it's parents it crawled out:)<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j9tTkjzpBaw/UYF45NYmalI/AAAAAAAAAvs/TBKLuXuEAyA/s1600/baby1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j9tTkjzpBaw/UYF45NYmalI/AAAAAAAAAvs/TBKLuXuEAyA/s320/baby1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lFGC2Rtorq0/UYF46sw16dI/AAAAAAAAAv0/y0cujArAvUc/s1600/baby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lFGC2Rtorq0/UYF46sw16dI/AAAAAAAAAv0/y0cujArAvUc/s320/baby.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Chilling out on the cork tube...<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2_w9H6NTwhI/UYF5QkeeBVI/AAAAAAAAAv8/KBY3ZGykVpg/s1600/baby5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2_w9H6NTwhI/UYF5QkeeBVI/AAAAAAAAAv8/KBY3ZGykVpg/s320/baby5.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<br />
A few days old. I added a dozen small crickets to his/her cage...came back and they were gone! Look how fat his/her belly is hahaha!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YxSTT-yI3fQ/UYF5k8J-9RI/AAAAAAAAAwE/UGJYDVZM53Q/s1600/baby7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YxSTT-yI3fQ/UYF5k8J-9RI/AAAAAAAAAwE/UGJYDVZM53Q/s320/baby7.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<br />
This little baby is the cutest lizard ever! I look forward to raising him/her up just like I did his/her parents:)<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S7zBouWqZXk/UYF5mmZ5cSI/AAAAAAAAAwM/c6xdWrX40OU/s1600/baby6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S7zBouWqZXk/UYF5mmZ5cSI/AAAAAAAAAwM/c6xdWrX40OU/s320/baby6.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<br />
<br />
<br />
Here are some videos I put up of the baby.<br />
<br />
Emeril and Jade had a baby:-)<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sUHqLcZQ2DA&list=UU1BDaeqhRD3LXBSk2xYXgPA&index=3">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sUHqLcZQ2DA&list=UU1BDaeqhRD3LXBSk2xYXgPA&index=3</a><br />
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Baby in his cage<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EWPL4YA_AYs&list=UU1BDaeqhRD3LXBSk2xYXgPA&index=2">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EWPL4YA_AYs&list=UU1BDaeqhRD3LXBSk2xYXgPA&index=2</a><br />
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Baby walking in my hands<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCdKdU9XVlo&list=UU1BDaeqhRD3LXBSk2xYXgPA&index=1">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCdKdU9XVlo&list=UU1BDaeqhRD3LXBSk2xYXgPA&index=1</a><br />
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<br />The Reptile Whispererhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05911372921154370711noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2242339275982088971.post-19485308009754135352013-03-29T17:53:00.002-06:002013-03-29T17:53:31.943-06:00Tiniest Chameleon, Brookesia Micra, Discovered On Madagascar Island The smallest chameleon in the world (Brookesia micra) is so tiny it can sit on the head of a match! It's so adorable! Click on the link below to read about it.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/02/15/tiniest-chameleon-madagascar-brookesia-micra_n_1280151.html">http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/02/15/tiniest-chameleon-madagascar-brookesia-micra_n_1280151.html</a><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WyAhRyHL32I/UVYouAptKSI/AAAAAAAAAuk/YiRuXj2sZXs/s1600/r-CHAMELEON-large570.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WyAhRyHL32I/UVYouAptKSI/AAAAAAAAAuk/YiRuXj2sZXs/s320/r-CHAMELEON-large570.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MFqqQ8R86yA/UVYo7gQEzVI/AAAAAAAAAus/oiWEShjNlNI/s1600/CHAMELEON.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MFqqQ8R86yA/UVYo7gQEzVI/AAAAAAAAAus/oiWEShjNlNI/s320/CHAMELEON.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zUajmFJFPcA/UVYpWSgHBoI/AAAAAAAAAu0/KuHvQKGqVJI/s1600/CHAMELEON1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zUajmFJFPcA/UVYpWSgHBoI/AAAAAAAAAu0/KuHvQKGqVJI/s320/CHAMELEON1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
