,,amphibians ,,and ,,reptiles ,,in ,,captivity ,tom ,r4 ,johnson ,robert ,n4 ,bader ,donald ,j4 ,coxwell ,,special ,,issue ,,number #b ,,september #aige ,cover design1 booklet format1 and photographs by ,tom ,r4 ,johnson ,,executive ,,committee ,,st4 ,,louis ,,herpetological ,,society ,tom ,r4 ,johnson1 ,president #bhbj ,oakland ,ave4 ,st4 ,louis1 ,mo4 #fcadc ,craig ,petefish1 ,vice-,president #aabbj ,hi-,tower ,st4 ,ann1 ,mo4 #fcjgd ,diane ,m4 ,johnson1 ,sec4-,treas4 #bhbj ,oakland ,ave4 ,st4 ,louis1 ,mo4 #fcadc ,donald ,j4 ,coxwell1 ,editor #aaijh ,san ,remo ,st4 ,louis1 ,mo4 #fcach ,illustration3 ,cover3 ,cuban treefrog1 ,hyla septentrionalis1 and boa constrictor1 ,boa c4 constrictor ,,contents ,introduction iii ,salamanders #a ,toads and ,frogs #f ,turtles and ,tortoises #ac ,lizards #bj ,snakes #be ,bibliography #ce ,illustration3 ,author autograph ,,introduction ,in recent years the number of people interested in keeping amphibians and reptiles in captivity has grown rapidly4 ,all too often1 these same people have little knowledge of the proper care needed for their captives1 nor do they know where to turn in order to learn the needs of their animals4 ,pet stores generally do not have the expertise to give out proper information on the identification and care of amphibians or reptiles4 ,the booklets they sell on the subject are too general and too vague4 ,it is the intent of the authors of this special issue to offer the proper information needed to successfully keep amphibians and reptiles in captivity4 ,we are by no means ,,the experts on the subject1 nor do we claim to cover all the facts4 ,however1 we do hope that enough information is furnished to answer most of the common questions asked by people4 ,the bibliography has a list of books which go into more detail on amphibians and reptiles3 their identification1 and natural history1 range1 and care in captivity4 ,room did not permit the inclusion of amphibian diseases--thus1 the bibliography will be of help there4 ,due to the decline in the majority of crocodilians in the world1 the authors do not condone their being kept in captivity by amateur herpetologists4 ,we also contend that venomous reptiles1 as well1 do not belong in a private collection4 ,acknowledgments4 ,a note of thanks goes to the authors listed in the bibliography2 for1 without their works1 this special issue would have been extremely difficult4 ,tom ,r4 ,johnson ,robert ,n4 ,bader ,donald ,j4 ,coxwell ,,salamanders 7,order ,caudata7 ,background4 ,salamanders have been on earth a very long time2 as a matter of fact1 the first land vertebrate animal was a type of salamander that evolved from air-breathing fresh water fish--around #cjj million years ago 7late ,devonian period74 ,today1 they range in size from a few inches to over five feet long 7the giant salamander of ,china and ,japan reach nearly #e feet in length74 ,salamanders require a moist environment of various degrees--from slightly moist 7as with a newt eft stage71 to a completely aquatic existence 7as with the mudpuppy1 hellbender1 or adult newt74 ,nearly all salamanders require water for breeding and egg laying1 but there are some varieties which lay their eggs on land1 under logs or in leaf litter4 ,there are approximately #bhj species of salamanders in the world--,north ,america1 ,europe1 and ,asia sharing the majority of species4 ,missouri is the home of some two dozen species and subspecies4 ,selection of ,species to be ,kept4 ,it would be erroneous to say that all species of salamanders can be successfully kept in captivity1 because1 as with other groups of animals1 there are types which are hardy in captivity1 and there are types which are extremely delicate4 ,it is recommended that only the more hardy species be considered for keeping in the home4 ,as far as local species are concerned1 the various mole salamanders 7genus ,ambystoma3 the tiger1 spotted1 and small-mouthed salamanders7 seem to do well in captivity4 ,they may live a long time 7up to #aj or #ab years for some74 ,they are large 7hence1 will eat food that is more available71 and they do not require a special temperature range4 ,the central newt1 ,notophthalmus v4 louisianensis1 which is locally common1 or the red-spotted newt1 ,n4 v4 viridescens1 which is sold in pet stores1 are rather hardy1 if kept properly4 ,the mudpuppy and hellbender may do well1 but they require considerably more space1 and should be given a few flat rocks to hide under4 ,illustration3 ,eastern ,tiger ,salamander ,ambystoma t4 tigrinum ,the smaller salamanders of ,missouri are on the whole delicate and require cool temperatures4 ,the best one to try to keep for a while in captivity is the slimy salamander1 ,plethodon g4 glutinosus4 ,the rest of the smaller salamanders 7genus ,plethodon and ,eurycea7 are usually difficult to maintain4 ,if you do secure some of these1 it is recommended that they be kept a short time for observation1 and then released in the same area where they were taken4 ,remember3 several species of ,missouri salamanders are protected by the ,missouri ,conservation ,department4 ,if you plan to collect your own specimens1 be sure to follow all laws of the ,conservation ,dept4 ,no animal can be collected in a state or national park1 or taken from any cave4 ,housing ,your ,captive ,salamanders4 #a4 ,terrestrial 7land7 species4 ,the first consideration for keeping terrestrial forms is proper moisture4 ,the home terrarium with deep soil and rooted plants is very good for many salamanders1 but it affords too many hiding places1 and you may never see your specimens4 ,a #a to #b inch layer of soil 7#a_/c black dirt1 #a_/c peat moss1 #a_/c fine sand7 works very well for most land salamanders 7mole salamanders1 slimy salamanders1 and the ,california newt74 ,a few flat rocks or slabs of bark1 or some dead leaves will furnish hiding places1 and a small1 shallow water dish should be provided4 ,a #e- or #aj-;gallon aquarium would be about the right size for keeping several salamanders4 ,painting the sides and back with black or dark brown paint will furnish them with added security4 ,never crowd too many salamanders into a small aquarium4 ,in the wild you seldom see more than one or two individuals in any one hiding place4 ,the soil mixture should be changed every #b to #c weeks1 because it will tend to sour from your captive's excrement4 ,as far as lighting your vivarium1 it is not necessary for the salamanders4 ,they are all nocturnal1 and shy away from any direct light4 ,thus1 too much light can be harmful1 and can also cause the vivarium to heat up4 ,the proper temperature for most land living salamanders is from #fe to #gb;,f4 ,whatever size aquarium you intend to use to house your salamander1 be very sure it has a tight screen lid4 ,an all glass lid should not be used because it prevents circulation of air1 and allows the humidity to build up to nearly #ajj4 ,the soil mixture on the