โท The world of Pets: Dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, amphibians
Oriental fire-bellied toad
- Bombina orientalis
Origin: Korea, China and Russia
Gender: Bombina
Life expectancy: 10 - 15 years
Length: 4 - 5 cm.
Content
The Oriental fire-bellied toad (Bombina orientalis), attractive colors, It is one of the most common amphibian species.. Its range covers large areas of East Asia, from korea, passing through northeast China, to eastern Siberia, where you prefer to live in microwaters (shallow) no major currents. The Oriental fire-bellied toad it's easy to breed, but still often offered as wild catch. Wherever possible, captive breeding should be used.
Due to the risk of confusion with the "native Fire-bellied Toad" and protected, the Oriental fire-bellied toad it is also subject to species protection legislation. Animals are not subject to registration; However, proof of origin is required.
Sex differences
Differentiation between the sexes is only possible in sexually mature animals. Males webbed feet reach to fingertips; in females, usually stronger, they are less developed. Males ready to mate call insistently and develop clearly visible heat calluses on the front legs..
Behavior
The Oriental fire-bellied toad does not show pronounced social behavior. The animals are peaceful with each other and can be kept individually, in pairs or groups. The Oriental fire-bellied toad does not have pronounced activity hours, so it can also be observed well during the day.
Terrarium
"Fire-bellied toad" – โReptiles of the worldโ exhibition at Palexpo, in Geneva, in October 2014 – Vassil, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
As the Oriental fire-bellied toad leads a lifestyle closely linked to water, it is suitable for keeping in a terrarium with a large water basin, in an aquarium or even an aquarium with a terrestrial part. The tank should not be less than 60 x 40 x 50 cm. (length x widht x hight) for a maximum of 4 adult animals. Approximately half of the surface should be designed as land part.
The aquarium must be completely covered, since animals are good climbers. Fluorescent tubes with a daily lighting time of 10 to 12 hours are suitable for lighting. The land part must be provided with sufficient withdrawal possibilities, for example, roots and cave-like hiding places (for example, coconut shells). An absorbent substrate is recommended (for example, coconut substrate, terrarium or moss soil) as a substrate for the terrarium, which should always be kept slightly moist (but not wet). Natural planting provides more hiding places and increases humidity. Aquatic and floating plants support toads in the aquatic part; there must be an easy way out of the water (for example, by flat stones or roots). Sand or rounded aquarium gravel are suitable as a substrate. Stones or roots that protrude slightly from the water are easily accepted.
The air and water temperature should be 23 to 25 ยฐC during the day and drop to about 20 ยฐC at night. The water temperature can be regulated by an aquarium heater or an external thermal filter. The heating rod must be installed so that it cannot burn the frogs. The humidity must not drop below the 60 % and must rise above the 80 % At night. Precise thermometers and hygrometers are needed to measure temperature and humidity. Other water values: pH 6,0 – 8,0, total hardness up to 30 ยฐdGH.
The Oriental fire-bellied toad should not be kept with fish or crustaceans (for example, River Crabs), that could harm amphibians.
The Oriental fire-bellied toad hibernates in the wild, during which animals withdraw and do not usually eat. For a directed hibernation, lighting temperature and duration can be gradually reduced in autumn. Next, animals hibernate at temperatures of about 10 ยฐ C during 1 or 2 months, after which normal housing conditions are gradually restored. Before starting hibernation, the health of the animals should be checked by a veterinary fecal examination.
Diet
The Oriental fire-bellied toad prefers to feed on live insects (crickets, crickets, flies) and worms (small earthworms), offered in the terrestrial part of the terrarium. Regular administration of a mineral preparation ensures healthy bones.
Caution: As the Oriental fire-bellied toad not usually very active, tends to gain weight. In the case of adult animals, it is enough to feed them every two or three days.
Food scraps and droppings should be removed daily. You also have to check the status of the water section daily and renew it completely if it is dirty., as well as performing a partial water change at regular intervals. The use of water treatment products for amphibians should be avoided. Using an aquarium filter can improve water quality and extend the water change interval.
Animal health must be monitored daily. The most frequent health problems in the Oriental fire-bellied toad are the changes in the skin, softening of bones and emaciation or fatty degeneration. If there is any abnormality, consult a veterinarian who is familiar with amphibians.
Reproduction
Mating occurs in spring, when the weather warms up and the rains increase. Males call out to females with a soft coo. They jump on the back of any other fire-bellied toad that passes, which sometimes causes confusion between males, but it rarely leads to fights. The females put between 40 and 100 eggs in a large group, usually around submerged plants near the water's edge. The tadpoles hatch from the eggs in 3-10 days, depending on the water temperature. The larvae begin to develop at 6-8 weeks, and are completely metamorphosed and begin to venture ashore after 12-14 weeks.
Acclimatization and handling
Amphibians are animals of pure observation and should NOT be petted. In the first days in his new home, animals need adequate rest to get used to their new environment. If required, animals must not be caught by hand, but with the help of plastic boxes or similar.
Special features
The Oriental fire-bellied toad NOT suitable for keeping in garden ponds, since either it does not survive the winter or there is a risk of distortion of the fauna due to migratory animals. Occasionally, deviated color shapes offered (for example, albino animals, blue, yellow or pink), whose conservation does not differ from that of animals of normal color
What is the price of a Oriental fire-bellied toad?
The price of Oriental fire-bellied toad ranges between 25 and 30 EUR.
Alternative names:
1. Bombina orientalis (English).
2. Crapaud sonneur oriental (French).
3. Orientalische Rotbauchunke (German).
4. Sapo tuti (Portuguese).
5. Sapillo de vientre de fuego oriental, (espaรฑol).
โท The world of Pets: Dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, amphibians
Marbled gecko
- Christinus marmoratus
Origin: Australia
Gender: Christinus
Life expectancy: 12 years in captivity
Length: 15 cm.
Very nice asian gecko, with a splendid contrast of colors in its range of grays, black and white. It is an animal that like the rest of its genus lives on the walls.
The Marbled gecko it is quite common in some parts of Melbourne, but people rarely see it because it's nocturnal. You will most likely find them among driftwood in your garden, on your roof or even inside, behind a photo frame.
Description
The Marbled gecko is a small soft-bellied lizard, of up 150 length mm. Easily identified by large finger and toe pads, that extend to grip slippery or soft surfaces. Lacks mobile eyelids and uses the tongue to keep the eyes clean. It is insectivorous by nature., but eat anything small enough to fit in your mouth. In summer, females usually lay a clutch, containing two eggs at once.
Accommodation
The Marbled gecko is a very easy lizard to accommodate, since it is nocturnal and does not need heat or light. In cold areas, a heating pad or heat cord covering no more than 1/3 of the base during the colder months to keep them more active. Be sure to place them in a well-lit room if not using an overhead light so that a night/day simulation can be achieved. How is a small gecko, a small enclosure is suitable.