The Reptile Whispererhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05911372921154370711noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2242339275982088971.post-80493729861182956012013-03-29T17:28:00.001-06:002013-03-29T17:28:49.143-06:00Lizard fossil provides missing link to show body shapes of snakes and limbless lizards evolved independentlyClick on the link below to read how snakes evolved and are closer related to monitor lizards than legless lizards.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110518131416.htm#.UVYjK7L1AmE.blogger">Lizard fossil provides missing link to show body shapes of snakes and limbless lizards evolved independently</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ox8S8-AqNxs/UVYjVYW47yI/AAAAAAAAAuc/04NagVPodMI/s1600/110518131416-large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="220" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ox8S8-AqNxs/UVYjVYW47yI/AAAAAAAAAuc/04NagVPodMI/s320/110518131416-large.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>Image of the nearly complete fossil of Cryptolacerta hassiaca. (Credit: Image courtesy of University of Toronto)</em></div>The Reptile Whispererhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05911372921154370711noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2242339275982088971.post-14864735839896080902013-03-29T14:08:00.001-06:002013-03-29T14:08:54.711-06:00Turtles win greater protection at CITES meetingA WIN for the turtles! Yay! Click on the link below to read about it.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://news.mongabay.com/2013/0308-cites-turtles.html#fhqA3Hrq6H1mVBry.15">Turtles win greater protection at CITES meeting</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e3nwJq8FpDM/UVX0mcMltwI/AAAAAAAAAuM/jTzFsfQvl3A/s1600/sumatra_0510.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e3nwJq8FpDM/UVX0mcMltwI/AAAAAAAAAuM/jTzFsfQvl3A/s320/sumatra_0510.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>Freshwater turtle in Sumatra. Photo by Rhett A. Butler.</em> <br />
Read more at <a href="http://news.mongabay.com/2013/0308-cites-turtles.html#EGt418fmABQKumQ9.99" style="color: #003399;">http://news.mongabay.com/2013/0308-cites-turtles.html#EGt418fmABQKumQ9.99</a> </div>The Reptile Whispererhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05911372921154370711noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2242339275982088971.post-59025981095798972212013-03-29T14:03:00.001-06:002013-03-29T14:03:44.460-06:00Madagascar's chameleons came from African mainlandChameleon awesomeness! Click on the link below to learn about how Madagascar's chameleons came from Africa years ago.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://news.mongabay.com/2013/0329-madagascar-chameleon-origin.html#Wa7Ayxek2qgW1w7o.15">Madagascar's chameleons came from African mainland</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uZQ5HosOX1w/UVXyQJXCRiI/AAAAAAAAAtc/jRdVoE9nn38/s1600/madagascar_0226.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uZQ5HosOX1w/UVXyQJXCRiI/AAAAAAAAAtc/jRdVoE9nn38/s320/madagascar_0226.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><em>Parson's chameleon in Madagascar</em> </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"></span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EVstouHNtUM/UVXycyn5qwI/AAAAAAAAAtk/vyhMV4DpEWE/s1600/madagascar_masoala_0576.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EVstouHNtUM/UVXycyn5qwI/AAAAAAAAAtk/vyhMV4DpEWE/s320/madagascar_masoala_0576.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>Peyrieras' Pygmy Chameleon (Brookesia peyrierasi) in Madagascar</em> <br />
Read more at <a href="http://news.mongabay.com/2013/0329-madagascar-chameleon-origin.html#Q1TmLSiUuIGt8hXZ.99" style="color: #003399;">http://news.mongabay.com/2013/0329-madagascar-chameleon-origin.html#Q1TmLSiUuIGt8hXZ.99</a> </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VqkVvdJGQxQ/UVXyn2FbloI/AAAAAAAAAts/uFD4K89CBuQ/s1600/madagascar_3853.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VqkVvdJGQxQ/UVXyn2FbloI/AAAAAAAAAts/uFD4K89CBuQ/s320/madagascar_3853.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><em>Panther chameleon in Madagascar</em> </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"></span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QRHHHLhwBvg/UVXyyiLn-PI/AAAAAAAAAt0/1JZRGy78ajc/s1600/ug6_5210.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QRHHHLhwBvg/UVXyyiLn-PI/AAAAAAAAAt0/1JZRGy78ajc/s320/ug6_5210.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><em>Juvenile Elliott's Chameleon in Uganda</em> </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"></span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A3pJnODcrsQ/UVXy83IzhzI/AAAAAAAAAt8/QDzKwpfy7GA/s1600/madagascar_5043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A3pJnODcrsQ/UVXy83IzhzI/AAAAAAAAAt8/QDzKwpfy7GA/s320/madagascar_5043.