bottom of the vivarium should be slightly damp1 not wet or soggy4 ,for best results--a gradient of moisture from nearly dry to damp will furnish your salamanders with an environment in which they can choose their own dampness4 #b4 ,aquatic ,species4 ,aquatic salamanders do well in an aquarium with a thin layer of gravel on the bottom1 a few rocks1 and a few plants4 ,once again1 a #e- or #aj-;gallon aquarium would be the right size--but be sure that the top is tight--aquatic salamanders can also climb out4 ,the water should be changed as often as necessary to keep it clear and odor free4 ,use spring water or aged tap water to insure that they are not exposed to any chlorine4 ,the use of an aquarium filter will help keep the salamanders clean4 ,the water temperature should be kept at between #fe to #gb;,f4 ,if you wish to illuminate the aquarium1 use a fluorescent lamp1 not an incandescent lamp4 ,never expose your salamanders to long periods of light1 or very harsh light4 ,food and ,feeding4 ,the universal food item that can be fed to most of the salamanders discussed above is the earthworm4 ,worms are the natural food for many of them1 they can be stored alive1 they can be collected easily1 or purchased at a bait shop4 ,they supply most of the nutritional needs for salamanders1 and they come in various sizes4 ,for large salamanders the worms can be fed to them whole4 ,or for smaller species the worms can be chopped into small pieces and offered to the salamander on the end of a thin wire4 ,of course1 insects of all sorts can be offered to salamanders4 ,you can collect them yourself or purchase crickets or meal worms at a bait shop or pet shop4 ,you may even try feeding small pieces of liver1 beef1 or even canned dog food1 as well as small strips of raw fish4 ,salamanders1 like other amphibians1 will do well if fed three times per week4 ,dusting the food with calcium_/phosphorus powder will help to keep your specimens healthy4 ,salamanders feed on live1 moving animals1 thus they usually eat best if stimulated by movement4 ,the food can be held with long forceps or on a thin wire1 and waved in front of the salamander4 ,food not eaten should be removed at once4 ,salamanders are rather delicate animals1 and they do best if they are handled as little as possible4 ,with proper care and attention1 salamanders can be very interesting and attractive animals in captivity4 ,t4,r4,j4 ,illustration3 ,salamander ,,toads ,,and ,,frogs 7order ,anura7 ,background4 ,the toads and frogs evolved from salamanders some #ahj million years ago 7,triassic period74 ,they have changed little since they developed the large1 jumping-type legs1 and have become very successful4 ,today there are over #b1fjj species of toads and frogs1 and they live in a variety of environments4 ,with proper care1 most toads and frogs do quite well in captivity4 ,knowing their natural history can help to furnish the keeper with the information necessary to keep these amphibians in good health4 ,selection of ,species to be ,kept4 ,the selection of the proper anuran 7toads and frogs7 for you to keep depends partially on where your interests lie4 ,if you are interested in toads1 then the common species in your area may be selected 7,missouri common toads include the ,american and the ,fowler's toad74 ,the very large ,marine toad1 ,bufo marinus1 is a species that is quite hardy in captivity1 and are not expensive to purchase4 ,spadefoot toads 7genus ,scaphiopus7 are rather difficult to collect1 except during their breeding season1 and they are extremely shy and rather difficult to keep4 ,they do not make a very good study animal because they tend to spend a great deal of time buried at the bottom of their vivarium4 ,the treefrogs generally do well in captivity1 but only the larger species should be considered4 ,the very small varieties should be delicate1 and require very small insects to feed on4 ,the gray treefrog 7,hyla versicolor7 and green treefrog 7,hyla cinerea71 both are found in ,missouri1 as well as the barking treefrog and ,cuban treefrog 7,florida species71 are easily kept1 provided they are given a variety of live insects to eat4 ,the majority of true frogs 7genus ,rana7 can be kept with little trouble1 but--as with all animals--they should be kept as clean as possible4 ,the leopard frog 7,rana pipiens1 blaira1 and utricularia7 will do well1 so also will the green and bull frog 7,rana clamitans and ,r4 catesbeiana74 ,because they are bred in captivity1 the clawed frog1 ,xenopus1 of ,africa is available in many pet stores at reasonable prices4 ,these completely aquatic frogs can do quite well in captivity4 ,another tropical frog species that is often sold in pet stores is the ,south ,american horned frog1 ,ceratophrys1 which will eat both crickets and baby mice4 ,choosing other species not listed in this section will have to be done at the discretion of the person keeping them4 ,you may choose a species that is either too fragile 7as with very small toads or treefrogs71 or1 if exotic species are what you are interested in1 their price may be the deciding factor 7some ,central ,american frogs can be expensive74 ,no matter what type of toad or frog you intend to keep1 remember that they require live food1 and should never be kept in crowded conditions4 ,thus1 keep in mind that insects are difficult to secure in the winter1 and1 the more specimens you have1 the greater the problem will be to feed them4 ,it is recommended that only one or two toads or frogs be kept at one time--get to know the animals1 learn from them1 and then move on to other species4 ,release native species in a suitable area--but never release non-native species into a new area 444 give them to a zoo or biology teacher4 ,one last reminder3 always wash your hands after having handled your captives4 ,the skin secretions can be very irritating to the eyes4 ,housing ,your ,captive ,toad or ,frog4 ,as with salamanders1 the toads and frogs can be put into two categories3 #a4 ,aquatic1 and #b4 ,terrestrial 7living on land74 ,both types of amphibians can be successfully kept in aquaria4 ,illustration3 ,american ,toad ,bufo a4 americanus4 #a4 ,aquatic and semi-aquatic toads and frogs4 ,the truly aquatic toads and frogs that are often kept in captivity by amateur herpetologists are the ,south ,american ,surinam toad1 ,pipa pipa1 and the ,african clawed frog1 ,xenopus laevis4 ,both forms can be kept in a #aj-;gallon aquarium with gravel on the bottom1 a few rocks1 and some aquatic plants4 ,a secure top should always cover the top of the aquarium4 ,the water should be filtered1 and a temperature of #gj to #gh;,f will do nicely for these species4 ,the water level of the aquarium can be from #f to #aj inches4 ,many of the true frogs 7genus ,rana7 can be kept in a semi-aquatic condition4 ,that is1 a few inches of water on one end of the aquarium1 and some type of land area on the other end4 ,in this way1 the