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

Giant fanged frog discovered • Featuring stories that include the discovery of a new giant fanged frog from the Philippines, a study of red-backed salamanders, how the genome of the Mediterranean spur-thighed tortoise has been cracked, the impact of rainfall on sea turtle hatchlings and more, including incredible new insights revealing how pterosaurs flew, which in turn give an unparalleled view into their lifestyles, and a vital veterinary breakthrough in terms of reptile care.

A major veterinary breakthrough

Revealing the genome of the Mediterranean spur-thighed tortoise

Abundant salamanders

Flight patterns of ancient flying reptiles match those of modern birds

The impact of rainfall on the size of sea turtle hatchlings

Raising the profile of fossilised frogs

The world of the African giant bullfrog • African giant bullfrogs rank as the sixth largest anuran (tail-less amphibian) alive today, dwarfing almost all other frogs in size. They have an interesting natural history and are relatively easy to keep and breed in a vivarium setting, as Timothy Zedi explains.

Stressed scales • Professional herpetologist and long-time African resident Paul Donovan reveals the key signs of stress that you should be aware of, when it comes to managing your reptiles. Discover what to look for at an early stage, when things may be going wrong, and the steps that should be taken to prevent or alleviate stress.

Do I need lighting for my leopard geckos?

REPTILE FOCUS • Blue tree monitor (Varanus macraei)

Coping with an anorexic snake • Richard White explains why ball pythons in particular have a tendency to lose their appetite, and how to address this issue, determining whether or not something is seriously wrong.

Talking turtles • Back in the late 1980s through into the early 1990s, when the popularity of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles was at its peak, people rushed to buy pet turtles, without giving adequate thought to their care. Many of these reptiles died as a result of ignorance, but some survived, as David Alderton explains.

The world of invertebrates • Invertebrates represent the largest group of creatures on the planet. No-one is certain how many species exist - there could literally be millions more still unrecognised, according to some scientists. David Alderton reports.

GETTING TO GRIPS WITH garters • For many years, garter snakes have been dismissed rather as beginner’s choices, especially given the increasing number of other species now featuring in the hobby. However, garter snakes offer something for everyone, whether you are a novice or a more experienced keeper.

A venom discovery

Why Bastis are the best! • Our Frogman in the United States is a keen keeper of poison dart frogs – specialising in the Bastimentos pumilios morph, better known simply as Bastis. Here he explains how he set up and maintains his stock, providing key insights into breeding as well.

Plants

Get to know your reptiles better! • Have you ever thought about why your reptiles behave in a certain way? Have you observed some aspect of their behaviour that you’d like to understand more about? Here’s your chance, as Dr James Brereton explains.

Practical Reptile Keeping