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><em>Calumma crypticum chameleon in Madagascar</em> </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"></span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t8qM1UJZ8i8/UVXzF3v-jcI/AAAAAAAAAuE/lcPF6kgiMvc/s1600/1101-00640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t8qM1UJZ8i8/UVXzF3v-jcI/AAAAAAAAAuE/lcPF6kgiMvc/s320/1101-00640.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><em>Furcifer pardalis chameleon in Madagascar</em> </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div>The Reptile Whispererhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05911372921154370711noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2242339275982088971.post-56657485471988594222013-03-29T13:54:00.001-06:002013-03-29T13:54:53.796-06:00Over ten percent of a species' total population found in smuggler's bagReptile smuggling is a serious threat to reptiles. For those of you who do not know, reptile smuggling is only second to drug smuggling worldwide. It's really sad that there are people who don't care that they are wiping out populations of wild reptiles. The only thing they care about is money:(<br />
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Take some time and click on the link to read about a smuggler who got caught. Yea for the tortoises! I hope they live long enough to be relocated back to where they came from.<br />
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<a href="http://news.mongabay.com/2013/0325-hance-ploughshare-trafficking.html#qeG46kOMmqUX8b8J.15">Over ten percent of a species' total population found in smuggler's bag</a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xeXF6E5LmP4/UVXvvC1Vy-I/AAAAAAAAAtU/pJCQE7uqB_E/s1600/0324_malagasytortoises_IMG_1207_568.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xeXF6E5LmP4/UVXvvC1Vy-I/AAAAAAAAAtU/pJCQE7uqB_E/s320/0324_malagasytortoises_IMG_1207_568.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>Ploughshare and radiated tortoises confiscated in Bangkok. Photo by: P.Tansom/TRAFFIC.</em> <br />
Read more at <a href="http://news.mongabay.com/2013/0325-hance-ploughshare-trafficking.html#8H5TLUHrKGoEQzrL.99" style="color: #003399;">http://news.mongabay.com/2013/0325-hance-ploughshare-trafficking.html#8H5TLUHrKGoEQzrL.99</a> </div>The Reptile Whispererhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05911372921154370711noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2242339275982088971.post-89151170993235706232013-03-29T13:40:00.001-06:002013-03-29T13:40:12.463-06:00First Prehistoric Pregnant Turtle And Nest Of Eggs Discovered In Southern AlbertaHow cool is this!? Click on the link below and check it out!<br />
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<a href="http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080827152614.htm#.UVXtpXoc_OI.blogger">First Prehistoric Pregnant Turtle And Nest Of Eggs Discovered In Southern Alberta</a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BrnGaCTwbN4/UVXttEGRvhI/AAAAAAAAAtM/5nYSGx336_o/s1600/080827152614.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BrnGaCTwbN4/UVXttEGRvhI/AAAAAAAAAtM/5nYSGx336_o/s1600/080827152614.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>"Although it is relatively rare to find the eggs and babies of extinct animals, it is even rarer to find them inside the body of the mother," says Darla Zelenitsky. (Credit: Photo by Ken Bendiktsen)</em></div>The Reptile Whispererhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05911372921154370711noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2242339275982088971.post-3238905584940116422013-03-29T13:03:00.001-06:002013-03-29T13:03:39.107-06:00Biting back: Snake venom contains toxic clotting factorsClick on the link below to learn how snake venom might one day be used in human medicine.<br />
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<a href="http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130226193845.htm#.UVXlYw667q4.blogger">Biting back: Snake venom contains toxic clotting factors</a>The Reptile Whispererhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05911372921154370711noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2242339275982088971.post-82851558834431431752013-03-29T13:02:00.001-06:002013-03-29T13:02:11.845-06:00In tiny Amazon frogs, males observed extracting oocytes from females killed in mating strugglesOMG, click on the link below and learn about male frogs who fertilize the eggs of dead females!<br />