frog can either be in the water or out--whatever it wishes4 ,one way to set up this situation would be to use a #aj-;gallon aquarium with a little gravel on the bottom1 and a few large1 flat rocks for the frogs to climb onto can be put in4 ,a screen top must be put on the top to keep the frogs inside4 ,if bullfrogs 7,rana catesbeiana7 are to be kept1 a #ae or #bj-;gallon aquarium would be needed4 ,with this set-up1 the water should be changed at least twice per week4 ,to give the amphibians a sense of security1 the back and sides of the aquarium should be painted a dark brown or black 7paint the outside glass74 ,try to avoid any bright lights over your toads' or frogs' aquarium4 #b4 ,terrestrial and ,arboreal ,species4 ,all of our native toads are adapted to life on land4 ,in captivity they will do well if given a few inches of soil 7#a_/c black dirt1 #a_/c peat moss1 and #a_/c fine sand71 a few pieces of bark to hide under1 and a small1 shallow water dish4 ,a #e or #aj-;gallon aquarium will do4 ,the sides and back should be painted a dark brown or black1 and a screen top will be needed to keep them inside4 ,the soil mixture should be replaced every few weeks for proper sanitation4 ,if the soil mixture becomes too wet1 it should be replaced4 ,besides most toads1 the ,south ,american horned frog1 ,ceratophrys1 the ,african burrowing frog1 ,pyxicephalus1 and the spadefoot toads1 ,scaphippus1 can be kept in this type vivarium4 ,however1 if you notice that the bottom of the toads' or frogs' hind feet are becoming raw from too much digging1 it may be best to keep them on wet paper towels rather than on any soil4 ,treefrogs4 ,a typical terrarium set-up will work very well for most treefrogs4 ,but1 even though you may have the most beautiful terrarium plants--the treefrogs will spend most of their time sticking to the upper corners of the aquarium4 ,besides plants1 a few small branches and a shallow water dish are also required4 ,spraying the terrarium once-a-day will do the treefrogs and the plants some good4 ,the temperature for most treefrogs or terrestrial toads and frogs can range from #fh to #ge;,f4 ,however1 tropical species should not fall below #gj;,f4 ,illustration3 ,green ,frog ,rana clamitans ,food and ,feeding4 ,becoming familiar with the natural history of your captive amphibian will help you determine what they can be fed4 ,giving your toad or frog a variety of live insects is a good practice4 ,for the totally aquatic species2 earthworms1 minnows1 goldfish1 shrimp1 and even small tadpoles1 are all eaten by them4 ,if these are not available1 try small pieces of raw fish1 liver1 or beef4 ,toads and large frogs will eat mice--the size depending on the size of the toad or frog4 ,feeding your animals by just dumping in a number of crickets1 worms1 or flies is a very poor management practice4 ,for one thing1 if you have several toads or frogs in one aquarium1 the stronger1 more alert animal will probably eat more than the others1 and one or two will be under fed4 ,also1 if you add live crickets to a well planted terrarium1 many of the plants will be eaten by the crickets before they are eaten up themselves4 ,it is thus strongly recommended that all your toads and frogs be fed by hand1 using a thin wire or long pair of forceps4 ,place the cricket or worm on the end of the wire and move it in front of the amphibian4 ,in this way you can be sure all are getting the proper amount of food1 and this is also a good way to feed such things as liver or pieces of raw beef4 ,as a general rule1 all your toads and frogs will do well if fed on a regular basis of #b to #c times per week4 ,it is good practice to dust the worms or insects once a week with a calcium_/phosphorus powder4 ,this will supply your specimens with the much needed minerals4 ,tadpoles4 ,it happens so often that people have seen tadpoles 7,toad and frog larvae7 in ponds or puddles while out in the country1 and have taken them home--only to find out they have no idea how to care for them4 ,the development of these amphibians can be a real learning experience for children1 and with proper care1 your tadpoles can mature to small toads or frogs4 ,overcrowding and lack of proper food are two mistakes made most often by people who try to keep tadpoles4 ,one half to one dozen is more than enough to try to keep4 ,put them in a shallow pan1 with #a to #c inches of water in it4 ,the larger the tadpoles1 the deeper the water should be4 ,insert an air stone to keep the water in motion4 ,no rocks or gravel are needed1 but some live aquatic plants can be put in with them4 ,,keep ,,them ,,clean4 ,never allow the water to stand dirty for more than a few hours4 ,be sure that the clean water is free from chlorine4 ,to feed your tadpoles1 it is essential to give them a variety1 and to furnish them with both plant and animal foods4 ,their staple diet could be boiled lettuce1 rabbit chow1 and cooked liver4 ,give them small amounts of food at one time4 ,you can feed them #c or #d times a day4 ,when you see the water is becoming dirty--change it4 ,you may want to try and feed them a tropical fish food called molly flake food2 or you might try some hard boiled egg4 ,keep the water temperature at #gj to #gb;,f4 ,once the tadpoles begin to lose their tails1 grow front legs1 and take in air at the surface1 they are beginning to turn into a toad or frog4 ,at this stage1 they should not be disturbed4 ,when they no longer have any tail1 and stay out of the water1 they can be fed a variety of small insects1 or small pieces of earthworms4 ,t4,r4,j4 ,illustration3 ,tadpole ,,turtles ,,and ,,tortoises 7order ,chelonia7 ,overview3 ,large numbers of hatchling and adult turtles are sold or traded each year in the ,united ,states4 ,unfortunately1 from the point of view of the turtles themselves1 the majority of them are condemned to death by unintentional maltreatment and few manage to survive a year4 ,the species most often abused is the red-eared slider1 ,chrysemys scripta elegans4 ,next most common are the map turtles1 ,graptemy1 and third in abundance are the painted turtles1 ,chrysemys picta4 ,all are water turtles and require much the same care in captivity4 ,since the red-eared slider is the most common of all1 the general account that follows is based upon the slider group of turtles4 ,this is the largest group of native turtles1 including some #af different kinds4 ,all live in ponds and lakes1 and may be given about the same care in captivity4 ,comparisons with other groups follow the general account1 save the tortoises1 or dry land turtles1 which will be discussed in more detail after the aquatic turtle account4 ,aquatic ,species3 ,description and diet3 ,water turtles1 such as the red-eared slider1 vary in color and usually have webbed feet for swimming4 ,these turtles are generally carnivorous 7meat eaters71 and their primary diet consists of chopped raw beef1 horsemeat1 fish1 worms1 and