The minimum size would be a reptile terrarium of 45 cm.. The substrate should consist of a mixture of sand and clay, that makes it suitable for excavation. You have to place other pieces of rock or wood around the enclosure so that they have many places to hide. A small bowl of shallow water is recommended and it is also beneficial to spray the water regularly, as they are more likely to lick water from a piece of wood or rock than to drink from a bowl.
Food
The diet of the Marbled gecko consists mainly of small crickets and flies. When they are younger they should be fed every day and when they are adults every other day is fine. Wax worms and small silkworms may be offered when available. Crickets should be dusted with multivitamin and calcium powder weekly.
For sale Marbled gecko
The price of a Marbled gecko in the exotic animal market around the 20 EUR.
โท The world of Pets: Dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, amphibians
North African mastigure
- Uromastyx acanthinura
Origin: north west africa
Gender: Uromastyx
Life expectancy: 20 years
Length: 45 cm.
The North African mastigure It is one of the most representative reptiles of the Sahara desert. It is medium in size: can measure more than 45 cm and weigh around 450 g..
North African spiny-tailed lizard at the Vivarium Darmstadt (Hesse, Germany)
Content
Distribution
The North African mastigure (Uromastyx acanthinura) It is a lizard native to North Africa. (northwest africa).
Their habitats are usually in the mountains and consist of rocky desert and sandy stony desert., not found in purely sandy deserts.
Characteristics
They reach a head-torso length of up to 28 cm and a total length of 45 cm.. To the North African mastigure likes to sunbathe and can change color to regulate temperature. In their native habitat they live in rock deserts and scree, that is to say, in very rare habitats called hamada, and they like to dig. They make their own burrows, have a relatively constant climate.
The "North African mastigure" in captivity
Terrarium
The North African mastigure it is very territorial in nature and keeping one male and several females is only possible in a large terrarium. It is best to keep them in pairs..
To keep the North African mastigure, we recommend the following conditions. Especially when the minimum size is specified, note that optimal conditions can only be achieved in much larger terrariums.
temperatures during the day: 28ยฐ a 40ยฐC (locally at least 45ยฐC)
Night temperatures: 18-22ยฐC
Humidity: 20-30% during the day and 60-80% At night
Minimum size of the terrarium: starting at 160 x 120 x 90 cm for a couple
Hibernation
You have to let the animals hibernate for three or four months. The North African mastigure needed between 12 and 18ยฐC โโfor it. Hibernation is very important for animals to regulate their bodily functions and stay healthy. It's also a good way to prevent obesity.
Reproduction
hibernation is very important. The North African mastigure puts up to 26 eggs. These should not be incubated too wet, otherwise they will easily turn into fungi. The pups of Uromastyx acanthinura can be bred together in a group for up to two years, provided they are compatible. It is essential to provide enough calcium and vitamins.
Food
The diet of the North African mastigure includes banana, vine leaves, dandelion, margaritas, clover, pamplinas, sometimes kitchen herbs and grains like corn, rice, millet, sunflower seeds and others. Young animals feed up to a 75% of animals. These may include, crickets, grasshopper, cockroaches, sometimes zophobas and other live food. Adults should be fed little or no animal food to prevent fatty degeneration..
no lettuce, iceberg lettuce or similar, since its calcium-phosphorus content is unfavorable. And cabbage or spinach should only be fed rarely due to oxalic acid…
Fruit should also be provided only in moderation., if it is accepted.
Additional vitamin and mineral supplements are recommended.
For sale "North African mastigure"
The price of a "North African mastigure" bred in captivity in the exotic animal market, ranges between 150 – 200 EUR.
1. North African mastigure (English).
2. Bell's dabb lizard (French).
3. Nordafrikanische Dornschwanzagame (German).
4. Lagarto-de-Cauda-Espinhosa-Norte-Africano (Portuguese).
5. "Lagarto de cola espinosa del norte de รfrica" (espaรฑol).
โท The world of Pets: Dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, amphibians
African spurred tortoise
- Centrochelys sulcata
Origin: Ethiopia, Mali, Chad, Mauritania, Niger, Senegal and Sudan
Gender: Centrochelys
Life expectancy: 70 years
Length: until 80 cm.
The African spurred tortoise It is the third largest tortoise after the Galรกpagos giant tortoise and Aldabra giant tortoise. It is the largest turtle in the world that lives on the continent.
African spurred tortoise – Wikipedia
Content
Origin
The African spurred tortoise first received a scientific name, Testudo sulcata, by the English illustrator of animals and plants John Frederick Miller in 1779. It was later assigned for a long time to the genus. Geochelone Fitzinger, 1835. But, following a proposal by the French herpetologist Roger Bour in 1985, is now placed in the old subgenre Centrochelys Gray, 1872, which has since been elevated to the category of gender. So far no subspecies have been described.
The African spurred tortoise (Centrochelys sulcata) is native to the Sahara Desert and the Sahel, a transitional ecoregion of semi-arid grasslands, savannahs and thorny thickets found in the countries of Burkina Faso, the Central African Republic, Chad, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Mali, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Yemen and possibly Somalia, Algeria, Benin and Cameroon. Possibly extinct in Djibouti and Togo.
Characteristics / Appearance
The dorsal shell รขโฌโ also called the carapacho รขโฌโ, of about 80 cm size, it is quite flattened and has curved marginal shields around it. Strongly pronounced growth rings remain visible into old age, but they also give it its character. Throat shields protrude from the edge of the dorsal carapace, are curved upwards and are forked. These give the turtle their name of "spur turtle". A split can also be found in the rear shield. The color of the African spurred tortoise is cream, yellow-orange and sometimes brown or olive. You can't name a certain trend.
At the bottom of the African spurred tortoise a very clear and often almost white ventral shell can be seen that also shows growth rings. On the hind legs there is a very striking spur that also gave name to the animals.
Growth of the "African spur turtle"
When are born, theAfrican spurred tortoise weighs between 30 and 40 g.. Their weight multiplies in the first year. At one year of age, usually weigh between 150 and 210 g.. The growth of the African spurred tortoise depends largely on how it is maintained. Animals that are kept in an optimal environment grow evenly and gain weight each month. Specimens exposed to great stress usually have growth problems and can even lose weight in the meantime..
Habitat
The African spurred tortoise inhabits three different vegetation zones. Among them are dry and hot grasslands of semi-desert character, leafy thickets and grasslands with stands of acacia. Daytime temperatures above 40 ยฐC are the norm in its distribution area. You can even reach the 50 ยฐC. The minimum temperature values โโare 3-21 ยฐC. But, in some biotopes night frosts may occasionally occur.