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<a href="http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130218092507.htm#.UVXk5NVpM8M.blogger">In tiny Amazon frogs, males observed extracting oocytes from females killed in mating struggles</a>The Reptile Whispererhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05911372921154370711noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2242339275982088971.post-51931313444089013612013-03-29T12:58:00.001-06:002013-03-29T12:58:11.285-06:00Giant fossil turtle from Colombia round like car tireClick on the link below to learn about this cool fossil turtle!<br />
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<a href="http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/07/120711210306.htm#.UVXkAi4btR0.blogger">Giant fossil turtle from Colombia round like car tire</a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jcWHpMZP0zA/UVXkNvRO1QI/AAAAAAAAAtE/ljhd71ys4iQ/s1600/120711210306-large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jcWHpMZP0zA/UVXkNvRO1QI/AAAAAAAAAtE/ljhd71ys4iQ/s320/120711210306-large.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>The round shape of a new species of fossil turtle found in Cerrejon coal mine in Colombia may have warmed readily in the sun. (Credit: Liz Bradford)</em></div>The Reptile Whispererhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05911372921154370711noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2242339275982088971.post-11736046545123863822013-03-29T12:56:00.001-06:002013-03-29T12:56:04.561-06:00New report lists 25 most endangered turtle species; Some turtle species number less than 5 individualsClick on the link below to learn about endangered turtles.<br />
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<a href="http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110222122719.htm#.UVXjfsC7_tg.blogger">New report lists 25 most endangered turtle species; Some turtle species number less than 5 individuals</a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Soz4vmNBCHg/UVXjkAEjNRI/AAAAAAAAAs8/huHn8mRBu-s/s1600/110222122719-large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Soz4vmNBCHg/UVXjkAEjNRI/AAAAAAAAAs8/huHn8mRBu-s/s320/110222122719-large.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<em>The Burmese star tortoise (Geochelone platynota) is characterized by well defined, symmetrical star patterns that radiate across the reptile's carapace or shell. Very little is known about the species, which is threatened by both the pet trade and a demand for meat. The Burmese star tortoise is listed as "Critically Endangered." (Credit: Brian D. Horne/Wildlife Conservation Society)</em>The Reptile Whispererhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05911372921154370711noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2242339275982088971.post-61170102277850877492013-03-29T12:53:00.001-06:002013-03-29T12:53:58.511-06:00Getting under the shell of the turtle genomeClick on the link below to learn about how turtles evolve.<br />
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<a href="http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/03/130328075712.htm#.UVXiVhVgaAU.blogger">Getting under the shell of the turtle genome</a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2fo46wcziyk/UVXiZpEtAkI/AAAAAAAAAs0/l-7SYVLeQjY/s1600/130328075712-large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2fo46wcziyk/UVXiZpEtAkI/AAAAAAAAAs0/l-7SYVLeQjY/s320/130328075712-large.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>The genome of the western painted turtle, one of the most widespread, abundant and well-studied turtles in the world, has been sequenced. (Credit: © Willee Cole / Fotolia)</em></div>The Reptile Whispererhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05911372921154370711noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2242339275982088971.post-63077875552848668862013-03-29T12:48:00.001-06:002013-03-29T12:48:04.723-06:00Slithering towards extinction: Reptiles in troubleClick on the link below to learn about this pressing issue....<br />
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<a href="http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130217085303.htm#.UVXhhihhtVQ.blogger">Slithering towards extinction: Reptiles in trouble</a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WNMK6ErLHXY/UVXhmf7_pEI/AAAAAAAAAss/cMXsXPGI8X4/s1600/130217085303-large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WNMK6ErLHXY/UVXhmf7_pEI/AAAAAAAAAss/cMXsXPGI8X4/s320/130217085303-large.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<em>Snake (Atheris ceratophora) eating prey. (Credit: © Michele_Menegon)</em>The Reptile Whispererhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05911372921154370711noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2242339275982088971.post-4699820520365340502013-03-29T12:45:00.001-06:002013-03-29T12:45:30.230-06:00Satellite images help species conservationClick on the link below to learn how satellites help conservationists find suitable habitats for threatened species.<br />