also aquatic greens4 ,some water turtles will eat bits of green leafy vegetables1 such as fresh greens1 lettuce1 endive1 and spinach4 ,all turtles are different1 however1 and a variety of foods should be offered to determine their likes and dislikes4 ,food supplements should also be used4 ,some of these are3 cod liver oil1 liquid multiple vitamins1 and powdered calcium or bone meal4 ,these may be added directly to their food4 ,box1 wood1 and ,muhlenberg's turtles or other semi-aquatic species do well in captivity when a basin of shallow water is provided for soaking4 ,diamondbacks need brackish or slightly salty water4 ,these also generally eat vegetable matter as well as meat4 ,illustration3 ,red-,eared ,slider ,pseudemys scripta elegans ,all weather care3 ,as these turtles are generally kept indoors1 an aquarium is the best means of maintaining them4 ,temperatures may be controlled by the use of a heater1 thermostat1 and thermometer4 ,the best temperature will range between #gb to #he ,f4 ,a filter and pump may be used to keep the water clean4 ,it is advisable to feed the turtles in a separate container1 as foods foul the water quickly4 ,the aquarium and accessories should be kept clean and scrubbed periodically4 ,water turtles may be kept out of water for some time1 if necessary1 with no ill effects4 ,however1 they cannot eat out of the water4 ,these turtles must also have sunlight in order to grow and maintain a hard shell and sound bones4 ,they should be allowed to sun at least twice a week 444 always with a shade of some type over a portion of the container1 so they will not become over-heated4 ,the aquarium itself should be arranged so that the turtles can leave the water at will and dry themselves periodically4 ,a cluster of smooth1 flat rocks in the middle1 or at one end of the aquarium will permit them to do so4 ,dry ,land ,species3 ,description and diet3 ,tortoise is the term generally used in referring to dry land turtles4 ,they seldom swim or enter the water4 ,carapace and plastron 7upper and lower shell7 range from light tan to dark brown in color2 ,the skin is rough appearing and the legs are scaled and elephant-like1 with no webbing of the feet4 ,food consists of vegetables1 fruits1 grass cuttings1 dandelions1 petals from various garden flowers1 bits of raw meat that is finely chopped1 and canned dog food4 ,foods such as carrots1 string beans1 and corn are valuable in the diet1 and should be ground or scraped4 ,many of the tortoises are fond of earthworms1 so these should also be offered4 ,food supplements1 such as cod liver oil1 liquid multiple vitamins1 powdered calcium1 and bone meal1 should also be added to foods periodically4 ,box1 wood1 and ,muhlenberg's turtles 7as well as other semi-aquatic species7 will do well in captivity if a shallow water dish is provided4 ,these species will generally eat meat as well as vegetable matter4 ,cold weather care3 ,in the fall1 around late ,october or early ,november1 your tortoise will want to hibernate4 ,it will probably dig its own burrow out of doors1 given it is in the correct environment4 ,if the conditions outside are not proper for your tortoise to burrow1 he may be placed in a box in a cool1 dry area where a constant temperature can be maintained1 such as a garage4 ,cover him with a layer or two of old1 shredded newspapers4 ,he is now ready to be stored for the winter4 ,if your tortoise is to spend the winter in the house1 be sure to keep food and water available4 ,house temperatures do not permit a tortoise to hibernate properly1 and starvation is possible if he is not allowed to eat when he stirs about during the winter4 ,hot weather care3 ,hibernation ends some time in spring1 usually in ,march4 ,the tortoise may be a little sluggish at first1 but as the weather becomes warmer1 interest and appetite improve4 ,water1 food1 and shelter from the sun must always be available1 and a night shelter is advised4 ,illness and treatments3 ,most turtle owners are familiar with the basic care requirements of their pets2 however1 there are a few common ailments that may require prompt treatment4 ,the simple remedies here have been found to be successful in many cases4 ,respiratory ailments3 ,turtles and tortoises are usually susceptible to colds and pneumonia4 ,bubbling of the nose and mouth and gasping are symptoms of this4 ,isolation from the other turtles in a heated box or aquarium is mandatory4 ,a heat lamp may be used several times a day--but always with a shaded corner into which the turtle can crawl when he gets too hot4 ,cold-remedy salves can also be rubbed on the turtle's nose to help relieve congestion4 ,the turtle should be kept warm and isolated until all traces of his cold have disappeared4 7,injection of an anti-biotic serum into the leg or forelimb1 once a day1 is sometimes successful1 as well as anti-biotic pills given orally2 but consult a veterinarian or ,society member before attempting this as some drugs are dangerous for turtles47 ,if caught in its early stages pneumonia can be overcome4 ,the turtle in question should be isolated and kept warm1 and the following medicine should be administered with an eye dropper3 ,dissolve together ounce of water #a tablet ,chlortetracycline #d-e drops liquid vitamins ,administer daily for two days and then skip a day4 ,repeat4 ,this formula has proven itself quite effective after #e or #f days4 ,cracked shell3 ,immediately place injured turtle in a clean1 paper towel-lined box1 and bring indoors so that ants and flies will not torment him4 ,if shell is bleeding1 gently wash it with a mild solution of boric acid and pat dry4 ,this may have to be done several times before bleeding stops4 ,put his box in a warm1 quiet spot in the house1 and leave him completely alone except for offering a shallow bowl of drinking water from time to time4 ,if he survives the first #bd hours1 he will probably pull through4 7,the lungs are under the carapace1 and if the broken shell has penetrated the lung area1 there is practically nothing that can be done for the turtle47 ,if the wound is bad or jagged1 it may be filled with ,canadian ,balsam--after bleeding has stopped and then securely tape with electrician's tape4 ,the tape may be left on for several months if necessary1 but it should be checked every six weeks or so1 to make sure infection has not set in4 ,once the turtle has started eating and resumed his normal routine1 he is probably well on the road to recovery4 ,soft shell1 and swollen eyes3 ,this is almost always due to an improper diet and lack of direct sunlight4 ,add vitamins and ground bone meal to the food2 offer raw1 lean chopped meat2 and see that the turtle is placed in direct sunlight for several hours each day4 7,when turtles are placed in direct sun1 they must have a shaded area into which they can retreat when the temperature goes too high47 ,swollen eyes may also be bathed in a dilute solution of boric