The sparse vegetation of the habitat of the African spurred tortoise consists mainly of several species of acacias, baobab, tamarinds, species of thorny shrubs, species of wild millet, Digitaria sp., Panicum sp., thorny herbs Cenchrus sp. and low growth, mainly annual, of herbs and pastures.
Behavior
The African spurred tortoise it is a cold-blooded reptile that needs to minimize seasonal and diurnal temperature fluctuations through appropriate behavior to maintain a suitable body temperature. An important role in this type of thermoregulation is the search for a suitable shelter for the season and time of day.. As such, the African spurred tortoise uses burrows in the ground, that may have up to 4 m depth and 15 m length. If available, use the abandoned burrows of other animals. But from the 2-3 years of age, the African spurred tortoise also digs underground tunnels on its own with its strong front legs and, sometimes, with the throat shields in the form of a hairpin. They don't normally use a single burrow, but "possess" several, that they sometimes share with other turtles and even with other animal species.
In the coldest season, the African spurred tortoise it already comes out of its burrow in the morning and warms up before going in search of food. On the other hand, in the hottest season, often only activated in the evening hours. In the intervening periods, is usually active in two phases, that is to say, returns to its burrow during the hot day. In particular, the wettest season is used intensively, while dry and hot periods must also be endured inactively in the burrow to protect themselves from desiccation. During this summer lethargy, metabolism and heartbeat are greatly reduced, similar to the winter lethargy of other species.
Conservation
State of conservation โ
Vulnerable โ(UICN)โ
The African spurred tortoise is listed as endangered on the Red List and threatened in Appendix II of the Washington Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species. The reasons are the collection for personal use (pets, foods) and for export, the fragmentation and urban expansion of what was once a huge mountain range, and the advance of the desert towards the mountain range.
On the other hand, breeding in the care of man has been very successful.
The "African spurred tortoise" in captivity
These turtles need a lot of space and cannot be kept in a large terrarium even in winter after two or three years.. Then you need a full room in a room of the house, or a very modern and heavily heated stable. Many owners have converted their garage for this purpose. Insulation made to keep warm, but also good ventilation for good circulation are a great challenge based on opposites.
The African spurred tortoise needs a permanent ambient temperature of 30 ยฐC and also heat sources under which the values โโcan be reached. 45 ยฐC. Animals must stay outdoors in summer. But, they always need access to the barn or the room where the 30 ยฐC. Who thinks that this is not a problem in summer because of the high temperatures outside, you will soon learn to do better. The place is heated basically all year round and, Therefore, energy costs will amount to several hundred euros.
Food
Then there's the food. Although animals eat almost only hay in winter and feed on straw, you have to bring bales of hay. The African spurred tortoise eats a lot because it is extremely large. Nor should you assume that you are going to buy a Turtle until there is no more space. Why deliver a great African spurred tortoise a new owner is a feat and often unsuccessful. Most of these tortoises reach their owners when they are young., who often don't know what they're doing. There are few people who take a African spurred tortoise adult, and only on rare occasions do they take one from an animal park, because here you have to face reality.
Reproduction of "African spur turtle"
The female of the African spurred tortoise reaches sexual maturity when weighing between 15 and 20 kg. The age of the tortoise plays a very minor role here.. The animal usually reaches that weight at the age of 10 years. Some specimens only reach this weight at the age of 12 to 15 years. Males growing in the same environment usually need one to three more years..
The African spurred tortoise puts 3 clutches per year and up to 40 eggs in a year. The hatchlings take a few 120 days to hatch. There is no specific time of year for mating. In captivity, this usually occurs in the normal summer, since that is when the days are cooler and rainier.
The females of the African spurred tortoise lays eggs about a month after mating.
Buy one "African spurred tortoise"
The price of a "African spurred tortoise" at the exotic animal market, bred in captivity, ranges between 100 – 150 EUR.
Images "African spurred tortoise"
A young woman "African spurred tortoise" (Geochelone sulcata) on his mother's shield
Giant turtle (Geochelone sulcata) in the Guembeul reserve in Senegal
Videos "African spurred tortoise"
sulcata tortoise review 30 years. Exotic animals 24h
The subspecies with which the species was originally described is called nominal form. In the case of the named form, the species name is used twice. In this case it is Graptemys pseudogeographica pseudogeographica, the False map turtle. The second subspecies is Graptemys pseudogeographica kohnii., the Mississippi map turtle.
The Map turtles they are sun worshipers
The False map turtle (Graptemys pseudogeographica), lives in large streams of the Missouri and Mississippi river systems, ranging from ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, through the Dakotas south to southwestern Alabama, southern and western Mississippi and Louisiana. The False map turtle also lives in various other river systems of southwestern Louisiana and eastern Texas.
Characteristics / Appearance
Unfortunately, the Map turtles not offered in pet stores neatly separated by species. They are mostly a mixture of Graptemys p. pseudogeographica, Graptemys p. kohnii and Graptemys ouachitensis. Estas Map turtles they are distinguished by the markings on their head. in the three, head markings consist of yellowish to ivory lines on a dark gray background.
The typical mix of Map turtles from the pet store
In the False map turtle (Graptemys pseudogeographica pseudogeographica) there are two slightly thicker stripes on the head behind the eyes, coming out of the nape and bending to the side behind the eye. Under the eyes and around the mouth there are many spots, but they are barely thicker than the stripes. A few stripes come out of the neck and reach the eye. The iris of the eye is light brown to beige in color and is cut horizontally by a black line. The beak is light to dark yellow.. Leg and neck lines are slightly finer in this subspecies than in the other two.
In the Mississippi map turtle (Graptemys pseudogeographica kohnii), two prominent lines also run from the neck towards the eye and bend there, but then they go much further and enclose the eye in the shape of a crescent or a sickle. The circular markings on the head are relatively small and occur almost exclusively on the chin. Neck stripes do not touch the eye, because there is already the drawing in the shape of a sickle around. The iris is white and only rarely has a dark line. The beak is colorless to whitish.. Leg and neck lines are evenly thick, with lighter and darker lines.
In the Ouachita map turtle (Graptemys ouachitensis) there are two yellow-orange spots on the head, behind the eyes, which are between oval and square. These spots have a dark border. From these points there are no lines towards the neck. under the eyes, under the corners of the mouth and on the chin, under the tip of the beak, there are circular marks, which are clearly larger than in the first two Map turtles. The diameter is clearly greater than the thickness of the neck lines. Starting from the neck, one to three lines reach the eye. The iris is white and usually has a thin black line that crosses it horizontally.. The beak is colorless to whitish.. In the Ouachita map turtle adults the lines are usually reddish, instead of yellowish, but not always. In the lines of the legs and neck, light and dark lines are of different thickness.