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<a href="http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111117140629.htm#.UVXgD5JLv2g.blogger">Satellite images help species conservation</a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bDWTxcaePuM/UVXgdF8i6LI/AAAAAAAAAsk/m55o54H4VXk/s1600/111117140629-large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bDWTxcaePuM/UVXgdF8i6LI/AAAAAAAAAsk/m55o54H4VXk/s320/111117140629-large.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>A male Mayotte Chameleon (Furcifer polleni), endemic to the island of Mayotte, Comoros. (Credit: Oliver Hawlitschek 2010)</em></div>The Reptile Whispererhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05911372921154370711noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2242339275982088971.post-718813119985373822013-03-28T17:44:00.000-06:002013-03-28T17:44:01.091-06:00Parthenogenesis<span class="hw">parthenogenesis</span> [<span class="pronOx">pahr″thĕ-no-jen´ĕ-sis</span>] <br />
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a modified form of sexual reproduction in which a gamete develops into a new individual without the fertilization of an oocyte by a spermatozoon, as in certain arthropods and other animals; it may occur as a natural phenomenon or be induced by chemical or mechanical stimulation (artificial parthenogenesis). adj., <i>adj</i> parthenogenet´ic.</div>
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Did you know several species of reptile and amphibian are <span class="hw">parthenogenetic? Most reptiles reproduce sexually, but parthenogenesis has been observed to occur naturally in certain species of whiptails, geckos, rock lizards, blindsnakes, Komodo dragons and boa constrictors. There is also a debate on whether Giant New Caledonian geckos (Rhacodactylus leachianus) are parthenogenetic since some owners have reported offspring from non fertilized eggs.</span> </div>
The Reptile Whispererhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05911372921154370711noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2242339275982088971.post-20399734464633537192013-03-28T16:59:00.001-06:002013-03-28T17:08:35.270-06:00Flying snakes and leaping lizardsYou MUST watch this fantastic video of a flying snake trying to capture a flying dragon lizard.<br />
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<object allowfullsecreen="true" data="http://images.nationalgeographic.com/wpf/sites/video/swf/ngplayer_v2.5.swf" height="375" id="ngplayer" name="flashObj" seamlesstabbing="false" style="clear: left; float: left;" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="609"><param name="movie" value="http://images.nationalgeographic.com/wpf/sites/video/swf/ngplayer_v2.5.swf"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true"><param name="scale" value="noscale"><param name="wmode" value="opaque"><param name="menu" value="false"><param name="quality" value="best"><param name="bgcolor" value="#000000"><param name="name" value="ngplayer"><param name="flashvars" value="adenabled=&adprogramid=4a67dd6268de7&caption=%3Cp%3EThere%20are%20some%20high%20stakes%20acrobatics%20going%20on%20in%20the%20jungles%20of%20Indonesia.%3C/p%3E&img=http://video.nationalgeographic.com/exposure/transcode/1/610/343/?url=http://video.nationalgeographic.com/video/player/media/flying_reptiles/flying_reptiles_480x360.jpg&permalink=/video/animals/reptiles-animals/lizards/flying_reptiles/&share=false&restricted=false&autoplay=false&siteid=syndicatedplayer&slug=http://video.nationalgeographic.com/video/player/data/xml/flying_reptiles.smil&vtitle=Flying%20Snakes%20and%20Leaping%20Lizards&cuepoints=&vwidth=609&vheight=375&"><video width="610" height="375" id="ngplayer" style="background-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" src="http://video.nationalgeographic.com/video/player/media-mp4/flying_reptiles/mp4/variant-playlist.m3u8" autoplay="autoplay" controls="controls" poster="http://video.nationalgeographic.com/exposure/transcode/1/610/343/?url=http://video.nationalgeographic.com/video/player/media/flying_reptiles/flying_reptiles_480x360.jpg"></video></object></div>
