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.

July 2023 welcome

A NEW CROCODILE NEWT • Featuring stories that include an amazing discovery about the feeding habits of green turtles in the Mediterranean, a remarkable insight into the highly unpleasant venom of a caterpillar and its potential applications to benefit us, an update on paterosaurs and whether these flying reptiles cared for their offspring, plus more, including the changing eyesight of sea snakes, and starting here with information about a stunning crocodile newt previously unknown to science. Compiled by G. Valentine.

Green turtles and their feeding

Caterpillar venom from an unexpected source

The vision of sea snakes is changing

WERE PTEROSAURS GOOD PARENTS?

AMAZING PTEROSAUR FINDS IN AUSTRALIA

FOUR NEW TARANTULA SPECIES DISCOVERED

SURVIVORS FROM A BATTLE LONG AGO

A unique amphibian breeding behaviour discovered

The care & breeding of fire-bellied toads • Following his article which covered and illustrated all species of Bombina for the first time, published in our March issue, German enthusiast Leandro Bergmann now reviews the care and breeding of members of this group, related to their biology.

A country of contrasts • Paul Donovan and his wife recently set off from their home in Botswana on a three month trip to Namibia, keen to document the wildlife, and particularly the reptiles and invertebrates that they encountered. Here is what they discovered. All photos by the author, except as indicated.

Strange occupants in a turtle tank

Keeping up the humidity

REPTILE FOCUS • Ocellated lizard – Timon lepidus

The mating behaviours of snakes • Dr Julia Mueller-Paul explores the latest information in this area, revealing how courtship and mating rituals may differ not just between species but different populations, and the significance of conditioning factors.

The Cricket on the Hearth • Crickets have become an essential food item for many pets, from tarantulas to toads, and scorpions to skinks. Understanding the natural history of this important and interesting little insect has in turn helped to shape its care.

Choosing lizards

Musk make the best choice! Enjoying the company of pet turtles • Leading UK musk turtle breeder Peter Ford talks with David Alderton about his fascination with this group of chelonians and the care that they need.

A social python?

Correctly identified at last

Scalation

Their closest relative?

A pair bond?

Build your own library!

Herpetological Mysteries The Beast of Bodalog • This month, Dr Karl Shuker examines a puzzling mystery from Wales which is still unexplained today.

The tortoise and the fox • In her column this month, specialist reptile veterinary surgeon Dr Joanna Hedley, BVM&S DZooMed(Reptilian) ECZM (Herpetology) MRCVS discusses an attack on a tortoise by a fox.

Build your own library!

Practical Reptile Keeping