Size and weight of the โMap Turtleโ
Females can reach up to 27 cm of shell length. The males are still pleasantly small, with a maximum of 15 cm.. Adult females usually measure between 21 and 25 cm and weigh between 1,1 and 1,8 kg. The adult males of Graptemys pseudogeographica they are smaller, of 11 to 15 cm., and also weigh only 140-370 g.
Males are still much smaller than females.
The Ouachita map turtle (Graptemys pseudogeographica kohnii) must remain minimally smaller than the False map turtle (Graptemys pseudogeographica pseudogeographica)
Habitat
The Map turtles are typical inhabitants of large rivers, but they also live in lakes and ponds. They prefer waters with abundant underwater plants, lots of sunbathing spots and shallow streams.
Behavior
The False map turtle is a strong swimmer and prefers rivers and large streams with moderate currents, containing aquatic vegetation, as well as floating logs. It is also comfortable in deep and fast water. Turtles are present in the elbow lakes and in the swamps, but they are absent from the lakes, ponds or small streams. Rest is important for these turtles, and can even be found on steep and slippery logs.
Food
Food components of the females of Map turtles in the nature (according to LINDEMAN 2013):
Molluscs 22 %
Fish 6 %
Caddisfly larvae 2 %.
May flies 11 %
Dragonflies 0,4%.
Plants 55 %
Other 4 %
According to VOGT (1981), the 42 % of the diet of adult females Graptemys pseudogeographica consists of plants (Vallisneria, Potamogeton, Lemna and algae), followed by molluscs and flies. While the males feed mainly on insects and do not eat plants.
Sex determination
In the Map turtles, the claws on the front feet are not a reliable feature to distinguish between the sexes. To distinguish males from females, the Map turtles must have a carapace length of at least 10 cm.. Prior to that, all look like females.
In the Map turtles male, the tail is much longer and also somewhat thicker. They are said to have a "fifth leg". The cloaca is situated well outside the shell when the tail is extended.. In females the tail is relatively short.. The cloaca is approximately level with the edge of the carapace when the tail is extended..
Reproduction
Mississippi map turtle (Graptemys pseudogeographica kohni), adult female left, adult male right, photographed on site, Trinity River, Liberty Co., Texas (20 in April of 2007)
Males reach sexual maturity at 7-9 carapace length cm. Females reach sexual maturity much later, to the 18 carapace length cm. Mating can take place in the fall or spring.. After a single mating, females lay one to four clutches per season. Each nest consists of 2 to 22 eggs. The number of eggs per clutch in the Graptemys p. pseudogeographica is usually greater than Graptemys p. kohnii.
The higher the incubation temperature, more shell abnormalities hatchlings will have.
The incubation temperature can be between 25 and 32 ยฐC. If you want more male offspring, hatching temperature of 25 ยฐC. But, to 30 ยฐC, more females are born. The warmer the incubation, the quicker the little turtles will be born. It usually takes between 50 and 80 days.
Threats to the species
State of conservation โ
Minor Concern โ(UICN)โ
This species faces several threats, such as destruction of egg nests by animals and insects, falling into gillnets and shooting. The False map turtle, like the Red-eared slider (Trachemys scripta elegans), have also been collected for the pet trade.
All Map turtles are included in CITES Appendix III and in Appendix C of the EU Species Protection Regulation. But, they do not need any documents when trading within the EU and are not subject to declaration.
The "False map turtle" in captivity
Aquaterrarium
The Map turtles It is native to large rivers and lives in areas of slow flow.. Thus, they need an aquarium with plenty of room to swim. For one or three adult females, should have 160 x 60 x 60 cm and a water level of 40-50 cm.. Of course, can also be higher. The Map turtles male is still much smaller, can be kept very well in an aquarium of dimensions 100 x 40 x 50 cm., that is to say, a standard aquarium of 200 litres. for the pups, the aquarium can be smaller at first. If you buy pups from a pet store or breeder, I would start with an aquarium of at least 80 cm to avoid having to buy new aquariums.
Aquaterrarium decoration
The assembly of aquaterrarium can be simple, because the Map turtles they mostly need space to swim. A thin layer of sand or other substrate can be placed on the bottom. You can create some structure with a few roots or pretty stones. A cave is also popular with Map turtles, for example, halved clay pots or a wall-mounted terracotta pot are suitable.
Planting in the aquarium is difficult. females eat plants. Males eat fewer aquatic plants, so you can try. But the males also burrow into the substrate, so it is not worth planting them. But, you can try plants that float freely in the water, as the Anthocerotophyta and Elodea. Basically, all aquatic plants that occur as food plants are suitable for planting.
Clean water is immensely important to the Map turtles. So, good filters are recommended. The water should also be changed regularly.
Terrestrial part
The Map turtles they have sensitive shells. So, the land part should not be made of stones. Wood in any form is much more suitable. For young turtles and males, just an area of โโland made with a willow or cork bridge.
Sexually mature females need the opportunity to lay eggs.. Females that have never had contact with a male can also form eggs and should be given the opportunity to lay them on land.. Otherwise, there is a risk that eggs will be laid. Turtles do not lay their eggs in the water., but they bury them in the ground. The egg-laying area for Map turtles must have a minimum area of 50 x 30 cm and a substrate height of 30 cm..
Illumination
The Map turtles they are hungry for light. They need high-quality lighting. A Map turtles will not be happy with cheap lamps and a fluorescent tube. The only sensible lighting for these tortoises is a metal halide lamp with a UV component. (also abbreviated as hqi). These lamps are not only very bright, they also provide the vital UV-B light that is necessary for the formation of vitamin D. They also get very hot, so it can be achieved 40-45 ยฐC required on land if the distance is adequate.
If the diet in the wild is known, food is actually quite simple. The Map turtles they can also eat all this in the aquarium. Use brown shrimp and other dry foods such as water fleas and mosquito larvae as a staple. It also, the Map turtles they are happy to eat frozen food, like red mosquito larvae and mussels. Mussels belong to the molluscs and are also widely eaten in the wild. the living food, like earthworms and isopods, should also be on the menu regularly.
The Map turtles they eat in the water, just throw the food in the water!
The proportion of vegetable food must be at least 40 % for the females of Map turtles. algae and aquatic plants (for example, duckweed) are particularly suitable for it. If you don't have enough aquatic plants, dandelions and other wild herbs are a good alternative. Otherwise, it is also possible to feed them with lettuce. Males and youngsters should also be offered plants regularly. The young also eat plants. The adult males of the Map turtles they barely eat them.
Yes the Map turtles do not accept plants well (especially the males), you can also occasionally use the pellets Sera’s Turtle Adult Nature* to provide crude fiber. These duckweed pellets contain more crude fiber than other terrapin sticks.
The Map turtles are very prone to vitamin A deficiency. To avoid this, you have to give them grated carrot once a week.
