Monthly Archives: April 2010

{{VIDEO |Videos |Video Clip: |||}Animal vs The most extreme wild animal fights part 3|Animal vs The most extreme wild animal fights part 3{ VIDEO | Videos| Video Clip| Movie}}

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white tiger vs black bear, tigon vs kodiak bear, western diamond back rattlesnake vs bald eagle, monitor lizard vs honey badger, moose vs kodiak bear, black rhino vs water buffalo, wolverine vs clouded leopard, american bison vs gaur, jaguar vs black bear, bull cattle vs cougar, horse vs gray wolf, european bison vs cape buffalo, lion vs jaguar, wolverine vs mandrill, bull shark vs american crocodile, lion pride vs giraffe, saltwater crocodile vs walrus, snow leopard vs hyena, golden eagle vs king cobra, liger vs polar bear, leopard vs sloth bear, and liger vs tigon.

The Saltwater or Estuarine Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) is the largest of all living crocodilians and reptiles. | It is found in suitable habitat throughout Southeast Asia and northern Australia. | Saltwater crocodiles are known in the Northern Territory of Australia as salties. | The Alligator Rivers are misnamed after the resemblance of the saltie to alligators as compared to freshwater crocodiles, which also inhabit the Northern Territory. | An adult male saltwater crocodile can grow 18 feet (545 centimeters) long, and weighs roughly 770 kilograms (1,700 pounds). | Females are much smaller than males, with typical female body lengths in the range of 7 to 10 ft (210 to 300cm). | The largest females measure about 420 cm (14 feet). | The saltwater crocodile has fewer armor plates on its neck than other crocodilians, and its broad body contrasts with that of most other lean crocodiles, leading to early unverified assumptions that the reptile was an alligator. | The largest size saltwater crocodiles can reach is the subject of considerable controversy. | The longest crocodile ever measured snout-to-tail was the skin of a deceased crocodile, which was 20. |3 ft (620 cm) long. | Since skins tend to shrink slightly after removal from the carcass, this crocodiles living length was estimated at 27 feet and it probably weighed well over 4,000 pounds. | Incomplete remains (the skull of a crocodile shot in Orrissa) have been claimed to come from a 25 ft (760 cm) crocodile, but scholarly examination suggested a length no greater than 23 ft (7 m). | There have been numerous claims of crocodiles in the 30-foot range: the individual shot in the Bay of Bengal in 1840, reported at 10 m (33 ft); another killed in 1823 at Jala Jala on Luzon reported at 820 cm (27 ft); a reported 25 ft crocodile killed in the Hooghly River in the Alipore District of Calcutta. | However, examinations of these animals skulls actually indicated animals ranging from 6 to 660 cm (20 to 22 ft). | The life expectancy of a Saltwater crocodile is approximately 70 years. | With recent restoration in saltwater crocodile habitat and reduced poaching, it is possible that 23 ft (7 m) or larger crocodiles are alive today. | Guinness has accepted a claim of a 23 ft (7 m) male Saltwater Crocodile living within Bhitarkanika Park in the state of Orissa, India, although no verified measurements have been made. | A crocodile shot in Queensland in 1957 was reported to be 28 ft (860 cm) long, but no verified measurements were made and no remains of this crocodile exist. | A replica of this crocodile has been made as a tourist attraction. | Many other unconfirmed reports of 26+ ft (8+ m) crocodiles have been made but these are highly suspect. | Saltwater crocodiles are severely depleted in numbers through much of their range, with sightings in areas such as Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam becoming extremely rare and the species may in fact even be extinct in one or more of these countries. | However, it is also the least likely of crocodilians to become globally extinct due to its wide distribution and almost pre-colonial population sizes in Northern Australia and New Guinea. | In India this crocodile is extremely rare in most areas but is very common in the north eastern part of the country (mainly Orissa and the Sunderbans). | The population is sporadic in Indonesia and Malaysia with some areas harboring large populations (Borneo, for example) and others with very small, at risk populations (e. |g. |, the Philippines). | The saltwater crocodile is also present in very limited portions of the South Pacific, with an average population in the Solomon Islands, a very small and soon to be extinct population in Vanuatu (where the population officially stands at only three) and a decent but at-risk population (which may be rebounding) in Palau. | Saltwater crocodiles once ranged as far west as the east coast of Africa at the Seychelles Islands. | These crocodiles were once believed to be a population of Nile crocodiles, but they were later proven to be Crocodylus porosus. | Saltwater crocodiles generally spend the tropical wet season in freshwater swamps and rivers, moving downstream to estuaries in the dry season, and sometimes traveling far out to sea. | Crocodiles compete fiercely with each other for territory, with dominant males in particular occupying the most eligible stretches of freshwater creeks and streams. | Junior crocodiles are thus forced into the more marginal river systems and sometimes into the ocean. | This explains the large distribution of the animal (ranging from the east coast of India to northern Australia) as well as its being found in odd places on occasion (such as the Sea of Japan). | Saltwater crocodiles can swim 15 to 18 miles per hour in short bursts, but when cruising go 2 to 3 mph. | The saltwater crocodile is an opportunistic apex predator capable of taking animals up to the size of an adult male water buffalo, either in the water or on dry land. | They have also been known to attack humans. | Juveniles are restricted to smaller items such as insects, amphibians, crustaceans, small reptiles and fish. | The larger the animal grows, the greater the variety of items it includes in the diet, although relatively small prey make up an important part of the diet even in adults. | Saltwater crocodiles can eat monkeys, kangaroo, wild boar, dingos, goannas, birds, domestic livestock, pets, water buffalo, gaur, leopards, sharks, and humans, among other large animals as well. | Domestic Cattle, horse, water buffalo and gaur, all of which may weigh over a ton, are considered the largest prey taken by male crocodiles. | Generally very lethargic – a trait which helps it survive months at a time without food – it typically loiters in the water or basks in the sun through much of the day, preferring to hunt at night. | Capable of explosive bursts of speed when launching an attack from the water, many species of crocodile are also capable of fast land-movement. | Many crocodiles are capable of explosive charges that can carry them nearly as fast as a running human. | The 23 species of crocodilian can travel over land using the belly crawl, the walk, the high-walk, and the gallop. | However, stories of crocodiles being faster than a race horse for short distances across the ground are little more than urban legend. | As an ambush predator, it usually waits for its prey to get close to the waters edge before striking without warning and using its great strength to drag the animal back into the water. | Most prey animals are killed by the great jaw pressure of the crocodile, although some animals may be incidentally drowned. | It is an immensely powerful animal, having the strength to drag a fully grown water buffalo into a river, or crush a full-grown bovids skull between its jaws. | In its most deadly attack, called the death roll, it grabs onto the animal and rolls powerfully. | This is designed to initially throw any struggling large animal off balance making it easier to drag it into the water. | The death roll is also used for tearing apart large animals once they are dead. | Although Saltwater crocodiles are very dangerous animals, attacks on humans are infrequent. | Most attacks by adult salties are fatal, given the animals size and strength. | In Australia, attacks are rare and usually make headlines when they do occur. | There are, on average, no more than one or two fatal attacks reported per year in the country. | The low level of attacks is most likely due to the extensive effort by local wildlife officials to post crocodile warning signs at nearly every billabong, river, lake and even at some beaches and also due to the relatively well-informed nature of the local citizens. | In the Aboriginal community of Arnhem Land, which occupies roughly half of the top end of the Northern Territory, attacks may go unreported and may be more common. | In the remaining portion of the crocodiles range, where very few attacks are reported and theres none of the precautions taken in Australia, attacks have been estimated to number up to the thousands annually. | Dr. | Adam Britton, a researcher with Big Gecko, has been studying crocodilian intelligence. | In so doing, he has compiled a collection of Australian saltwater crocodile calls, and associated them with behaviors. | His position is that while crocodilian brains are much smaller than those of mammals (as low as point 05% of body weight in the saltwater crocodile), they are capable of learning hard tasks with very little conditioning. | He also infers that the crocodile calls hint at a deeper language ability than currently accepted. | He suggests that saltwater crocodiles are clever animals that can possibly learn faster than lab rats. | They have also learned to track the migratory route of their prey as the climate changes. ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||