The Reptile Whispererhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05911372921154370711noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2242339275982088971.post-14170765982224287342013-03-28T16:56:00.002-06:002013-03-28T16:56:31.890-06:00Ectotherms are awesome!<div class="dt_fl">
<strong>ec·to·therm</strong></div>
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[ éktə thùrm ] </div>
<a h="ID=SERP,5299.1" href="http://www.bing.com/th?id=AFc2I%252fJZjF4uvZQ100x100&pid=dictionary&FORM=DTPDIA"><div class="sw_play dt_fl">
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<li>cold-blooded animal: an animal that maintains its body temperature by absorbing heat from its environment. All animals other than birds and mammals are ectotherms.</li>
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The Reptile Whispererhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05911372921154370711noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2242339275982088971.post-45359911541183414802013-03-28T16:12:00.001-06:002013-03-28T16:30:39.134-06:00Galápagos Tortoises: Slow and Steady MigratorsClick on the link below to learn about these awesome giants!<br />
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<a href="http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2013/03/130312-galapagos-tortoise-migrate-animals-science/">Galápagos Tortoises: Slow and Steady Migrators</a><br />
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They don't cover thousands of miles, but Galápagos tortoises do migrate, study finds.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C7U03Wj5u7M/UVTEdo1RfcI/AAAAAAAAAsU/jQGCsjGN5yY/s1600/galapagos-tortoise-migration_65194_600x450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C7U03Wj5u7M/UVTEdo1RfcI/AAAAAAAAAsU/jQGCsjGN5yY/s320/galapagos-tortoise-migration_65194_600x450.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
The Reptile Whispererhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05911372921154370711noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2242339275982088971.post-8627163730630845962013-03-28T16:11:00.003-06:002013-03-28T16:28:27.015-06:00Endangered Frogs Get Helping HandClick on the link below and learn how researchers want to build a captive population of endangered limosa harlequin frogs.<br />
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<a href="http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2013/03/130328-harlequin-frog-captive-breeding-panama-conservation/">Endangered Frogs Get Helping Hand</a><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DxVhP_wtNso/UVTEA52eeUI/AAAAAAAAAsM/b2hKlRAfHQA/s1600/harlequin-frog-bred-captivity_65768_600x450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DxVhP_wtNso/UVTEA52eeUI/AAAAAAAAAsM/b2hKlRAfHQA/s320/harlequin-frog-bred-captivity_65768_600x450.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
The Reptile Whispererhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05911372921154370711noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2242339275982088971.post-73133643534754303642013-03-28T16:11:00.001-06:002013-03-28T16:25:15.369-06:00Colorful New Lizard Identified in VietnamClick on the link and learn about this beautiful lizard<br />
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<a href="http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/colorful-new-lizard-vietnam-animals-science/">Colorful New Lizard Identified in Vietnam</a><br />
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Lizard was previously confused with another species, study says.<br />
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The Reptile Whispererhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05911372921154370711noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2242339275982088971.post-92232830424974278032013-03-28T16:10:00.001-06:002013-03-28T16:22:54.780-06:00"Fantastic" New Flying Frog Found—Has Flappy forearmsClick on the link below and learn about this cool new species<br />
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<a href="http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2013/01/130114-new-species-flying-frog-vietnam-science-animals-weird/">"Fantastic" New Flying Frog Found—Has Flapp</a><br />
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Huge new frog discovered not far from Vietnamese metropolis, study says.<br />
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