While young animals can be fed once a day during their first year of life, the Map turtles Older animals should only be fed pet food or pellets three to four times a week.. Otherwise, turtles will grow too fast. The amount of food should be such that it is finished after 10 minutes. Plants must always be available, a tortoise can eat whatever it wants.
For calcium supply, a piece of cuttlefish must always be floating in the water.
Temperature and hibernation
False Map Turtle (Graptemys pseudogeographica) – Josh More – Flickr
The two subspecies of Graptemys pseudogeographica have a wide distribution area. The False map turtle (Graptemys p. pseudogeographica) is further north, so it must hibernate a 4-8 ยฐC for five months. The Mississippi map turtle (Graptemys p. kohnii) inhabits southern part of range. Thus, only hibernates for three months 10-15 ยฐC.
Aquaterrarium with several turtles
The Map turtles, like all aquatic turtles, they are actually solitary animals. So, keep one Map turtles is appropriate for the species and recommended. But, if you want to keep several turtles together, all must be female. females get along better. Groups of three or more animals work very well.
When keeping a group, it should always be possible to remove a turtle from the group in case of stress or bite.
The Map turtles male should be kept separate from females. Otherwise, their constant mating attempts will make the females too nervous. The males of the Map turtles are often surprisingly compatible with each other, and it is often possible to keep several males together.
keep at Map turtles in a pond
The Map turtles not usually suitable for keeping in a garden pond. It's just too cold for them and the sunshine period is too short.. This leads first to shell necrosis and then to liver and kidney problems.. if you want to have Map turtles in a pond, the northernmost subspecies in particular is reasonably possible. It's about the False map turtle (Graptemys p. pseudogeographica).
Buy one "False map turtle"
The price of a "False map turtle" at the exotic animal market, ranges between 30 – 70 EUR
Ernst, C. H. & J. E. Lovich (2009): Turtles of the United States and Canada – Second Edition. – The John Hopkins University Press (Baltimore): 827 pp.
Gibbons, J. W. & J. E. Lovich (1990): Sexual dimorphism in turtles with emphasis on the slider turtle (Trachemys scripta). – Herpetol. Monogr. (4): S. 1-29.
Lindeman, P. V. (2013): Map Turtle and Sawback Atlas – Ecology, evolution, distribution and conservation. – University of Oklahoma Press (Norman), 460 p.*.
Vogt, R. C. (1981): Food partitioning in three sympatric species of map turtles, genus Graptemys (Testudinata, Emydidae). – American Midland Naturalist (105): pp. 102-111.
โท The world of Pets: Dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, amphibians
Brygoo's chameleon
- Brookesia brygooi
Origin: Madagascar
Gender: Brookesia
Life expectancy: 4 - 6 years
Length: Head-torso: until 10 cm.
The Brygoo's chameleon it is a small to medium sized chameleon, earthy brown to blend in with leaf litter.
leaf chameleon (Brookesia brygooi), South Center of Madagascar – GRID-Arendal – Flickr
Content
Origin / Distribution
The Brygoo's chameleon (Brookesia brygooi) it is endemic to southwestern Madagascar, where its type locality is Analavelona, in the province of Fianarantsoa, in south-central Madagascar.
Characteristics / Appearance
The Brookesia Chameleons they are some of the smallest reptiles in the world: one of the species reaches a maximum length of just over an inch (30 mm). These tiny creatures are found in the leaf litter of tropical rainforests and dry deciduous forests across much of Madagascar..
The Brygoo's chameleon it is a small to medium sized chameleon, earthy brown to blend in with leaf litter.
Habitat
It is located at an altitude between 20 and 571 m above mean sea level, and in an area of 147.782 square kilometers. Details about the true population of the Brygoo's chameleon, although it is known to be very widespread.
Behavior
The Brookesia they feed on small insects and respond with their camouflage to hide from predators. When resent, these chameleons play dead in an effort to look like a fallen leaf.
Brookesias are easier to find at night, when they sleep on the leaves of small bushes.
Threats to the species
Because it is widespread and commonly found in protected areas, was listed as Least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
The "Brygoo's chameleon" in captivity
The terrarium
Minimum measurements are 60 x 31 x 46 cm..
Behavior
Males can become territorial and separate from other males. It is usually meek, but frequent handling stresses the animal. It is usually quite docile and shy. The species is diurnal.
captive environment
Use full spectrum lighting 12 to 14 hours a day. Provide multiple climbing areas on branches, trunks and plants. This species likes dense foliage to hide when climbing.
Temperature
The daytime temperature should be between 23 – 27 degrees C. Maintain night temperature between 20 – 2 degrees C.
Humidity
This species requires moderate to high humidity levels.
Water requirements
Provide a large, shallow container for drinking and soaking. Provide a constant running or trickling water supply. The enclosure must be well ventilated.
Nutritional requirements
This species is carnivorous (like meat). eat small insects, flies, mosquitoes and insect larvae. Always offer variety for proper nutrition. Sprinkle food with calcium and vitamins.
Buy one "Brygoo's chameleon"
It's probably the leaf chameleon What is most legally exported from Madagascar. Specimens of this species can be found relatively easily in specialized stores.. Its price in the exotic animal market ranges from 120 – 150 EUR.
1. Brygoo's chameleon, Brygoo’s pygmy chameleon, Leaf chameleon (English).
2. Camรฉlรฉon feuille de Brygoo (French).
3. Brygoos Chamรคleon, Brygoos Pygmรคenchamรคleon, Blattchamรคleon (German).
4. Camaleรฃo de Brygoo, Camaleรฃo pigmeu de Brygoo, Camaleรฃo de folha (Portuguese).
5. "Camaleรณn pigmeo de Brygoo", Camaleรณn de Brygoo, Camaleรณn de hoja, Camaleรณn pigmeo malgache (espaรฑol).
โท The world of Pets: Dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, amphibians
Angel Island chuckwalla
- Sauromalus hispidus
Origin: Mexico
Gender: Sauromalus
Life expectancy: 17 years in captivity
Length: 31.7 cm. (Head - trunk)
The Angel Island chuckwalla it is the second largest species of the genus Sauromalus (chuckwallas), reaching 44 cm of body length and 64 full length cm
A common collared lizard, (Crotaphytus collaris) sitting in a Angel Island chuckwalla (Sauromalus hispidus;) Reptilium Landau, Germany – H. Zell, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Content
Origin / Distribution
The Angel Island chuckwalla (Sauromalus hispidus) it is found in the northwestern islands of the Gulf of California (Mexico): Guardian angel, Granite, Mejia, Pond, Saint Lawrence North, South San Lorenzo and smaller islets in the Bay of Los Angeles (Horse's head, Window, Louse, Arrow, Mitlรกn and Coronado). These islands make the west cool and mild in winter and hot in summer..