{{VIDEO |Videos |Video Clip: |||}New Uromastyx Finally Came In|New Uromastyx Finally Came In{ VIDEO | Videos| Video Clip| Movie}}

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1.1 Saharan Uromastyx (U. Geryi) Orange Phase came in from Lindsay Pike at Urotopia. He is a great guy and if you interested in uromastyx you should deffinatly buy one from him. i know they are in a small cage, the boaphiles will be coming in on tuesday. stay tuned i will be getting a het pied male to breed this year.{Hardwickes or Indian spiny-tailed lizard (Uromastyx hardwickii) is a species of agamid lizard found in the Thar desert and surrounding dry areas in Pakistan and India. | The northern half of the plains of India to Pakistan. | It ranges from Uttar Pradesh in the east to Rajasthan in the West. | Also, the Kutch area of Gujarat. | The Spiny-tailed lizard has a rounded head with a flat snout. | It is usually yellowish brown, sandy or olive in colour. | It may have black spots and vermiculations and a distinctive black spot on the front of the thigh. | It has a dorso-ventrally flattened body with wrinkled skin. | It has distinctive tail whorls of spiny scales with large spines on the side which give the lizard its name. | The tail is bluish-grey (in Jaisalmer) to sand-coloured (in Kutch). | Male ranges from 40 to 49 cm in length while it is 34 to 40 cm in the case of the female. | The male has a longer tail than the female. | Generally found in firm ground rather than pure sand dunes, the spiny-tailed lizard is often found living in colonies, sometimes on the outskirts of villages. | It prefers elevated patches of land especially in Kutch where it is invariably found on isolated patches of high ground (called Bets) above the monsoon water level. | Birds of prey are a major predator of the lizard in the desert. | The Saker Falcon Falco cherrug has been recorded in literature[1] but the Tawny Eagle Aquila rapax and other falcons such as the Laggar Falcon also prey on these lizards. |The spiny-tailed lizard excavates a sloping zig-zagging or spiralling tunnel of 6 to 8 cm diameter and over 2 metres long for itself. | The tunnel has an entrance which is flush with the ground and ends in a small chamber. | The lizard basks close to the entrance of its burrow. | It is very alert and smoothly slides into its burrow at the first hint of danger. | The spiny-tailed hibernates through the winter and emerges in spring. | By the time it is ready for hibernation, the lizard puts on long strips of fat on each side of the backbone which presumably enables it to survive the long winter months. |The spiny-tailed lizard is largely herbivorous and its teeth are adapted for a plant diet which comprises the flowers and fruits of the khair (Capparis aphylla); the beans of Prosopis spicigera; the fruit of Salvadora persica, and grass. | In locust-breeding areas the spiny tailed lizard has been known to feed on nymphs and adults of the locust. |Uromastyx hardwickii breed in spring after emerging from hibernation. | It lays white pigeon-sized eggs. | The fat stored in the tail of the lizard is purported to have medicinal properties and for this reason, these lizards are often illegally collected and sold in various parts of India for folk medicine. | The Uromastyx is a genus of lizard whose members are better-known as Spiny-tailed lizards, uros, or dabb lizards. | Uromastykes are primarily herbivorous, but occasionally eat insects, especially when young. | They spend most of their waking hours basking in the sun, hiding in underground chambers at nighttime or when danger appears. | They tend to establish themselves in hilly, rocky areas with good shelter and accessible vegetation. | Their size ranges from 14 inches (U. | hardwickii) to 36 inches or more (U. | aegyptius). | Hatchlings or neonates are usually no more than 3-4 inches in length. | Like many reptiles, these lizards colors change according to the temperature; during cool weather they appear dull and dark but the colors become lighter in warm weather, especially when basking; the darker pigmentation allows their skin to soak up more sunlight. | They inhabit a range stretching through most of North Africa, the Middle East and across south-central Asia and into India. | This area spreads across 5000 miles and 30 countries. | They occur at elevations from sea level to well over 3000 feet. | They are regularly eaten, and sold in produce markets, by local peoples. | Uromastyx tend to bask in areas with surface temperatures of over 120 °F. | The spiked tail is muscular and heavy, and can be swung at an attacker with great velocity, usually accompanied by hissing and an open-mouthed display of (small) teeth. | Uros generally sleep in their burrows with their tails closest to the opening, in order to thwart intruders. | A female uromastyx can lay anywhere from 5 to 40 eggs, depending on age and species. | Eggs ideally hatch 2 to 3 months after laid. | Female uros are smaller and less colorful than males. | For example, U. | maliensis females are light tan with black dorsal spots, while males are mostly bright yellow with mottled black markings. | Females also tend to have shorter claws. | Members of the genus can be found for sale in pet stores in the United States. | However, it is usually preferable to purchase one from a breeder where the facility can be inspected and tips obtained on care and handling. | This will also ensure the purchase of a captive-bred lizard and not a wild-caught lizard, which may have foreign diseases. | Initially, uromastyxes in captivity had a poor survival rate, due to a lack of understanding of their dietary and environmental needs. | In recent years, knowledge has significantly increased, and appropriate diet and care has led to survival rates and longevity approaching those in the wild. | They generally become very tame and will eat out of their owners hands. | The Mali uromastyx is considered an ideal species to choose as a pet because they readily adapt to the captive environment. | Another good species of Uromastyx that adapts to captivity, and comes in some beautiful color varieties, is Uromastyx ocellata ornata. | Artificial UVB/UVA light and vitamin supplements must be balanced with proper food and nutrition. | Proper enclosures can be costly, as these are roaming animals with large space needs for their size, combined with the need to provide heat and ultraviolet light. | Though the lizards bask at very high temperatures, there must be a temperature gradient within the enclosure allowing them to cool off away from the heat lamps. | A cooling-down period over winter months can trigger the breeding response when temperatures rise in the spring. | The temporary slowing-down of their metabolisms also lengthens the animals lifespans. | Uromastyxes are burrowing lizards, and need substrate deep enough to burrow in, or a low structure under which to hide. | In the wild, these lizards burrows can reach 10 feet in length. | The best substrate is sand, particularly the rounded-particle variety known as play sand. | A popular alternative (except for babies under a year) is compressed coconut fiber bricks; this must be rehydrated with hot water and then used in a completely dry state. | Drying out the substrate, once it has been watered to expansion and breaking apart the large chunks, can take a few days. | Another inexpensive substrate that can pass through the digestive system without problems is millet seed. | This can be easily sifted with a wire mesh to clean waste from the enclosure. | Healthy, well-nourished adults do very well on sand, since they have adapted to it over millennia in the wild. | The average cost for getting all of the materials for the uromastyx is 200 dollars. | These lizards acquire most of the water they need from the vegetation they ingest. | They have rarely been observed drinking standing water. | (They may urinate when frightened; this can rapidly deplete their crucial water stores. |) The humidity of the enclosure must be kept low to prevent respiratory problems. | Captive uros diets must be predominantly herbivorous, consisting of endive, dandelion greens, Bok Choy, and escarole. | Lettuce has almost no nutritive value, but can be given once in a while as a water source. | They can consume de-thorned cacti with their powerful jaws, especially if they need water. | The lizards food should be frequently dusted with a calcium and a uromastyx designed supplement to help prevent health problems. | It is very important to avoid spinach, chard, flowering kale, and parsley in the diets of all reptiles, since the oxalates in spinach prevent the uptake of calcium into the bloodstream. | Some believe feeding insect foods, such as crickets and mealworms, should be avoided because of health problems, but many other breeders and hobbyists maintain that insects can be a small part of the animals diet (less than 10% of all foods eaten) without any danger to the lizard. | A good diet plan is plant matter every day or every other day, and insects every month or two. | Insect protein is difficult for uros livers to digest. |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||}