acid to alleviate swelling and puffiness4 ,fungus3 ,this appears as white spots1 lumps1 or flakes on the skin or shell4 ,addition of plain table salt to the aquarium water will often cure the condition4 ,fungus on the shell may be helped by painting the area with #e iodine or #b gentian violet solution4 ,always keep the turtle out of the water for a period of #b to #d hours after applying either iodine or gentian violet1 so as not to wash the medication from the shell or skin4 ,if the fungus continues after several treatments1 allow a week or so before experimenting with another medication1 as many times the combination of medications can be detrimental to the turtle4 ,illustration3 ,ornate ,box turtle ,terrapene o4 ornata ,parasites3 ,parasites may be suspected if the turtle suffers a great loss of weight or a loss of appetite without apparent cause1 or if he has a ravenous appetite4 ,parasites may be evident in the stools1 but are not always readily seen4 ,if suspected1 have a veterinarian diagnose and treat this condition4 ,in addition1 shots of vitamins can be administered periodically for maintaining good health4 ,if1 however1 the turtle is on the proper diet1 shots such as these may not be needed4 ,conclusion3 ,many different kinds of turtles make satisfactory additions for your collection4 ,actually1 every one of our native turtles1 at least when small in size1 can be acceptable4 ,larger examples of some species1 however1 are sometimes unpleasant and even positively dangerous as members of your collection4 ,below is a list of those turtles that should be avoided by the amateur herpetologist3 ,adults3 ,common ,snapping ,turtles ,alligator ,snapping ,turtle#a ,soft-shelled ,turtles ,very ,large ,sliders ,musk ,turtles ,mud ,turtles ,the larger species1 or large adults of some species1 tend to become aggressive and dangerous as they grow older1 and many times a finger is mistaken for a morsel of food4 ,avoid the aforementioned turtles if your interest in these hard-shelled friends is new4 ,these are some turtles1 of course1 that can be handled without fear of biting or scratching4 ,any of the smaller species of sliders can make acceptable additions to your collection4 ,below is a list of those turtles that are1 and may be handled and studied by the amateur3 ,young3 ,common ,snapping ,turtle ,soft-shelled ,turtles ,sliders ,musk ,turtles ,mud ,turtles ,diamond ,back ,terrapin ,although young turtles make safe additions to your collection1 land turtles of all kinds are best1 seldom if ever bite1 feed readily1 and survive a long time in captivity4 ,they include3 ,eastern1 ,florida1 ,three-toed1 and ,ornate ,box ,turtles1 and the ,red-,foot ,tortoise4 ,none of these are commonly available from commercial dealers1 however4 ,d4,j4,c4 ,,lizards 7order ,squamata7 7suborder ,lacertilia7 ,keeping lizards as pets can be a very challenging task1 because1 it has been found that many species will not thrive in captivity4 ,when looking for a lizard to buy or catch1 keep in mind some of the basic requirements the animal should have while you are choosing a lizard4 ,the lizard should be alert and active4 ,check its mouth for signs of sores1 bad teeth or gums1 or other indications of mouth rot4 ,check the eyes for discharges1 make sure the eyes are not sunken into the head4 ,observe it walking to insure that there is no damage to the limbs4 ,do not accept a lizard that has a discharge from the nose1 this could be a symptom of a respiratory infection4 ,lizards vary a great deal in their dietary requirements1 therefore1 it is very important that you are very sure of the animal's identification before you purchase or collect it4 ,you cannot always rely on the pet store dealer for an accurate identification4 ,if the lizard is one that you have caught1 then you can refer to a field guide for a positive identification4 ,some lizards are strictly insect eaters1 others eat only fruits and vegetables1 some will only eat meat1 a few lizards will only eat eggs1 and then there are some that will eat nearly anything4 ,most insectivores will only eat live insects4 ,if it is hard to get live insects1 you may be able to get the lizard to accept dead food by offering it on the end of a thin wire4 ,by moving the insect1 the lizard will think it is alive1 and often will grasp the food4 ,insectivores require a large amount of food1 and the food should be varied3 don't feed all meal worms1 or all crickets1 but try to offer a variety of insects4 ,the vegetarians or herbivores need to be fed a mixed variety of fruits and vegetables4 ,often1 color will induce a lizard to eat1 so always include some apple or tomato to the diet if the lizard doesn't seem interested in food4 ,the meat eaters are often the easiest to induce to eat4 ,canned dog food is usually used as a basic1 but whole mice are much more of a balanced diet4 ,sometimes it is necessary to skin the mouse in order to get the lizard to eat it4 ,whatever dietary requirements your lizards have1 their food should be supplemented with a vitamin and mineral powder4 ,steamed bone meal is often used4 ,just sprinkle a small amount on the food1 and then mix it in so the lizards will take it in with their food4 ,although the size of the cage is usually not critical for lizards1 cage props may be essential in order to insure that the animal thrives4 ,if the lizard is a burrower in the wild then it is often necessary that it be able to burrow in captivity4 ,if the animal is normally arboreal1 ,then you must have a branch for it to climb on4 ,because of this1 it is most important that you know what species of lizard you have2 then learn as much as possible about its habits and habitat4 ,besides cage decorations1 always have clean drinking water in the cage4 ,many species of lizards do not drink from a water dish4 ,they obtain their water from dew drops or rain drops that they lap with their tongues4 ,it is advisable to spray the lizards' cage daily with a fine mist of warm water4 ,illustration3 ,common ,iguana ,iguana iguana ,an important requirement for lizards is sunlight4 ,often1 a lizard seems to be eating and doing well in captivity1 but suddenly dies4 ,this may be due to a lack of sunlight4 ,in many instances the animal may not eat at all4 ,if direct sunlight is not available1 it can be substituted by the use of a vita-lite bulb4 ,this bulb1 which looks like a fluorescent bulb1 can often be purchased from a large plant store or directly from the manufacturer4 ,lizards often have a more precise temperature requirement than other reptiles4 ,a daytime temperature range of #he to #ij;,f1 and dropping to #hj;,f at night is usually best for the tropical species4 ,many of the ,north ,american desert species also require a high daytime temperature4 ,adult tegus and monitors can be kept at slightly lower temperatures1 usually from #gb to #gf;,f4 ,as with snakes1 the temperature in the lizard cage can be controlled