Characteristics / Appearance
The Angel Island chuckwalla it is the second largest species of the genus Sauromalus (chuckwallas), reaching 44 cm of body length and 64 full length cm, and weighing up to 1,4 kg. It is considered a gigantic species, as it is two to three times the size of their counterparts on the continent. Its body color is a dark brown color with black transverse bands that fade into a solid darker brown to black color as the animal ages..
Habitat
The vegetation is dominated by xerophytic plants. Characteristic are the large cardon cactus (Pachycereus pringlei) and creosote bushes (Larrea tridentata).
The Angel Island chuckwalla it is present in all the smaller islands, but generally prefers the vicinity of rocky areas where animals find their hiding places.
But, due to the influence of the sea, humidity is generally higher than in mainland parts of the Sonoran Desert and rises sharply at night, with occasional early morning mists. Extreme temperatures are a minimum of 8 ยฐC and a maximum of 43 C.
Behavior
When two adults meet, they occasionally flatten on their sides and threaten each other with typical iguana โshovesโ and head nods. But, the animals do not come any closer and move to another rock after a short time.
Also striking is the general absence of any flight reaction towards humans..
Once the morning mist has cleared (between the 8 and 10 in the morning), the Angel Island chuckwalla appears on rocks to warm up in the sun. After the first sunbaths in the morning, many of the observed animals migrate to the canyon, where they feast on growing strawberries.
In the afternoon there is a second phase of activity, in which many animals go back into the canyon and look for food there.
Threats to the species
State of conservation โ
in danger โ(UICN)โ
The Angel Island chuckwalla (Sauromalus hispidus) has recently been assessed by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species in 2018. Sauromalus hispidus is listed as In danger under criterion B1b
The "Angel Island chuckwalla" in captivity
The islands of the distribution area of โโthe Angel Island chuckwalla have been protected by the Mexican government through the decree of the 2 in August of 1978 as "Reserve and Refuge for Migratory Birds and Wild Fauna". It also, Mexican legislation prohibits in principle the capture of reptiles for commercial purposes from 1952.
The Environmental Protection Law of 1988 establishes in principle that the taking of reptiles from the wild for commercial purposes is permitted under certain conditions, but until 1993 at least, there were no application guidelines for it, and the Mexican government had not issued a single permit for Baja California or the islands of the Gulf of California.
In the Decade of 1970, the giant chuckwallas (mainly Sauromalus varius, but also Sauromalus hispidus) were captured for the pet trade. MELLINK (1993) points out that illegal collection activities continue and that this also affects the Angel Island chuckwalla. While the Sauromalus varius is included in Appendix I of the WA, There is no international protection status for the Angel Island chuckwalla (Sauromalus hispidus).
It follows that at least most of the giant chuckwallas circulating in the terrarium trade must be illegally harvested animals.; this applies to all animals originating from Baja California or from the islands of the Gulf of California. The Angel Island chuckwalla (Sauromalus hispidus) it is rare in the international pet trade, but regularly shows up there at fairly high prices as claimed pups (in july 2001 the species was offered by two dealers in Germany). In U.S.A. the Angel Island chuckwalla (Sauromalus hispidus) is maintained and reproduced by at least three private owners.
The terrarium
Angel Island chuckwalla – Reptilium Landau, Germany – H. Zell, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The data indicated here are those corresponding to HEIKO WERNING, a breeder of "Angel Island chuckwalla"
Temperatures, illumination, heating
All the animals were always kept together in the same terrarium.. Initially I housed them in a terrarium of 150 x 200 x 200 cm. (wedged in a corner of the flat with diagonal walls, hence it only has average measurements), which was lit by an HQI burner of 150 W y luz natural (a "terrarium wall" was an exterior window).
The "terrarium wall" was an exterior window). a focus of 100 W, shining from a distance of about 30 cm on a platform of artificial rock, served as a hot island. Another local heat source was the HQI lamp ballast, which was mounted on the ground and covered by a metal plate. In both heat islands the temperatures were 40-50 C, The ambient temperature in the terrarium varied between 25 and 35 C, depending on the measuring point. In summer, temperatures could rise above (up to about 40 ยฐC ambient temperature), in autumn and spring they were below (up to about 20 ยฐC ambient temperature). At night, values โโdropped at room temperature (normally 18-22 C). The duration of artificial lighting was 14 constant daily hours outside the winter rest period; the total length of the day varied throughout the year depending on daylight hours in Berlin due to light from outside. In winter, artificial light sources were turned off for a period of 8 to 12 weeks, so that the values โโdropped to room temperature throughout the day and only natural light from outside illuminated the terrarium.
Furniture and design
The terrarium was furnished with artificial rock constructions made of Styrofoam, which were covered with wood glue and then sanded. The artificial rocks manufactured in this way turned out to be quite resistant., even to the mighty claws of the chuckwallas. Several vertical and horizontal "cracks" in the Styrofoam served as hiding places for the lizards, what they used at night, sometimes during the day when it was hot in summer and to hibernate in autumn and winter. The slits were designed in such a way as to provide a comfortable shelter for the animals., but at the same time they always offered contact surfaces from above and below. Sand available on the market was used as substrate., and the set-up was completed with a large climbing branch that almost filled the room and reached just below the HQI spotlight.
In 1999 I move house, and as the new terrarium originally intended for the chuckwallas could not be completed at the moment, they had to move to a much smaller enclosure. They are now kept in a terrarium of 150 x 70 x l00 cm, with whom he had already had a good experience in the maintenance and breeding of common chuckwallas (Sauromalus obesus BAIRD, 1859) (WERNING 1998) and that animals still inhabit today.
Two fluorescent lamps 60 W, a focus of 60 W shining on an artificial rock platform from a distance of 30 cm., and the UV lamp ยซOsram Ultra Vitalux" from 300 W, which is mounted on the lid and burns irregularly once or twice a day for 1-4 hours from a distance of about 60 cm., serve as lighting. This terrarium is also mainly equipped with artificial rocks (made of polystyrene and polyurethane foam, again painted with wood glue and then sanded). Borders and cork boards serve as additional structural and concealing elements. The temperature and lighting regime is similar to that described above, with the exception that there is hardly any natural light.
The tenarium is watered at irregular intervals at night.
Water is usually available in a small bowl. Animals have never been observed drinking.
Food
Photos of Sauromalus from | Depositphotosยฎ
According to the herbivorous way of life, I feed my chuckwallas almost exclusively with plant foods. They are fed an average of three to five times a day at will, that is to say, animals receive the amount of food they eat throughout the day. The main ingredient is lettuce, which has a very high calcium content compared to other leaf lettuce. From the beginning, constituted between 2/3 and 80% of the ration. If this lettuce is not available in season, a mixture of green lettuce, iceberg lettuce and other leaf lettuce (trade name "mixed lettuce") served as main food.