{{VIDEO |Videos |Video Clip: |||}Uromastyx Creating The Habitat Part 1|Uromastyx Creating The Habitat Part 1{ VIDEO | Videos| Video Clip| Movie}}

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In part 1, Lindsay Pike joins co-host Israel Dupont to share his insight on creating a practical, cost effective naturalistic habitat for a pet Uromastyx. For more go to: www.reptilestv.com or http{Hardwickes or Indian spiny-tailed lizard (Uromastyx hardwickii) is a species of agamid lizard found in the Thar desert and surrounding dry areas in Pakistan and India. | The northern half of the plains of India to Pakistan. | It ranges from Uttar Pradesh in the east to Rajasthan in the West. | Also, the Kutch area of Gujarat. | The Spiny-tailed lizard has a rounded head with a flat snout. | It is usually yellowish brown, sandy or olive in colour. | It may have black spots and vermiculations and a distinctive black spot on the front of the thigh. | It has a dorso-ventrally flattened body with wrinkled skin. | It has distinctive tail whorls of spiny scales with large spines on the side which give the lizard its name. | The tail is bluish-grey (in Jaisalmer) to sand-coloured (in Kutch). | Male ranges from 40 to 49 cm in length while it is 34 to 40 cm in the case of the female. | The male has a longer tail than the female. | Generally found in firm ground rather than pure sand dunes, the spiny-tailed lizard is often found living in colonies, sometimes on the outskirts of villages. | It prefers elevated patches of land especially in Kutch where it is invariably found on isolated patches of high ground (called Bets) above the monsoon water level. | Birds of prey are a major predator of the lizard in the desert. | The Saker Falcon Falco cherrug has been recorded in literature[1] but the Tawny Eagle Aquila rapax and other falcons such as the Laggar Falcon also prey on these lizards. |The spiny-tailed lizard excavates a sloping zig-zagging or spiralling tunnel of 6 to 8 cm diameter and over 2 metres long for itself. | The tunnel has an entrance which is flush with the ground and ends in a small chamber. | The lizard basks close to the entrance of its burrow. | It is very alert and smoothly slides into its burrow at the first hint of danger. | The spiny-tailed hibernates through the winter and emerges in spring. | By the time it is ready for hibernation, the lizard puts on long strips of fat on each side of the backbone which presumably enables it to survive the long winter months. |The spiny-tailed lizard is largely herbivorous and its teeth are adapted for a plant diet which comprises the flowers and fruits of the khair (Capparis aphylla); the beans of Prosopis spicigera; the fruit of Salvadora persica, and grass. | In locust-breeding areas the spiny tailed lizard has been known to feed on nymphs and adults of the locust. |Uromastyx hardwickii breed in spring after emerging from hibernation. | It lays white pigeon-sized eggs. | The fat stored in the tail of the lizard is purported to have medicinal properties and for this reason, these lizards are often illegally collected and sold in various parts of India for folk medicine. | The Uromastyx is a genus of lizard whose members are better-known as Spiny-tailed lizards, uros, or dabb lizards. | Uromastykes are primarily herbivorous, but occasionally eat insects, especially when young. | They spend most of their waking hours basking in the sun, hiding in underground chambers at nighttime or when danger appears. | They tend to establish themselves in hilly, rocky areas with good shelter and accessible vegetation. | Their size ranges from 14 inches (U. | hardwickii) to 36 inches or more (U. | aegyptius). | Hatchlings or neonates are usually no more than 3-4 inches in length. | Like many reptiles, these lizards colors change according to the temperature; during cool weather they appear dull and dark but the colors become lighter in warm weather, especially when basking; the darker pigmentation allows their skin to soak up more sunlight. | They inhabit a range stretching through most of North Africa, the Middle East and across south-central Asia and into India. | This area spreads across 5000 miles and 30 countries. | They occur at elevations from sea level to well over 3000 feet. | They are regularly eaten, and sold in produce markets, by local peoples. | Uromastyx tend to bask in areas with surface temperatures of over 120 °F. | The spiked tail is muscular and heavy, and can be swung at an attacker with great velocity, usually accompanied by hissing and an open-mouthed display of (small) teeth. | Uros generally sleep in their burrows with their tails closest to the opening, in order to thwart intruders. | A female uromastyx can lay anywhere from 5 to 40 eggs, depending on age and species. | Eggs ideally hatch 2 to 3 months after laid. | Female uros are smaller and less colorful than males. | For example, U. | maliensis females are light tan with black dorsal spots, while males are mostly bright yellow with mottled black markings. | Females also tend to have shorter claws. | Members of the genus can be found for sale in pet stores in the United States. | However, it is usually preferable to purchase one from a breeder where the facility can be inspected and tips obtained on care and handling. | This will also ensure the purchase of a captive-bred lizard and not a wild-caught lizard, which may have foreign diseases. | Initially, uromastyxes in captivity had a poor survival rate, due to a lack of understanding of their dietary and environmental needs. | In recent years, knowledge has significantly increased, and appropriate diet and care has led to survival rates and longevity approaching those in the wild. | They generally become very tame and will eat out of their owners hands. | The Mali uromastyx is considered an ideal species to choose as a pet because they readily adapt to the captive environment. | Another good species of Uromastyx that adapts to captivity, and comes in some beautiful color varieties, is Uromastyx ocellata ornata. | Artificial UVB/UVA light and vitamin supplements must be balanced with proper food and nutrition. | Proper enclosures can be costly, as these are roaming animals with large space needs for their size, combined with the need to provide heat and ultraviolet light. | Though the lizards bask at very high temperatures, there must be a temperature gradient within the enclosure allowing them to cool off away from the heat lamps. | A cooling-down period over winter months can trigger the breeding response when temperatures rise in the spring. | The temporary slowing-down of their metabolisms also lengthens the animals lifespans. | Uromastyxes are burrowing lizards, and need substrate deep enough to burrow in, or a low structure under which to hide. | In the wild, these lizards burrows can reach 10 feet in length. | The best substrate is sand, particularly the rounded-particle variety known as play sand. | A popular alternative (except for babies under a year) is compressed coconut fiber bricks; this must be rehydrated with hot water and then used in a completely dry state. | Drying out the substrate, once it has been watered to expansion and breaking apart the large chunks, can take a few days. | Another inexpensive substrate that can pass through the digestive system without problems is millet seed. | This can be easily sifted with a wire mesh to clean waste from the enclosure. | Healthy, well-nourished adults do very well on sand, since they have adapted to it over millennia in the wild. | The average cost for getting all of the materials for the uromastyx is 200 dollars. | These lizards acquire most of the water they need from the vegetation they ingest. | They have rarely been observed drinking standing water. | (They may urinate when frightened; this can rapidly deplete their crucial water stores. |) The humidity of the enclosure must be kept low to prevent respiratory problems. | Captive uros diets must be predominantly herbivorous, consisting of endive, dandelion greens, Bok Choy, and escarole. | Lettuce has almost no nutritive value, but can be given once in a while as a water source. | They can consume de-thorned cacti with their powerful jaws, especially if they need water. | The lizards food should be frequently dusted with a calcium and a uromastyx designed supplement to help prevent health problems. | It is very important to avoid spinach, chard, flowering kale, and parsley in the diets of all reptiles, since the oxalates in spinach prevent the uptake of calcium into the bloodstream. | Some believe feeding insect foods, such as crickets and mealworms, should be avoided because of health problems, but many other breeders and hobbyists maintain that insects can be a small part of the animals diet (less than 10% of all foods eaten) without any danger to the lizard. | A good diet plan is plant matter every day or every other day, and insects every month or two. | Insect protein is difficult for uros livers to digest. |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||}