with a light bulb4 ,the size of the cage will determine the size of the bulb needed4 ,as previously stated1 temperature can be critical1 and many lizards will die if not kept warm enough4 ,never guess at the cage temperature--always have a small thermometer in the cage1 and check it often4 ,keeping lizards healthy can be a challenging but also frustrating experience4 ,there is very little information available on lizard diseases4 ,these reptiles are susceptible to many of the diseases that snakes get1 and often the symptoms are the same4 ,lizards can get mouth rot1 respiratory infections1 parasites 7both internal and external71 eye infections1 and other common reptile diseases4 ,one disease that is common in lizards is impaction of the intestines4 ,this is common in insect eaters that are being fed only meal worms4 ,often1 the impaction is not noticed until after the animal dies4 ,if the lizard is alone1 keep track of its food intake and fecal output4 ,if an extended period goes by and the lizard is not making fecal matter1 then there could be a physical blockage in the intestine4 ,put a little mineral oil up the cloaca--this will help to loosen the blockage4 ,the best cure is preventive procedures4 ,feed a variety of insects if possible1 but don't feed all meal worms4 ,the other diseases that lizards are susceptible to can be treated by using the same medications used for snakes4 ,dosages1 of course1 must be less1 for we are usually dealing with a much smaller animal4 ,good husbandry along with preventive medicine are the best ways to keep your lizard healthy4 ,keep the cage clean1 feed a proper diet1 supply sunlight or artificial light1 and most important3 know the lizards' requirements and natural history4 ,the following is a list of lizards that usually can be kept successfully in captivity3 ,green ,iguana3 ,a lizard from ,central and ,south ,america1 mostly herbivorous1 is arboreal1 and can grow to #f feet4 ,tegu3 ,a large carnivore from ,south ,america1 feeds on mice1 not tame4 ,monitors3 ,large carnivores from the ,old ,world1 most do well4 ,glass ,lizards3 ,insectivores from ,north ,america1 will eat dog food1 tail breaks off easily4 ,tokay ,gecko3 ,will eat any small animal or insect4 ,make good pets4 ,amevias3 ,same as tegu4 ,illustration3 ,great ,plains ,skink ,eumeces obsoletus ,most lizards from ,missouri should be kept during the summer1 then released in early fall where they were collected4 ,lizards that do not make good pets are3 horned lizards1 anoles1 collared lizards and fence lizards4 ,as with all animals1 there are exceptions to the rule2 an iguana may refuse to eat1 or a collared lizard may do well for years4 ,each reptile within a species may act differently from how the whole species may act in captivity4 ,knowing the lizards' habitat and habits will be the deciding factor in keeping the animal alive and healthy in captivity4 ,r4,n4,b4 ,,snakes 7order ,squamata7 7suborder ,serpentes7 ,there are many species of snakes throughout the world 7over #b1gjj species74 ,some of these make very good pets1 while others never seem to thrive in captivity4 ,because of the many varieties of snakes1 the care of them can vary quite a bit4 ,there are a few basic needs that all snakes1 regardless of the species1 require in order to do well in captivity4 ,all snakes are carnivorous4 ,they eat only whole animals4 ,this food may vary from termites to rabbits--with all types of animals in between4 ,this sometimes includes other snakes4 ,snakes require clean drinking water1 a clean cage to live in1 and an all around healthy environment4 ,the above requirements are easy to meet1 but they must not be treated lightly4 ,after the basics are met1 there are other requirements that individual species may need4 ,a common problem with keeping snakes is they often will not eat4 ,sometimes the reason is simply that they are not satisfied with their environment4 ,snakes that are arboreal will need a limb in their cage4 ,if they don't have something to climb on they may refuse to eat4 ,tropical snakes require a higher cage temperature than what is normal room temperature4 ,this can be accomplished by putting a heat lamp above the cage4 ,always monitor the temperature with a thermometer and try to maintain it around #he;,f4 ,certain species of snakes spend a great deal of time burrowing1 and unless they can burrow in their cage they may not eat4 ,many of the more nervous species of snakes1 like the racers1 require a hiding box so that they will feel secure4 ,the hiding box is often a good idea for any snake that may refuse to eat if all other conditions are favorable4 ,illustration3 ,speckled ,king ,snake ,lampropeltis getulus holbrooki ,food preference can be an important factor1 even with snakes of the same species4 ,snakes from aquatic habitats generally eat only fish and amphibians4 ,non-constricting snakes 7racers and coachwhip snakes7 generally do not eat large rodents or birds1 but limit their diet to amphibians1 baby rodents1 bird eggs1 lizards1 and even small snakes4 ,the constrictors are usually entirely rodent and bird feeders4 ,there are of course1 exceptions1 and some snakes1 like the large 7non-constricting7 eastern indigo1 ,drymarchon corais couperi1 which will eat nearly anything from toads and frogs to adult rats4 ,just as species of snakes vary in their diet1 so do individuals within a species4 ,fortunately this is not very common4 ,there are cases of a particular snake eating only a specific food animal4 ,if a rat snake is not eating mice1 it might be induced to feed on a different type of rodent or a bird4 ,many snakes in the wild are nocturnal1 and sometimes a particular snake will only eat if fed at night1 with all the lights out4 ,always feed the rodent eaters dead food4 ,often1 this will cause a problem with newly collected animals1 but with a little time1 your snake will usually learn to accept dead food4 ,the reason for feeding dead food animals is to protect the snake from getting a serious bite from a rat or mouse4 ,if the snake is feeding on insects1 fish1 or amphibians1 the food can simply be placed in the cage with the snake4 ,if there is more than one snake in the cage1 you should observe the feeding so as to insure that one snake does not swallow the other snake along with its meal4 ,if one or both snakes are nervous feeders1 they should be separated during the feeding procedure4 ,occasionally1 one will come across a snake that will absolutely refuse to eat under any type of condition4 ,even though snakes can go for months without food1 eventually a snake will starve to death4 ,if a snake doesn't eat1 it is most advisable to try to release it in an area where it is native to4 ,ideally1 it should be released where it was collected4 ,if the snake is not native to your area1 you may have to force feed the snake--as a last resort4 ,it is usually best to try to force a small food animal into the snake4 ,always use a blunt1 rounded rod and be very careful not to injure the gums or mouth of the snake4 ,snakes can be sustained for long periods of time by force feeding1 but this procedure will only forestall death for a short time in many cases4 ,once your snake proves to be a feeder1 your next major concern is health4 ,snakes1 like other animals1 are susceptible to many types of diseases4 ,many of these diseases can be prevented with good husbandry practices4 ,a common ailment is mouth rot or canker mouth4 ,this is a bacterial infection of the mouth and gums that generally starts from an injury to the snake's mouth4 ,the first symptoms are sores in the mouth--especially along the edges of the gums4 ,as the disease progresses a white cheesy-like substance is formed in the mouth and under the lips4 ,the more advanced the infection1 the more substance is formed4 ,although the actual mouth rot might not kill the snake1 the animal will often refuse food1 and is also very susceptible to secondary infections1 which could be fatal4 ,treatment in the early stages is very simple1 and can be very successful4 ,many different drugs can be used1 most of which have a sulphur base4 ,sul-met is a common medication that is often used4 ,treatment is by making a solution according to directions1 and then irrigating the infected mouth two or three times a day4 ,also1 add some medication to the drinking water4 ,more advanced cases would need to be treated with anti-biotic injections4 ,dosage depends on the size of the snake and the concentration of the medication4 ,respiratory infections are a major concern to anyone keeping snakes4 ,they generally catch colds from being kept in drafts or at low temperatures for an extended length of time4 ,the species of snake will determine its temperature requirements4 ,a native ,north ,american snake will have a higher tolerance for cooler temperatures than a snake from the tropics4 ,the first symptom of a respiratory infection to look for would be bubbles in the mouth4 ,as the cold advances1 bubbles will be blown out the nose1 and the mouth will become full of mucus4 ,untreated1 a cold can develop into pneumonia and cause death4 ,treatment is easy and effective if given soon enough4 ,first1 keep the snake warm4 ,a temperature between #hj to #hh;,f is recommended4 ,the snake will need injections of an antibiotic1 such as tetracycline or chlormyciten4 ,the size of the snake will determine the dosage4 ,the injections are usually given at daily intervals for several days4 ,if you are in an area where there is a veterinarian that can treat exotic animals1 he should be consulted before any treatment is used4 ,there are several other physiological diseases that snakes are susceptible to1 but the above mentioned are the most common4 ,knowing your snake and observing it daily will be a good way to keep track of its health4 ,any unusual activity could be an indication of an illness4 ,refusing to eat2 regurgitation after eating2 inactivity for long periods of time2 or even difficulty in shedding its skin1 are all signs that something may be wrong with your reptile4 ,keeping good records on the snake will be very beneficial in determining if the snake is acting normal or not4 ,write down when and what the snake eats1 when it sheds 7you may want to measure the skin each shedding to see if the snake has grown71 when there is a stool1 and if the animal regurgitates4 ,the above are some of the basic routine procedures that should be kept track of in order for you to better determine the health of your snake4 ,the second major health problem you may have to deal with is parasites3 both internal and external4 ,there are many types of internal parasites which snakes are susceptible to4 ,only proper diagnosis of the type of parasite will determine the right medication for treatment4 ,determining the type of parasite involved is done by fecal analysis4 ,if a snake is eating and losing weight1 or if it regurgitates a day or so after eating1 then there is reason to suspect worms4 ,worming of snakes is a simple procedure1 but it must not be done unless you are using the proper medicine4 ,most worming medications are in liquid form1 and they can be squirted down the snake's throat1 or injected into a food animal4 ,any snake that is suspected of having parasites1 or any new snake in your collection should have a fecal analysis done by a veterinarian4 ,external parasites are of two types3 mites and ticks4 ,ticks are usually encountered on newly purchased or captured specimens4 ,removal is done by pulling them off with a pair of forceps4 ,try to get all of the tick out from under the skin4 ,mites can be a serious problem and once they appear in a collection1 they may show up again and again1 even after it was thought that they had all been eradicated4 ,mites appear as little tiny black specks which are most often seen on the lower jaw and around the eyes4 ,they are often seen in the water dish even before they are seen on the snake4 ,control is very simple4 ,the ,no-,pest strip is very effective in controlling mites4 ,it is generally recommended to attach a piece of the strip on the inside top of the cage4 ,since the vapor fumes are heavier than air1 they will float to the bottom of the cage4 ,the water dish should thus be taken out of the cage1 but everything else1 including the snake1 should be left in the cage4 ,allow the strip to remain in the cage for two days4 ,remove the strip1 thoroughly disinfect the cage and all decorations in it4 ,the strip will have killed all the adult mites1 but not the eggs4 ,it is most important to replace the strip in about two weeks1 then repeat the cleaning procedure4 ,the ,no-,pest strip will also help to control ticks and flies4 ,housing requirements are not as critical for snakes as they may be for other amphibians and reptiles4 ,some collectors build their own cages1 others use store bought cages4 ,this author prefers glass aquarium-type cages1 with screen tops4 ,the aquarium-type is easy to clean4 ,it is often recommended to darken three sides of the aquarium1 in order to give the snake a sense of security4 ,cage bedding is up to the keeper4 ,natural rock or sand may look good1 but are much harder to keep clean4 ,it is recommended that newspaper be used on the bottom of your aquarium or wooden snake cage4 ,the amount of space required by your snake is rather small4 ,snakes spend so much time coiled up in one corner1 or on a tree branch1 that the large snake cage is of little value4 ,a cage the size of a #aj-;gallon aquarium will be large enough for all but the large pythons or boas 7over #e feet74 ,remember to keep the snake's native habitat in mind if you are going to decorate the cage4 ,a snake cage should not be kept wet or even damp4 ,even water snakes need only a dish of water for drinking4 ,what snake makes the best pet is a hard question to answer4 ,the following list will give you an