This basic diet is supplemented with other plant foods (mainly banana, Cucumber, tomato, chickweed, Apple, strawberries, grapes, carrots); occasionally I also offer food for animals (young mice, grasshopper, zophoba larvae). Juveniles still do not accept animal food; only at the age of 2-3 years showed for the first time a cautious interest. The Sauromalus hispidus adults from about five years of age, on the other hand, they pounce on all offered food with great avidity and clearly prefer it to any type of vegetable food.
Plant feeds were generally mixed with a mixture of vitamins and minerals. There was no exact dose, but they mixed 1-2 ml of the preparation with the green food in approximately three out of four meals as a well-tested empirical value from the care of the Dipsosaurus dorsalis and Common chuckwallaSauromalus ater.
I feared giving the animals too many vitamins and reduced the addition to every one or two weeks, but I also offered them crushed egg shells and pieces of cuttlefish so that they could meet their calcium needs on their own.. After wintering 1999/2000, clear symptoms (hind leg lameness, slight deformation of the bones) showed that three of the four juveniles of 1997 suffered from a calcium deficiency. A diagnostic examination with rontographs confirmed the suspicion. Two animals died shortly after, one of them could be saved with the administration of vitamin D by the veterinarian. Hind leg injury healed almost completely, the animal returns to normal mobility and shows only slight changes in movement compared to other animals. Since then, the animal has been fed again with a mixture of vitamins and minerals, as described above.
In winter 1999/2000 the animals hibernated from early December to early February. From April 2000, the two adult males displayed completely different behavior. They threaten each other several times a day by flattening on the side and nodding their heads. They stood facing each other, leaning towards each other, so that the two animals together formed almost a circle. after a few nods, they started hitting each other with their tails. Either one of the males ran away, or a few flicks of the tail caused one of the animals to run towards the other and try to bite, what was partially successful. The second male then fled and was chased by the winner through the tenarium for some time., sometimes for several minutes, until finally he left her and the situation relaxed for a while.
In May, these fierce fights, which in two cases resulted in smaller but bloody bite wounds, could be seen almost every hour. But, while they fed, the two males continued to ignore each other and fed together without disturbing each other. If the superior male stood directly in front of the adult female during the chase, he left the adversary and impressed his partner by nodding his head. The 15.5.2001 mating was observed. It took place on the highest rock platform in the corner of the tenaria, illuminated by spotlight. The male had bitten the female's neck in typical iguana fashion and pushed her cloaca below that of his mate.. As I only arrived during copulation, I can't tell how long it lasted. Some 60 Seconds later, the male abandoned the female and a large drop of sperm from the female came out of his cloaca. No more matings could be observed, but the rivalry between the two males remained just as intense until June, and there were repeated clashes between the two until hibernation. In 2001, on the other hand, only very isolated fights without biting attacks were observed between the males.
After observed mating, the female showed a large appetite and quickly gained visibly in body size.
The eggs were visible under the skin when the animal was at rest.. About a week before egg laying, the female began to dig in several places of the ten-ario. In the ten-arium itself there is an artificial rock cavity made of Styrofoam (a few 15 x 30 x 15 cm.), that I have now filled up 2/3 with moist potting soil. The 14.06.2000 The female laid nine eggs of about 40 x 22 mm. It remained in the cavity for about a day. Then, not only was the egg well of the cavity filled with substrate, but the female pushed all the substrate of the terrarium on the artificial cavity, so that it finally disappeared under a mountain of substrate. Eggs were removed shortly after laying and placed in a Styrofoam box converted into an incubator., as described by WERNING (1995). Once the eggs are removed, the female scratched the cavity again to close it completely. For a week or so, seemed to guard the nest cavity and continued to move material up the mountain.
The incubation substrate was moist sand., with which he had already had good experience in laying eggs in the Chacahuala del Noroeste Sauromalus ater. I adjusted the humidity of the substrate with the "safe instinct" that I had already acquired with the other Chuckwallas. The sand is moist but not wet, humidity reaches approx. 90-95 % due to evaporation above the heat source in the brood box. Half of the eggs were buried in the substrate. No light enters the incubator except during controls.
During the first four weeks I incubated at 30ยบC, the remaining 6,5 weeks at 32ยบC. One egg died after about four weeks for no apparent reason. He seemed to have suddenly lost tension; had softened and yielded. The opening showed that she was fertilized. another egg, after eight weeks of incubation, also collapsed a bit and was without tension. Then I increased the humidity of the substrate a little, the egg recovered after a few days and was plump and firm again.
The 01.09.2000 the first eggs hatched. The 03.09.2000 the eight pups were born. The incubation period was, Therefore, of 80 to 83 days. CARL & JoNES (1979) inform of 94-99 days to 29-31 incubation temperature ยบC. In my case, all the young animals first scratched the egg, from which the clear came. Only hours later they took the head out of the egg, followed by the upper body after a few more hours. The pups took a 24 hours to finally hatch. All hatchlings still had a large yolk sac, that were completely reabsorbed during the 48 following hours. During this time I left them in the incubator. The pups measured between 5,5 and 6,1 cm. in length and between 10,1 and 12,3 cm.. So, hatchlings were much smaller than previously reported in the literature (CARL & JoNES 1979: 7,2 cm., SYLBER 1985: 7,1 cm.). Egg sizes also remained below literature values. (CARL & JoNES 1979: 44 x 29 mm, SYLBER 1985: 50 x 35 mm), the smallest clutch size known so far was given by CASE (1982) with 14. But, according to the same author, the smallest female known so far to have reproduced, with a length of 24 cm., was already considerably larger than my female with 18 cm..
Breeding
The newborn pups seemed very weak and barely moved, so I feared that they would not be viable. Once the yolk sac is completely reabsorbed, I placed them in the breeding room. In a few minutes they cheered, they ran around the tank, they caressed all the furniture and even nibbled on a piece of wood from a root.
The average breeding terrarium 100 x 60 x 50 cm and was equipped with two fluorescent lamps of 40 W and a focus of 60 W that illuminated a root from a distance of about 20 cm.. It also, juveniles were irradiated several times a week for 1-2 hours with an Osram Ultra Vitalux lamp.
The glass of the terrarium was replaced by a grid so that the UV rays were not filtered and the lamp was placed at a few 50 cm in front of tenarium. Young animals reacted immediately to radiation. They reached out and clung to the net to get as close to the radiation source as possible.. when they had enough, they gradually retreated to their hiding places.