{{VIDEO |Videos |Video Clip: |||}Daytona Reptile Breeders Expo 2009 P1 of|Daytona Reptile Breeders Expo 2009 P1 of{ VIDEO | Videos| Video Clip| Movie}}

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This was my first time going to an expo, I went with some friends of mine. It was amazing! I took videos for everyone who was unable to make it. They had everything. Ball pythons Boas Frogs Bearded dragons Geckos Tegus Monitors Corn Snakes Milk Snakes Hog nose snakes King snakes Iguanas Uromastyx chameleons Everything! If you ever have the chance to go.. DO it!{Hardwickes or Indian spiny-tailed lizard (Uromastyx hardwickii) is a species of agamid lizard found in the Thar desert and surrounding dry areas in Pakistan and India. | The northern half of the plains of India to Pakistan. | It ranges from Uttar Pradesh in the east to Rajasthan in the West. | Also, the Kutch area of Gujarat. | The Spiny-tailed lizard has a rounded head with a flat snout. | It is usually yellowish brown, sandy or olive in colour. | It may have black spots and vermiculations and a distinctive black spot on the front of the thigh. | It has a dorso-ventrally flattened body with wrinkled skin. | It has distinctive tail whorls of spiny scales with large spines on the side which give the lizard its name. | The tail is bluish-grey (in Jaisalmer) to sand-coloured (in Kutch). | Male ranges from 40 to 49 cm in length while it is 34 to 40 cm in the case of the female. | The male has a longer tail than the female. | Generally found in firm ground rather than pure sand dunes, the spiny-tailed lizard is often found living in colonies, sometimes on the outskirts of villages. | It prefers elevated patches of land especially in Kutch where it is invariably found on isolated patches of high ground (called Bets) above the monsoon water level. | Birds of prey are a major predator of the lizard in the desert. | The Saker Falcon Falco cherrug has been recorded in literature[1] but the Tawny Eagle Aquila rapax and other falcons such as the Laggar Falcon also prey on these lizards. |The spiny-tailed lizard excavates a sloping zig-zagging or spiralling tunnel of 6 to 8 cm diameter and over 2 metres long for itself. | The tunnel has an entrance which is flush with the ground and ends in a small chamber. | The lizard basks close to the entrance of its burrow. | It is very alert and smoothly slides into its burrow at the first hint of danger. | The spiny-tailed hibernates through the winter and emerges in spring. | By the time it is ready for hibernation, the lizard puts on long strips of fat on each side of the backbone which presumably enables it to survive the long winter months. |The spiny-tailed lizard is largely herbivorous and its teeth are adapted for a plant diet which comprises the flowers and fruits of the khair (Capparis aphylla); the beans of Prosopis spicigera; the fruit of Salvadora persica, and grass. | In locust-breeding areas the spiny tailed lizard has been known to feed on nymphs and adults of the locust. |Uromastyx hardwickii breed in spring after emerging from hibernation. | It lays white pigeon-sized eggs. | The fat stored in the tail of the lizard is purported to have medicinal properties and for this reason, these lizards are often illegally collected and sold in various parts of India for folk medicine. | The Uromastyx is a genus of lizard whose members are better-known as Spiny-tailed lizards, uros, or dabb lizards. | Uromastykes are primarily herbivorous, but occasionally eat insects, especially when young. | They spend most of their waking hours basking in the sun, hiding in underground chambers at nighttime or when danger appears. | They tend to establish themselves in hilly, rocky areas with good shelter and accessible vegetation. | Their size ranges from 14 inches (U. | hardwickii) to 36 inches or more (U. | aegyptius). | Hatchlings or neonates are usually no more than 3-4 inches in length. | Like many reptiles, these lizards colors change according to the temperature; during cool weather they appear dull and dark but the colors become lighter in warm weather, especially when basking; the darker pigmentation allows their skin to soak up more sunlight. | They inhabit a range stretching through most of North Africa, the Middle East and across south-central Asia and into India. | This area spreads across 5000 miles and 30 countries. | They occur at elevations from sea level to well over 3000 feet. | They are regularly eaten, and sold in produce markets, by local peoples. | Uromastyx tend to bask in areas with surface temperatures of over 120 °F. | The spiked tail is muscular and heavy, and can be swung at an attacker with great velocity, usually accompanied by hissing and an open-mouthed display of (small) teeth. | Uros generally sleep in their burrows with their tails closest to the opening, in order to thwart intruders. | A female uromastyx can lay anywhere from 5 to 40 eggs, depending on age and species. | Eggs ideally hatch 2 to 3 months after laid. | Female uros are smaller and less colorful than males. | For example, U. | maliensis females are light tan with black dorsal spots, while males are mostly bright yellow with mottled black markings. | Females also tend to have shorter claws. | Members of the genus can be found for sale in pet stores in the United States. | However, it is usually preferable to purchase one from a breeder where the facility can be inspected and tips obtained on care and handling. | This will also ensure the purchase of a captive-bred lizard and not a wild-caught lizard, which may have foreign diseases. | Initially, uromastyxes in captivity had a poor survival rate, due to a lack of understanding of their dietary and environmental needs. | In recent years, knowledge has significantly increased, and appropriate diet and care has led to survival rates and longevity approaching those in the wild. | They generally become very tame and will eat out of their owners hands. | The Mali uromastyx is considered an ideal species to choose as a pet because they readily adapt to the captive environment. | Another good species of Uromastyx that adapts to captivity, and comes in some beautiful color varieties, is Uromastyx ocellata ornata. | Artificial UVB/UVA light and vitamin supplements must be balanced with proper food and nutrition. | Proper enclosures can be costly, as these are roaming animals with large space needs for their size, combined with the need to provide heat and ultraviolet light. | Though the lizards bask at very high temperatures, there must be a temperature gradient within the enclosure allowing them to cool off away from the heat lamps. | A cooling-down period over winter months can trigger the breeding response when temperatures rise in the spring. | The temporary slowing-down of their metabolisms also lengthens the animals lifespans. | Uromastyxes are burrowing lizards, and need substrate deep enough to burrow in, or a low structure under which to hide. | In the wild, these lizards burrows can reach 10 feet in length. | The best substrate is sand, particularly the rounded-particle variety known as play sand. | A popular alternative (except for babies under a year) is compressed coconut fiber bricks; this must be rehydrated with hot water and then used in a completely dry state. | Drying out the substrate, once it has been watered to expansion and breaking apart the large chunks, can take a few days. | Another inexpensive substrate that can pass through the digestive system without problems is millet seed. | This can be easily sifted with a wire mesh to clean waste from the enclosure. | Healthy, well-nourished adults do very well on sand, since they have adapted to it over millennia in the wild. | The average cost for getting all of the materials for the uromastyx is 200 dollars. | These lizards acquire most of the water they need from the vegetation they ingest. | They have rarely been observed drinking standing water. | (They may urinate when frightened; this can rapidly deplete their crucial water stores. |) The humidity of the enclosure must be kept low to prevent respiratory problems. | Captive uros diets must be predominantly herbivorous, consisting of endive, dandelion greens, Bok Choy, and escarole. | Lettuce has almost no nutritive value, but can be given once in a while as a water source. | They can consume de-thorned cacti with their powerful jaws, especially if they need water. | The lizards food should be frequently dusted with a calcium and a uromastyx designed supplement to help prevent health problems. | It is very important to avoid spinach, chard, flowering kale, and parsley in the diets of all reptiles, since the oxalates in spinach prevent the uptake of calcium into the bloodstream. | Some believe feeding insect foods, such as crickets and mealworms, should be avoided because of health problems, but many other breeders and hobbyists maintain that insects can be a small part of the animals diet (less than 10% of all foods eaten) without any danger to the lizard. | A good diet plan is plant matter every day or every other day, and insects every month or two. | Insect protein is difficult for uros livers to digest. |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||}

