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

Gigantic anacondas • Featuring reports about the discovery of a remarkable group of toads with very unusual breeding habits, a new species of snake from a remote island, fresh insight into the evolution of sea-going crocodiles, the amazing ability of a frog to prey on deadly stinging hornets and more, including new discoveries about the biology of the highly distinctive glasswing butterflies, while beginning here with the results of a study of gigantic anacondas — both past and present.

SEAGOING CROCODILES FROM EGYPT

NEW SNAKE SPECIES DISCOVERED

Fearless frogs feast on deadly hornets

Family ties with butterflies

New toads skip the tadpole phase

New discovery of Jurassic reptile blurs the line between snake and lizard

Tackling obesity in bearded dragons • There's not just an epidemic of obesity affecting people these days, but it's extending to our pets as well, and as far as reptiles are concerned, it seems to be a particular problem with bearded dragons. Pete Hawkins gives his views on what can be done to address this issue.

The discovery and care of the common Surinam toad • Surinam toads represent one of the most remarkable groups of amphibians, not just in terms of their distinctive appearance, but also with regard to their breeding habits, as John F. Taylor explains.

Keeping Turtles an introductory guide • Turtles are cute, especially when young, and they can become tame enough to take food from your hand. But as with all pets, they are not for everyone. Experienced enthusiast Jo Jeynes provides detailed advice on what you need to consider, before taking the plunge.

AMPHIBIAN FOCUS • Amazon climbing salamander (Bolitoglossa altamazonica)

VETERINARY CASEBOOK • Injuries can result from the most unlikely causes, and the results can be life-threatening, even with prompt treatment. Specialist veterinary surgeon Dr Joanna Hedley describes a recent case of this type.

Life is dangerous!

Talking teeth • One crucial aspect of snake biology that is often overlooked is the variance in tooth structure that exists within this group of reptiles. This has a critical influence on their lifestyle and behaviour. Paul Donovan explains more.

A gecko of many guises

TALES FROM THE REPTILE HOUSE THE SANKE THAT REALLY ISN'T A SNAKE AT ALL! • HAVING worked for many years as the curator of a zoological collection in Scotland, Bill Lowe soon learnt that visitors to the Reptile House would always be keen to benefit from his knowledge - as long as what he told them was what they wanted to hear!

Hermann's tortoise • This species ranks as one of the most popular choices as a pet. David Alderton discusses its appeal, and things that you need to consider when acquiring a pet tortoise of this type.

The Bronx's most famous snake man • Whether it be stamp-collecting, train-spotting or fishing, the degree of enthusiasm for a particular hobby can vary enormously. At one end of the spectrum are the dabblers, the fair-weather practitioners, those with a fleeting interest. At the other are the fully committed - the dedicated devotees writes Dan Eatherley.

Parental care in frogs and toads • The evolution of parental care represents a major breakthrough in reproductive biology, helping to ensure that...