In addition to the root mentioned, a small artificial rock from the shops and a stack of compressed cork sheets arranged in such a way that there were enough indentations to hide were used as furniture. The back and side walls are pasted over with decorative cork boards, which allowed the animals to climb the walls a little, although the little ones are already quite clumsy when climbing vertical surfaces. I initially chose quartz sand as the substrate, but after discussing with two terrarium keepers I decided to use only cellulose cloths (kitchen towels), as they both reported for their experience of death traps in young Uromastyx and Sauromalus, that had occurred due to clogging as a result of massive ingestion of sand.
feeding the little girl Angel Island chuckwalla did not cause any problems. From the first day in the breeding terrarium they ate all the vegetable food that was offered to them.. Feeding was similar to that of adults.. From the beginning, small crickets were offered, wax moth caterpillars and cockroaches for interest, but the chuckwallas ignored them. Today, they do not accept food of animal origin.
In December, the little ones chuckwallas were subjected to a three-week "mini-hibernation" with the lights off and at room temperature (a few 20 C).
At four months, I moved the young animals to a larger terrarium (150 x 70 x 100 cm.). So far no interactions between the animals have been observed., apart from occasional mutual nods. But, a young man lagged behind in growth. Only too late did I realize I wasn't eating enough. when i split it, he was already refusing food and died shortly after at five months. After nine months there were two more losses. One was apathetic and separated. Although he kept eating, died after a few days. The same day, another animal in the group died without any previous signs of disease. The necropsy revealed a massive salmonella infestation in both animals as the probable cause.. The swabs from the other animals showed the same results., and an antibiogram revealed the sensitivity of microorganisms to Baytril. treatment with Baytril was carried out successfully under veterinary supervision.
Buy one "Angel Island chuckwalla"
When buying a reptile with these characteristics, it is an obligation to make sure that the store where it is sold is certified and has the necessary permits according to the law so that you do not have any type of problem., if it complies and is in order, you make sure to buy an animal that is not in danger of extinction since they are surely from specialized farms for the sale of this particular species.
Please be aware and for no reason acquire animals in clandestine shops illegally or on the black market.. Since you favor the disappearance of species that are in danger of extinction.
1. Angel Island chuckwalla, Spiny chuckwalla (English).
2. Chuckwalla รฉpineux (French).
3. Angel Island Chuckwalla, Stachelige Chuckwalla (German).
4. Chuckwalla espinhosa, Angel island chuckwalla, Ilha dos Anjos chuckwalla (Portuguese).
5. "Iguana espinosa", Chacahuala de la Isla Angel de la Guarda (espaรฑol).
โท The world of Pets: Dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, amphibians
Sunbeam snake
- Xenopeltis unicolor
Origin: China, Myanmar, Viet Nam, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, west malaysia, la isla de Penang, the island of singapore, East Malaysia, Indonesian, Philippines
Gender: Xenopeltis
Life expectancy: 20 years
Length: 1 m
The Sunbeam snake They are constrictors and kill their prey by suffocating them in their muscular coils..
This close-up clearly shows the characteristic highly polished iridescent scales. – Bochr, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Content
Origin / Distribution
The Sunbeam snake (Xenopeltis unicolor) is located in China (Guangdong y Yunnan), Myanmar, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Viet Nam, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, west malaysia, la isla de Penang, the island of singapore, East Malaysia (Sarawak), Indonesian (the Riau archipelago, Bangka, Billiton, Sumatra, We, Simalur, Nias, the Mentawai Islands of Borneo, Java and Sulawesi) and the Philippines (Balabac, Bongao, Jolo and Palawan). The indicated type locality is "Java".
Characteristics / Appearance
The Sunbeam snake grows to an average of 1 m. The head is wedge-shaped and narrow., with little delineation of the neck, which makes it easy to push along the ground. Its most defining characteristic is its iridescent scales., highly polished, which give this snake its common name. They have a layer of dark pigmentation just below the surface on each scale that enhances the iridescence.. The young look very similar to the adults., except that they have a strong white "collar" of scales evident just below the head. This coloration fades during the first year,
It is a primitive form of snake with python characteristics; the family to which he belongs is still the subject of debate.
Habitat
This lowland snake lives in forests, swamps and bushes. The species can be found in both disturbed and undisturbed areas., including urban environments, paddy fields and other agricultural areas, as well as the tropical forest. These snakes are most often found in disturbed areas, such as gardens adjacent to secondary forest. In Vietnam the snake is cosmopolitan among 100 and 2.000 m above sea level, but seems to prefer forested mountain valleys, with rocky areas near streams. The snake spends most of its time underground and only emerges at night or during heavy rains in the wet season..
Behavior
These snakes are constrictors and kill their prey by suffocating them in their muscular coils.. They are fossils and spend most of their time underground.. They can bite easily if handled roughly, but most of the time they only try to escape if they are caught. They have also been observed to vibrate their tail like a rattlesnake when threatened..
Food
The diet is varied and consists mainly of frogs, reptiles, including other snakes, and small mammals.
Reproduction
Oviparous, females lay up 10 eggs at a time.
Threats to the species
State of conservation โ
Minor Concern โ(UICN)โ
The Sunbeam snake (Xenopeltis unicolor) was assessed on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species in 2011. The Xenopeltis unicolor figure as of Least concern.
It is generally a common species. It is described as very common in Vietnam, and is also common in Myanmar.
No specific conservation measures known for the species, although found in protected areas in Vietnam and Myanmar, and presumably throughout its range. In Thailand the species is protected by law.
The "Sunbeam snake" in captivity
This species is taken from the wild for the pet and fur trade..
The terrarium
terrarium size
minimum requirement 1 x 0,5 x 0,5 of the total length of the animals for a pair.
Temperature
Soil temperature should be between 26-28 ยฐC, with local heating up to 33 ยฐC. Baja a 22 ยฐC at night. The basic temperature can be reached well with, for example, Thermo Mat. But, this should be very weak. Otherwise, it is better to use a spotlight.
Humidity
60-80%, also above the 90%; proper substrate moisture is most important. To create the ideal conditions, it is recommended to use musgo Sphagnum. This creates loose, airy hiding places that retain moisture optimally..
Illumination
Daylight fluorescent tubes, for example, Daylight Sun ECO in combination with the light strip.
Substrate
Loose and absorbent substrate such as Jungle Bedding, Snake Bedding or Eco Bark. Never use gravel or sand. The snake must be able to bury itself.
Furniture
Create lots of hiding places, for example, with stones, cork roots and bits. A shallow bowl of water should not be missing. Climbing branches are not necessary.
Food
Mice, rats and other rodents of adequate size.
Buy one "Sunbeam snake"
The price of a "Sunbeam snake" at the exotic animal market, ranges between 120 – 160 EUR.
Videos "Sunbeam snake"
Sunbeam Snake a Rainbow Snake with Rainbow Colors ๐น๐ญThailand VLOG | ThaiPulseCom
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