Tegu up from hibernation

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Riley just woke up… pretty much it

{Tupinambis is a lizard genus which belongs to the family of Teiidae. | These large, South American lizards are commonly referred to as tegus; Tupinambis merianae (Argentine Black and White Tegu), Tupinambis rufescens (Red Tegu), and Tupinambis teguixin (Colombian Black and White Tegu, Gold Tegu, or Common Tegu) are all common in the pet trade. | Tegus are an escaped or illegally released species that has adapted to living in some of the more remote areas of South Florida. | Argentine tegus make good pets, as they have a tendency to become attached to their owners and are generally quite docile as adults. | Additionally, some Argentines have been trained to use litter boxes. | Tegus are prone to food aggression; they will quickly learn to associate human presence with food, and may turn their enthusiastic feeding response upon their caretakers if certain precautions are not taken. | Bowl feeding, if the same bowl is used every day, will cut down on aggression as the tegu learns to associate the bowl, and not its owners hand, with feeding time. | This will also prevent accidental ingestion of substrate, which can result in impaction, a serious health risk for reptiles. | Feeding in a separate area outside the enclosure is another way to accomplish both of these aims. | This tegu is primarily a carnivore. | Young animals are entirely carnivorous, but will accept, and must be given, fresh fruit and vegetables as they mature. | Their diet should mainly consist of appropriate sized insects, raw meat such as chicken or turkey, and cooked eggs. | Whole rodents are also a good source of nutrients, but should be given somewhat sparingly, as they are high in fat; tegus are prone to obesity and will happily over-eat if allowed. | Supplementing their diet with a mineral and vitamin powder is beneficial. | Always offer variety for proper nutrition. | Tegus are usually primarily carnivorous, except for Tupinambis rufescens (which is primarily herbivorous) and Tupinambis merianae (which is debatable 50/50). | Tegus fill the same ecological niche as monitor lizards and are an example of convergent evolution. | The Argentine Black and White Tegu, (Tupinambis merianae), is the largest species of tegu. | It belongs to the teiid family. | It was long believed the scientific name Tupinambis teguixin referred to this species, but it is today used for the Gold Tegu. | In captivity, adults require a large enclosure, 8feet Long x 3 feet wide x 18 inches tall at the smallest. | Because of the large caging requirements, it is considered best to build ones own cage. | Use full spectrum lighting 12-14 hours per day. | Putting a bulb on fine screen will filter out more than 50% of the useful rays, and the rays will not penetrate glass, acrylic glass or plastic. | The light should be mounted inside the tank with a half by half inch or similar guard so the lizard does not hurt itself. | Also, most UVA bulbs do not provide UVB, so read the label carefully. | They need to be replaced every year, so write the date on the bulb. | Provide a basking area with a temperature of about 90-100 degrees Fahrenheit with access to a cooler zone. | These animals are burrowers, and should be provided with plenty of substrate for digging. | They will sometimes build burrows and the substrate should be at least six inches deep to facilitate this. | Temperatures during the day should be gradient from 80 to 90 °F. | Maintain the night temperature range between 72-80 °F. | If necessary, use reptile heating pads under tank for 24-hour heat. | Alternately, a ceramic heat emitter can be used and is especially versatile, as it can be used at all times without disrupting the tegus photoperiod. | This species requires moderate to high levels of humidity for proper shedding. | Frequent misting of the tank is recommended. | The best and most common substrate for tegus is cypress mulch, as it holds moisture well and resists mold and decay. | Its life span is about fifteen to twenty years. | This terrestrial species inhabits the tropical rain forests of East and Central South America. | Individuals of this species like dense foliage and forage for food, of which they consume as much as possible before going into hibernation in autumn. | They also exhibit an unusually high level of intelligence among reptiles, along with a high level of physical activity during the wakeful period of the year. | The two most docile and easiest to handle species are the Argentine Black and White Tegu and the Red Tegu. | Additionally, a new variety has been recently introduced, called the Blue Tegu due to the tendency of males to become bright blue color upon maturity. | These variations grow to 2 and a half to 4 feet and have a pleasant nature making them good pets. | The Argentine tegu reaches lengths of 4 to 5+ feet at maturity. | Males are much larger and heavier than females, and develop jowls as they mature. | The sex of an Argentine tegu can be found by looking at the vent and searching for two raised bump-like features. | Hatchlings are bright green with black markings; the green fades to white within a couple of months. | In captivity, a healthy tegus diet should consist of mice/pinkies, crickets, and assorted fruits and vegetables. | In addition, they need proper housing with UVA and UVB light setups, maintaining a steady enclosure temperature of 75 F – 90 F during the day and just slightly cooler at night. | Because tegus, like all lizards, are exothermic, a temperature gradient will allow them to find the perfect location for their needs, so they also need a spot for basking with a temperature of 100 F – 120 F. | The Gold tegu, also known as Common tegu, black tegu and Columbian tegu, is a species of tegu. | Its scientific name Tupinambis teguixin was long believed to apply to the Argentine Black and White Tegu which is now Tupinambis merianae. | Gold tegus grow to around 80-110 cm with a glossy body, powerful limbs and a thick tail. | They have many black and gold stripes down their body. | Gold tegus live in the tropical forests of northern and central South America. | They feed on insects, invertebrates, small mammals, reptiles and birds,as well as fish. | Tegus naturally go into a hibernation cycle but it has been discovered that this is not needed to maintain their health. ||||||||||||||||}

