Practical Reptile Keeping

Practical Reptile Keeping is the only monthly herp care magazine published in English. Launched in 2009, it attracts an international readership and is packed with advice on how to look after and breed snakes, lizards, tortoises, turtles, amphibians and bugs. As well as stunning photography, each issue features technical help, product information and health care advice to keep your animals in tip-top condition, plus breeding details and the latest news relating to this group of creatures from around the world.

welcome

Extraordinary tree frog discovered in the Andes of Ecuador • It's easy to assume that there are few unknown species still to be discovered, but the reality of the situation is quite different. In fact, some scientists believe that there are more invertebrates still awaiting discovery than are already known, and as we push further into remote corners of the world, so many different new animals are being found. Here's just a very small selection of some of the remarkable reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates that have become known to science over the past five years.

Newly-found turtle faces extinction

New tarantula species from Angola has a one-of-a-kind ‘horn’ on its back

New snakes found in South America

Fluorescent frog found

Eleven new species of rain frogs discovered in Ecuador

New crocodile identified - after 250 years!

Seven new species of night frogs from the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot including four miniature forms

Three new chameleon species recognised

New newts discovered

Stunning species of pit viper found in India

When prey becomes predator • Paul Donovan investigates what happens when the tables are turned, and predatory snakes find themselves at risk of falling victim to other predators.

The amazing axolotl • Sometimes known as the Peter Pan of the amphibian world, because they never grow up, the axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum) is a bizarre yet fascinating member of the amphibian group. Here is a detailed practical guide to their care and breeding from Timothy Zedi.

JOANNA'S CASEBOOK • In her column this month, specialist reptile veterinary surgeon Joanna Hedley, BVM&S, DZoo Med (Reptilian), MRCVS. discusses what is a common cause of weight loss in the case of leopard geckos.

Water dragon care

AMPHIBIAN FOCUS • Emperor crocodile newt - Tylototriton shanjing

Small hogs with stunning colouration • Imagine the impact of combining the appearance of a Pueblan milk snake with a western hognose snake. You're close to capturing an image of the tricoloured hognose snake in your mind, explains Christian Castille.

BOUNCING WITH HEALTH • Here's expert advice on the dietary requirements of Mediterranean and Horsfield's tortoises, based on their lifestyle, and how to feed this group of reptiles correctly.

AMAZING FACTS • Here's another assortment of incredible facts about reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates.

Introducing the tigers of South America • Adam Bland profiles one of the most striking tree frogs found on this continent, which offers great potential as a vivarium subject.

Introducing Reeves'turtle • With increasing awareness that many species of turtle simply grow too big to be accommodated easily in the home, the search has been underway to find species that are more suitable for these surroundings, as David Alderton reports.

AERIAL ANOMALIESTHE CASE OF THE DRAGONET • In his article this month, Dr Karl Shuker solves an internet mystery and delves back to seek an explanation for associated winged wonders reported from Wales.

Practical Reptile Keeping