The Questions & Answers Manual of Reptiles and Amphibians [antikvár]

Introduction It is difficult to explain the fascination of keeping reptiles and amphibians, collectively known as herptiles. They have had (and still have) a "bad press", often being regarded with superstition, fear and loathing. This is changing, as more people learn to appreciate the great variety of forms these animals take. Some keepers may be drawn to a species for its appearance or habits; others enjoy producing a "little piece of nature" in their living room. Whatever the reason, the popularity of these creatures has increased rapidly. The past couple of decades has seen more literature published than did the previous hundred years. The availability of specialist equipment, commercial foods and dietary supplements has facilitated the successful keeping and breeding of many species previously considered impossible. In response to environmental threats, the trade in many species is now strictly controlled. Such restrictions can only proliferate with time, which increases the urgency of establishing breeding populations in captivity. Many species are easy to care for, but problems can arise even for the most experienced keeper. You must give serious consideration to the responsibilities before bringing an animal home. Inadequate preparation causes suffering to animals and leads to disappointment for the owner. The care of reptiles and amphibians (especially their nutrition) is complex; children entrusted with husbandry must be supervised by adults. It is also worth finding an experienced "herptile vet" before you need one urgently. We have presented information on the basis of questions that have been asked of us (or that we have asked!) during our years of reptile and amphibian husbandry, in our roles as lecturers and writers, and as the authors of the advice column in a specialist magazine. The first section. Starting Out, applies to both reptiles and amphibians. From there, the book is divided into four sections, two each on the two groups; the first of these gives general information about the practical aspects of husbandry, while the second focuses on individual species and their special requirements. We have given the measurements for vivaria as LxWxH, rather than in the old-fashioned form of aquarium gallon sizes. This reflects the wider choice of prefabricated and purpose-built models on the market today. As keepers and breeders for many years, we have both experienced considerable interest, success and pleasure with these fascinating creatures. We hope this book will help readers to enjoy the same satisfaction. ROBERT 8c VALERIE DAVIES