Topher’s Red tegu Strikes Again

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My female red tegu once again having a brutal battle with a rat.

{Tupinambis is a lizard genus which belongs to the family of Teiidae. | These large, South American lizards are commonly referred to as tegus; Tupinambis merianae (Argentine Black and White Tegu), Tupinambis rufescens (Red Tegu), and Tupinambis teguixin (Colombian Black and White Tegu, Gold Tegu, or Common Tegu) are all common in the pet trade. | Tegus are an escaped or illegally released species that has adapted to living in some of the more remote areas of South Florida. | Argentine tegus make good pets, as they have a tendency to become attached to their owners and are generally quite docile as adults. | Additionally, some Argentines have been trained to use litter boxes. | Tegus are prone to food aggression; they will quickly learn to associate human presence with food, and may turn their enthusiastic feeding response upon their caretakers if certain precautions are not taken. | Bowl feeding, if the same bowl is used every day, will cut down on aggression as the tegu learns to associate the bowl, and not its owners hand, with feeding time. | This will also prevent accidental ingestion of substrate, which can result in impaction, a serious health risk for reptiles. | Feeding in a separate area outside the enclosure is another way to accomplish both of these aims. | This tegu is primarily a carnivore. | Young animals are entirely carnivorous, but will accept, and must be given, fresh fruit and vegetables as they mature. | Their diet should mainly consist of appropriate sized insects, raw meat such as chicken or turkey, and cooked eggs. | Whole rodents are also a good source of nutrients, but should be given somewhat sparingly, as they are high in fat; tegus are prone to obesity and will happily over-eat if allowed. | Supplementing their diet with a mineral and vitamin powder is beneficial. | Always offer variety for proper nutrition. | Tegus are usually primarily carnivorous, except for Tupinambis rufescens (which is primarily herbivorous) and Tupinambis merianae (which is debatable 50/50). | Tegus fill the same ecological niche as monitor lizards and are an example of convergent evolution. | The Argentine Black and White Tegu, (Tupinambis merianae), is the largest species of tegu. | It belongs to the teiid family. | It was long believed the scientific name Tupinambis teguixin referred to this species, but it is today used for the Gold Tegu. | In captivity, adults require a large enclosure, 8feet Long x 3 feet wide x 18 inches tall at the smallest. | Because of the large caging requirements, it is considered best to build ones own cage. | Use full spectrum lighting 12-14 hours per day. | Putting a bulb on fine screen will filter out more than 50% of the useful rays, and the rays will not penetrate glass, acrylic glass or plastic. | The light should be mounted inside the tank with a half by half inch or similar guard so the lizard does not hurt itself. | Also, most UVA bulbs do not provide UVB, so read the label carefully. | They need to be replaced every year, so write the date on the bulb. | Provide a basking area with a temperature of about 90-100 degrees Fahrenheit with access to a cooler zone. | These animals are burrowers, and should be provided with plenty of substrate for digging. | They will sometimes build burrows and the substrate should be at least six inches deep to facilitate this. | Temperatures during the day should be gradient from 80 to 90 °F. | Maintain the night temperature range between 72-80 °F. | If necessary, use reptile heating pads under tank for 24-hour heat. | Alternately, a ceramic heat emitter can be used and is especially versatile, as it can be used at all times without disrupting the tegus photoperiod. | This species requires moderate to high levels of humidity for proper shedding. | Frequent misting of the tank is recommended. | The best and most common substrate for tegus is cypress mulch, as it holds moisture well and resists mold and decay. | Its life span is about fifteen to twenty years. | This terrestrial species inhabits the tropical rain forests of East and Central South America. | Individuals of this species like dense foliage and forage for food, of which they consume as much as possible before going into hibernation in autumn. | They also exhibit an unusually high level of intelligence among reptiles, along with a high level of physical activity during the wakeful period of the year. | The two most docile and easiest to handle species are the Argentine Black and White Tegu and the Red Tegu. | Additionally, a new variety has been recently introduced, called the Blue Tegu due to the tendency of males to become bright blue color upon maturity. | These variations grow to 2 and a half to 4 feet and have a pleasant nature making them good pets. | The Argentine tegu reaches lengths of 4 to 5+ feet at maturity. | Males are much larger and heavier than females, and develop jowls as they mature. | The sex of an Argentine tegu can be found by looking at the vent and searching for two raised bump-like features. | Hatchlings are bright green with black markings; the green fades to white within a couple of months. | In captivity, a healthy tegus diet should consist of mice/pinkies, crickets, and assorted fruits and vegetables. | In addition, they need proper housing with UVA and UVB light setups, maintaining a steady enclosure temperature of 75 F – 90 F during the day and just slightly cooler at night. | Because tegus, like all lizards, are exothermic, a temperature gradient will allow them to find the perfect location for their needs, so they also need a spot for basking with a temperature of 100 F – 120 F. | The Gold tegu, also known as Common tegu, black tegu and Columbian tegu, is a species of tegu. | Its scientific name Tupinambis teguixin was long believed to apply to the Argentine Black and White Tegu which is now Tupinambis merianae. | Gold tegus grow to around 80-110 cm with a glossy body, powerful limbs and a thick tail. | They have many black and gold stripes down their body. | Gold tegus live in the tropical forests of northern and central South America. | They feed on insects, invertebrates, small mammals, reptiles and birds,as well as fish. | Tegus naturally go into a hibernation cycle but it has been discovered that this is not needed to maintain their health. ||||||||||||||||}

tegu vs. rat round 2

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and as usual the tegu wins again! lol jk nero going at a PRE-KILLED rat!