idea of some of the species commonly kept as pets3 ,rat ,snakes 7genus ,elaphe71 rodent eaters from eastern and southern ,u4,s41 average size up to #d feet4 ,are prone to bite when first caught1 but usually tame down4 ,the red rat snake 7,elaphe g4 guttata7 is one of the most beautiful of ,north ,american snakes4 ,king ,snakes and ,milk ,snakes 7genus ,lampropeltis71 usually eat small rodents1 lizards1 and small snakes4 ,disposition1 same as rat snakes4 ,bull ,snake 7,pituophis melanoleucus sayi71 a large constrictor1 and the largest snake native to ,missouri4 ,will eat adult rats1 mice1 and baby chicks4 ,usually do well in captivity4 ,water ,snakes 7genus ,natrix71 will eat minnows1 frogs1 tadpoles1 and sometimes mice4 ,they will bite when captured1 and will at times continue to bite after being in captivity for a long time4 ,hognosed ,snake 7genus ,hetrodon71 a smaller variety1 averages #b to #b feet4 ,feeds only on toads1 but nearly always eats in captivity4 ,boa ,constrictor 7,boa constrictor71 one of the most commonly kept snakes4 ,being a tropical snake--it must be kept warm 7#hj to #hh;,f74 ,will eat rodents and birds4 ,burmese python 7,python molurus bivittatus71 which may reach #bj to #bd feet long1 is often kept as a pet by the amateur snake collector4 ,they require the same temperature and food as the boa constrictor4 ,reticulated ,python 7,python reticulatus71 same as the ,burmese python1 but will grow longer4 ,large specimens will eat rabbits4 ,african ,rock ,python 7,python sebae71 same in general needs as the ,burmese ,python4 ,will grow slightly longer1 and may not tame as easily as some other species4 ,large specimens will eat rabbits4 ,ball ,python 7,python regius71 another species from ,africa1 but averages #c to #d feet in length4 ,usually a good feeder on rodents1 but at times may only eat birds4 ,require the same needs as other tropical species4 ,illustration3 ,black ,rat ,snake ,elaphe o4 obsoleta ,the following is a list of snakes that may have a few drawbacks as pets1 or are not recommended to keep in captivity3 ,racers and ,coachwhips 7,coluber and ,masticophis71 very nervous 444 seldom eat in captivity4 ,ringneck1 ,brown1 and other small burrowing snakes2 these secretive species often will not eat in captivity1 and require animal foods which may be difficult to secure4 ,ribbon1 ,garter1 and ,green snakes2 because they may be hard to feed in winter1 it is best to keep only during the summer months4 ,eastern ,indigo ,snake 7,drymarchon corais couperi71 this species is protected in the state of ,florida1 and is becoming rare over all its range4 ,cook's ,tree ,boa 7,corallus enydris cookii71 this species1 as well as other tree boas1 often have a bad disposition1 and may feed only on birds4 ,emerald ,tree ,boa 7,corallus canina71 not only does this species prefer birds to eat1 they also seem to require a very high humidity4 ,most tropical snakes do not do well in captivity4 ,this may be due to the fact that they are taken out of their natural environment and it is next to impossible to duplicate the climatic conditions that they are used to4 ,although the above lists are far from complete1 it is hoped that they will give the reader some basic ideas on how to select the snakes for his small1 home collection4 ,once again1 it should be emphasized that within a particular species of snake1 there may be some differences in individual personalities4 ,it is possible to get a black rat snake that doesn't eat1 or a racer 7genus ,coluber7 that does not bite and eats well in captivity4 ,a person should learn from their own experiences1 and also from the experiences of others1 both professional and amateur4 ,the keeping of snakes can be a very rewarding and enjoyable experience1 but it must be remembered that it is also a responsibility4 ,you are responsible for the care and well-being of the animal4 ,you must learn as much as possible about the requirements of a particular snake before you decide to keep it as a pet4 ,r4,n4,b4 ,,bibliography ,allen1 ,e4,e41 and ,w4,t4 ,neill4 #aiej4 ,keep them alive6 ,the ,reptile ,inst41 ,silver ,springs1 ,fla4 ,anderson1 ,p4 #aife4 ,the reptiles of ,missouri4 ,univ4 ,mo4 ,press1 ,columbia1 ,mo4 ,anon4 #aifi4 ,leaflet #a-e 7turtle and tortoise care71 ,international ,turtle ,tortoise ,soc41 ,los ,angeles1 ,calif4 ,breen1 ,j4,f4 #aifg4 ,reptiles and ,amphibians in your home4 ,t4,f4,h4 ,publications1 ,jersey ,city1 ,n4,j4 ,conant1 ,r4 #aige4 ,a field guide to reptiles and amphibians4 #bnd ed4 ,houghton ,mifflin ,co41 ,boston1 ,mass4 ,cochran1 ,d4,m4 #aifa4 ,living ,amphibians of the ,world4 ,doubleday1 ,garden ,city1 ,n4,y4 ,goin1 ,c4,j41 and ,o4,b4 ,goin4 #aiga4 ,introduction to herpetology4 #bnd ed4 ,freeman1 ,san ,francisco1 ,calif4 ,johnson1 ,t4,r4 #aigj4 ,salamanders in captivity4 ,the ,kentucky ,herpetologist1 ,ky4 ,herp4 ,soc41 ,vol4 #a7c73i-aj4 ,johnson1 ,t4,r41 and ,r4,n4 ,bader4 #aigd4 ,annotated checklist of ,missouri amphibians and reptiles4 ,special ,issue ,no4 #a1 ,st4 ,louis ,herp4 ,soc4 ,kauffeld1 ,c4 #aifi4 ,snakes3 ,the keeper and the kept4 ,doubleday1 ,n4,y4 ,leviton1 ,a4,e4 #aigb4 ,reptiles and amphibians of ,north ,america4 ,doubleday1 ,n4,y4 ,nace1 ,g41 et al4 #aigd4 ,amphibians1 guidelines for the breeding1 care1 and management of laboratory animals4 ,nat4 ,acad4 ,sci41 ,washington1 ,d4,c4 ,pritchard1 ,p4,c4,h4 #aifg4 ,living turtles of the ,world4 ,t4,f4,h4 ,publications1 ,n4,y4 ,reichenbach-,klinke1 ,h41 and ,e4 ,elkan4 #aife4 ,diseases of ,amphibians4 ,t4,f4,h4 ,publications1 ,hong ,kong4 ----4 #aife4 ,diseases of ,reptiles4 ,t4,f4,h4 ,publications1 ,hong ,kong4 ,schmidt1 ,k4,p41 and ,r4,f4 ,inger4 #aieg4 ,living reptiles of the ,world4 ,hanover ,house1 ,n4,y4 ,smith1 ,h4,m4 #aifi4 ,turtles4 ,t4,f4,h4 ,publications1 ,jersey ,city1 ,n4,j4 - ,,notes - ,,the ,,st4 ,,louis ,,herpetological ,,society ,the ,st4 ,louis area amateur and professional herpetologists have organised a regional herpetological society4 ,the ,s4,l4,h4,s4 is interested in promoting public education and conservation of the herpetofauna of ,missouri4 ,the organisation has a monthly meeting1 guest speaker1 a monthly newsletter1 as well as special publications4 ,all areas of herpetology are the concern of its members2 herp management1 taxonomy1 conservation1 and so on4 ,people of all ages have become members of this active group4 ,they are interested in all forms of amphibians and reptiles1 both of the state of ,missouri and species outside our state4 ,dues are #e4jj per year1 after ,july #ast the dues are #b4ej4 ,for more information1 please write to any of the persons listed on the inside front cover4 ,,footnotes #a;,endangered ,species ,transcriber's ,notes --,silently corrected a few typos4 --,retained publication information from the printed edition3 this e,book is public-domain in the country of publication4 --,in the text versions only1 text in italics is delimited by underscores4