Studying And keeping

Almost anyone can study reptiles and amphibians, Depending on where u live, you may have travel some way to find them or u may be lucky to have a few toads or lizards in your garden. Some people are contents to make casual observations while out walking: others keep reptiles and amphibians in captivity. Whatever the situation, adopt a responsible approach.

STUDYING

Compared with mammal and birds Relatively, little is known about the anatomy and behavior of this misunderstood creature, So even amateur herpetologist using cheap equipment can make valuable observations. Records such as sighting of our local species, breeding season and number of present will make interesting notes. Especially if pictures are included, Joining an amateur's society if there are any so more local exotics hobbyist and put you in touch with others enthusiasts

Binoculars
Binoculars allows you
to study the activities
of reptiles and amphibians
without disturbing them.
scan ponds margins or
opening forests and look for
tree-dwelling species where
they occurs.

Photography
A single-lens reflex camera
is best for shots of reptiles and amphibians.
A close up macro lens and s
mall flash gun are also useful.
you may need a telephoto for nervous species
and wide angle lens for habitats shots

Sketching
Sketches of colors and
marking will help you to
identify species later and
may even enable you to
keep tracks of the individuals,
because may have you
Unique patter

Garden Pond
Even a small garden pond

will encourage wildlife.
An amphibian pond
should not contain fish,
which will eat eggs and larvae

HANDING

Only handles reptiles and amphibians when it is absolutely necessary, and only you are sure that the species is harmless, Beware of lizards that may shed their tail and and turtles and snakes may even bite, even they are not venomous. All species should be supported,. A glass of jar is useful for housing amphibians such as tadpoles temporarily, and cotton bag can be used to hold snakes and lizards.

Holding A Turtle
Some turtles, even small ones,
can give a very nasty bite.
Hold them by the back of their shell
and keep your finger well away fro the head

.

Handling A Pet SnakesHold a pet snakes by gripping in
the front half of its body firmly
but not tightly and support the
rest of its body in your other hand.
Allow it to crawl through your hand
if it wants to.

KEEPING

Keeping reptiles and amphibians in captivity is a specialized field and you and you should only attempt it after you have carried researched the needs of the species in which you are interested, Wherever possible, buy captive bred animals, which will adapt better to captive conditions. Make sure you check it feeding records, See it yourself when they feed before any purchase. Light, temperature and lighting are very important, and some species need a close simulation of their natural habitats if they are to be remain healthy. Active species need much larger cages, Many will survive in captivity under the right conditions, However, and will even breed, giving further scope for the kinds of observations you can make.

Terrarium or Vivarium can be very Simple or very elaborate, This one house a colony of tree frogs, whose very specific requirements include some living plants in which to hide any lay eggs.

The Exo Terra Glass Terrarium is the ideal reptile or amphibian housing designed by European herpetologists.
The front opening doors allow easy access for maintenance
and feeding. A specially designed lock will prevent escape and
the doors can be opened separately.

Conclusion

Many reptiles and amphibians are legally protected, either locally or Internationally, because of it rarity. Others live in national parks and nature reserves, Where the plant and animal are protected, So it can only be studied from distance and remain undisturbed, In all cases, avoid disrupting the animal and their habitats, If you are traveling in a remote place, tell someone where you are going, Be careful when looking for nocturnal species.