{Tupinambis is a lizard genus which belongs to the family of Teiidae. | These large, South American lizards are commonly referred to as tegus; Tupinambis merianae (Argentine Black and White Tegu), Tupinambis rufescens (Red Tegu), and Tupinambis teguixin (Colombian Black and White Tegu, Gold Tegu, or Common Tegu) are all common in the pet trade. | Tegus are an escaped or illegally released species that has adapted to living in some of the more remote areas of South Florida. | Argentine tegus make good pets, as they have a tendency to become attached to their owners and are generally quite docile as adults. | Additionally, some Argentines have been trained to use litter boxes. | Tegus are prone to food aggression; they will quickly learn to associate human presence with food, and may turn their enthusiastic feeding response upon their caretakers if certain precautions are not taken. | Bowl feeding, if the same bowl is used every day, will cut down on aggression as the tegu learns to associate the bowl, and not its owners hand, with feeding time. | This will also prevent accidental ingestion of substrate, which can result in impaction, a serious health risk for reptiles. | Feeding in a separate area outside the enclosure is another way to accomplish both of these aims. | This tegu is primarily a carnivore. | Young animals are entirely carnivorous, but will accept, and must be given, fresh fruit and vegetables as they mature. | Their diet should mainly consist of appropriate sized insects, raw meat such as chicken or turkey, and cooked eggs. | Whole rodents are also a good source of nutrients, but should be given somewhat sparingly, as they are high in fat; tegus are prone to obesity and will happily over-eat if allowed. | Supplementing their diet with a mineral and vitamin powder is beneficial. | Always offer variety for proper nutrition. | Tegus are usually primarily carnivorous, except for Tupinambis rufescens (which is primarily herbivorous) and Tupinambis merianae (which is debatable 50/50). | Tegus fill the same ecological niche as monitor lizards and are an example of convergent evolution. | The Argentine Black and White Tegu, (Tupinambis merianae), is the largest species of tegu. | It belongs to the teiid family. | It was long believed the scientific name Tupinambis teguixin referred to this species, but it is today used for the Gold Tegu. | In captivity, adults require a large enclosure, 8feet Long x 3 feet wide x 18 inches tall at the smallest. | Because of the large caging requirements, it is considered best to build ones own cage. | Use full spectrum lighting 12-14 hours per day. | Putting a bulb on fine screen will filter out more than 50% of the useful rays, and the rays will not penetrate glass, acrylic glass or plastic. | The light should be mounted inside the tank with a half by half inch or similar guard so the lizard does not hurt itself. | Also, most UVA bulbs do not provide UVB, so read the label carefully. | They need to be replaced every year, so write the date on the bulb. | Provide a basking area with a temperature of about 90-100 degrees Fahrenheit with access to a cooler zone. | These animals are burrowers, and should be provided with plenty of substrate for digging. | They will sometimes build burrows and the substrate should be at least six inches deep to facilitate this. | Temperatures during the day should be gradient from 80 to 90 °F. | Maintain the night temperature range between 72-80 °F. | If necessary, use reptile heating pads under tank for 24-hour heat. | Alternately, a ceramic heat emitter can be used and is especially versatile, as it can be used at all times without disrupting the tegus photoperiod. | This species requires moderate to high levels of humidity for proper shedding. | Frequent misting of the tank is recommended. | The best and most common substrate for tegus is cypress mulch, as it holds moisture well and resists mold and decay. | Its life span is about fifteen to twenty years. | This terrestrial species inhabits the tropical rain forests of East and Central South America. | Individuals of this species like dense foliage and forage for food, of which they consume as much as possible before going into hibernation in autumn. | They also exhibit an unusually high level of intelligence among reptiles, along with a high level of physical activity during the wakeful period of the year. | The two most docile and easiest to handle species are the Argentine Black and White Tegu and the Red Tegu. | Additionally, a new variety has been recently introduced, called the Blue Tegu due to the tendency of males to become bright blue color upon maturity. | These variations grow to 2 and a half to 4 feet and have a pleasant nature making them good pets. | The Argentine tegu reaches lengths of 4 to 5+ feet at maturity. | Males are much larger and heavier than females, and develop jowls as they mature. | The sex of an Argentine tegu can be found by looking at the vent and searching for two raised bump-like features. | Hatchlings are bright green with black markings; the green fades to white within a couple of months. | In captivity, a healthy tegus diet should consist of mice/pinkies, crickets, and assorted fruits and vegetables. | In addition, they need proper housing with UVA and UVB light setups, maintaining a steady enclosure temperature of 75 F – 90 F during the day and just slightly cooler at night. | Because tegus, like all lizards, are exothermic, a temperature gradient will allow them to find the perfect location for their needs, so they also need a spot for basking with a temperature of 100 F – 120 F. | The Gold tegu, also known as Common tegu, black tegu and Columbian tegu, is a species of tegu. | Its scientific name Tupinambis teguixin was long believed to apply to the Argentine Black and White Tegu which is now Tupinambis merianae. | Gold tegus grow to around 80-110 cm with a glossy body, powerful limbs and a thick tail. | They have many black and gold stripes down their body. | Gold tegus live in the tropical forests of northern and central South America. | They feed on insects, invertebrates, small mammals, reptiles and birds,as well as fish. | Tegus naturally go into a hibernation cycle but it has been discovered that this is not needed to maintain their health. ||||||||||||||||}

red tegu eats!

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pyro my red tegu eating 2 live pinkies( i only feed pinkies live if the store is out of ft. and the pinkie cant really fight back larger rodents are a different story since they can fight back i only feed pre killed)

