Reptile Research Information » New species

Bearded Dragons as pets.

dwoo — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 20:12:18 +0000

Popular as pets, bearded dragons or are moderately sized lizards
While they are generally considered great pets even for beginner reptile owners, they do have fairly complex nutritional and environmental requirements so need special equipment and plenty of time to care for them properly. Bearded dragons are social and easy to tame and handle, and show a range of fascinating behaviors that make them interesting to watch.Having two bearded dragons is usually better for them.The expected life span of a bearded dragon is close to around 10 years if cared for properly, although longer life spans have been reported.

Unusual Reptile

admin — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 21:08:38 +0000

Accordingly to the Associate Press, an alligator-like reptile has been found in the Patapsco River, just south of Baltimore. The 2.5-foot to 3-foot caiman was found near Glen Burnie.

The Anne Arundel County Animal Control is contacting area zoos in hopes of finding a home for it.

Incredible New Species Discovered in Ecuador

virginia — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 20:04:29 +0000

Here is the latest amazing new species discovered in Ecuador.

One look at a newly discovered species of Gecko, small enough at its full-grown size to rest comfortably on the eraser of a pencil, and it’s difficult not to be mesmerized by the seemingly boundless forms of biological diversity. While simultaneously reminded of its fragility.

For the last seven years, the Ecuadorian Biodiversity Project has scoured the Amazon to observe and record the rainforest’s unique wildlife, and to draw attention to the imperiled ecosystem in which they live. So far, the organization has catalogued almost 6,000 species, taking roughly 25,000 photographs. Recently, 30 new species of reptiles and amphibians have been discovered, though sadly they could all become extinct due to the various factors that have long threatened the region.

The organisms were found in the mountains of Cerro Pata de Pájaro, in Ecuador a few minutes from the Pacific Ocean. The project to record and study the diverse wildlife in this area is not without a sense of urgency; like many places in the Amazon, all the biodiversity is threatened by livestock, crops, hunting, and the consequences of climate change.

Here is a photo of the species.

One look at a newly discovered species of gecko, small enough at its full-grown size to rest comfortably on the eraser of a pencil, and it’s difficult not to be mesmerized by the seemingly boundless forms of biological diversity–while simultaneously reminded of its fragility. For the last seven years, the Ecuadorian Biodiversity Project has scoured the Amazon to observe and record the rainforest’s unique wildlife, and to draw attention to the imperiled ecosystem in which they live. So far, the organization has catalogued almost 6,000 species, taking roughly 25,000 photographs. Recently, 30 new species of reptiles and amphibians have been discovered, though sadly they could all become extinct due to the various factors that have long threatened the region.

New Species

virginia — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 18:02:32 +0000

Brand new species discovered including ‘Pinocchio’ frogs and gargoyle geckos

New species including Pinocchio-nosed frogs and gargoyle-faced geckos were discovered in Indonesia’s Foja Mountains.

Giant Spider Species Discovered in Middle Eastern Sand Dunes

virginia — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 22:10:01 +0000

Scientists have unearthed a completely new species of spider hiding in sand dunes on the Israel-Jordan border.

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With a legspan that stretches 5.5 inches, the spider, called Cerbalus aravensis, is the biggest of its type in the Middle East. “It is rare to find a new species of spider — at least around this part of the world — which is so big,” said biologist Uri Shanas of the University of Haifa-Oranim in Israel, who discovered the arachnid.

Most of Cerbalus aravensis’s habits remain a mystery, but the researchers say it is nocturnal and most active during the blazing summer heat. The spider lives in an underground den, hidden by a door that swings upwards to welcome unsuspecting prey like lizards and insects. To make the camouflage door, the spider patches together bits of sand.

The researchers believe the spider uses a “sit-and-wait” hunting strategy, biding its time till prey approach, Shanas said.

Unfortunately, the spider’s habitat is under immediate threat, he said. The Israeli government recently approved mining operations in the region, which could wipe out the creature.