{Tupinambis is a lizard genus which belongs to the family of Teiidae. | These large, South American lizards are commonly referred to as tegus; Tupinambis merianae (Argentine Black and White Tegu), Tupinambis rufescens (Red Tegu), and Tupinambis teguixin (Colombian Black and White Tegu, Gold Tegu, or Common Tegu) are all common in the pet trade. | Tegus are an escaped or illegally released species that has adapted to living in some of the more remote areas of South Florida. | Argentine tegus make good pets, as they have a tendency to become attached to their owners and are generally quite docile as adults. | Additionally, some Argentines have been trained to use litter boxes. | Tegus are prone to food aggression; they will quickly learn to associate human presence with food, and may turn their enthusiastic feeding response upon their caretakers if certain precautions are not taken. | Bowl feeding, if the same bowl is used every day, will cut down on aggression as the tegu learns to associate the bowl, and not its owners hand, with feeding time. | This will also prevent accidental ingestion of substrate, which can result in impaction, a serious health risk for reptiles. | Feeding in a separate area outside the enclosure is another way to accomplish both of these aims. | This tegu is primarily a carnivore. | Young animals are entirely carnivorous, but will accept, and must be given, fresh fruit and vegetables as they mature. | Their diet should mainly consist of appropriate sized insects, raw meat such as chicken or turkey, and cooked eggs. | Whole rodents are also a good source of nutrients, but should be given somewhat sparingly, as they are high in fat; tegus are prone to obesity and will happily over-eat if allowed. | Supplementing their diet with a mineral and vitamin powder is beneficial. | Always offer variety for proper nutrition. | Tegus are usually primarily carnivorous, except for Tupinambis rufescens (which is primarily herbivorous) and Tupinambis merianae (which is debatable 50/50). | Tegus fill the same ecological niche as monitor lizards and are an example of convergent evolution. | The Argentine Black and White Tegu, (Tupinambis merianae), is the largest species of tegu. | It belongs to the teiid family. | It was long believed the scientific name Tupinambis teguixin referred to this species, but it is today used for the Gold Tegu. | In captivity, adults require a large enclosure, 8feet Long x 3 feet wide x 18 inches tall at the smallest. | Because of the large caging requirements, it is considered best to build ones own cage. | Use full spectrum lighting 12-14 hours per day. | Putting a bulb on fine screen will filter out more than 50% of the useful rays, and the rays will not penetrate glass, acrylic glass or plastic. | The light should be mounted inside the tank with a half by half inch or similar guard so the lizard does not hurt itself. | Also, most UVA bulbs do not provide UVB, so read the label carefully. | They need to be replaced every year, so write the date on the bulb. | Provide a basking area with a temperature of about 90-100 degrees Fahrenheit with access to a cooler zone. | These animals are burrowers, and should be provided with plenty of substrate for digging. | They will sometimes build burrows and the substrate should be at least six inches deep to facilitate this. | Temperatures during the day should be gradient from 80 to 90 °F. | Maintain the night temperature range between 72-80 °F. | If necessary, use reptile heating pads under tank for 24-hour heat. | Alternately, a ceramic heat emitter can be used and is especially versatile, as it can be used at all times without disrupting the tegus photoperiod. | This species requires moderate to high levels of humidity for proper shedding. | Frequent misting of the tank is recommended. | The best and most common substrate for tegus is cypress mulch, as it holds moisture well and resists mold and decay. | Its life span is about fifteen to twenty years. | This terrestrial species inhabits the tropical rain forests of East and Central South America. | Individuals of this species like dense foliage and forage for food, of which they consume as much as possible before going into hibernation in autumn. | They also exhibit an unusually high level of intelligence among reptiles, along with a high level of physical activity during the wakeful period of the year. | The two most docile and easiest to handle species are the Argentine Black and White Tegu and the Red Tegu. | Additionally, a new variety has been recently introduced, called the Blue Tegu due to the tendency of males to become bright blue color upon maturity. | These variations grow to 2 and a half to 4 feet and have a pleasant nature making them good pets. | The Argentine tegu reaches lengths of 4 to 5+ feet at maturity. | Males are much larger and heavier than females, and develop jowls as they mature. | The sex of an Argentine tegu can be found by looking at the vent and searching for two raised bump-like features. | Hatchlings are bright green with black markings; the green fades to white within a couple of months. | In captivity, a healthy tegus diet should consist of mice/pinkies, crickets, and assorted fruits and vegetables. | In addition, they need proper housing with UVA and UVB light setups, maintaining a steady enclosure temperature of 75 F – 90 F during the day and just slightly cooler at night. | Because tegus, like all lizards, are exothermic, a temperature gradient will allow them to find the perfect location for their needs, so they also need a spot for basking with a temperature of 100 F – 120 F. | The Gold tegu, also known as Common tegu, black tegu and Columbian tegu, is a species of tegu. | Its scientific name Tupinambis teguixin was long believed to apply to the Argentine Black and White Tegu which is now Tupinambis merianae. | Gold tegus grow to around 80-110 cm with a glossy body, powerful limbs and a thick tail. | They have many black and gold stripes down their body. | Gold tegus live in the tropical forests of northern and central South America. | They feed on insects, invertebrates, small mammals, reptiles and birds,as well as fish. | Tegus naturally go into a hibernation cycle but it has been discovered that this is not needed to maintain their health. ||||||||||||||||}

tegu eating live mouse

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brutal tegu eating

{Tupinambis is a lizard genus which belongs to the family of Teiidae. | These large, South American lizards are commonly referred to as tegus; Tupinambis merianae (Argentine Black and White Tegu), Tupinambis rufescens (Red Tegu), and Tupinambis teguixin (Colombian Black and White Tegu, Gold Tegu, or Common Tegu) are all common in the pet trade. | Tegus are an escaped or illegally released species that has adapted to living in some of the more remote areas of South Florida. | Argentine tegus make good pets, as they have a tendency to become attached to their owners and are generally quite docile as adults. | Additionally, some Argentines have been trained to use litter boxes. | Tegus are prone to food aggression; they will quickly learn to associate human presence with food, and may turn their enthusiastic feeding response upon their caretakers if certain precautions are not taken. | Bowl feeding, if the same bowl is used every day, will cut down on aggression as the tegu learns to associate the bowl, and not its owners hand, with feeding time. | This will also prevent accidental ingestion of substrate, which can result in impaction, a serious health risk for reptiles. | Feeding in a separate area outside the enclosure is another way to accomplish both of these aims. | This tegu is primarily a carnivore. | Young animals are entirely carnivorous, but will accept, and must be given, fresh fruit and vegetables as they mature. | Their diet should mainly consist of appropriate sized insects, raw meat such as chicken or turkey, and cooked eggs. | Whole rodents are also a good source of nutrients, but should be given somewhat sparingly, as they are high in fat; tegus are prone to obesity and will happily over-eat if allowed. | Supplementing their diet with a mineral and vitamin powder is beneficial. | Always offer variety for proper nutrition. | Tegus are usually primarily carnivorous, except for Tupinambis rufescens (which is primarily herbivorous) and Tupinambis merianae (which is debatable 50/50). | Tegus fill the same ecological niche as monitor lizards and are an example of convergent evolution. | The Argentine Black and White Tegu, (Tupinambis merianae), is the largest species of tegu. | It belongs to the teiid family. | It was long believed the scientific name Tupinambis teguixin referred to this species, but it is today used for the Gold Tegu. | In captivity, adults require a large enclosure, 8feet Long x 3 feet wide x 18 inches tall at the smallest. | Because of the large caging requirements, it is considered best to build ones own cage. | Use full spectrum lighting 12-14 hours per day. | Putting a bulb on fine screen will filter out more than 50% of the useful rays, and the rays will not penetrate glass, acrylic glass or plastic. | The light should be mounted inside the tank with a half by half inch or similar guard so the lizard does not hurt itself. | Also, most UVA bulbs do not provide UVB, so read the label carefully. | They need to be replaced every year, so write the date on the bulb. | Provide a basking area with a temperature of about 90-100 degrees Fahrenheit with access to a cooler zone. | These animals are burrowers, and should be provided with plenty of substrate for digging. | They will sometimes build burrows and the substrate should be at least six inches deep to facilitate this. | Temperatures during the day should be gradient from 80 to 90 °F. | Maintain the night temperature range between 72-80 °F. | If necessary, use reptile heating pads under tank for 24-hour heat. | Alternately, a ceramic heat emitter can be used and is especially versatile, as it can be used at all times without disrupting the tegus photoperiod. | This species requires moderate to high levels of humidity for proper shedding. | Frequent misting of the tank is recommended. | The best and most common substrate for tegus is cypress mulch, as it holds moisture well and resists mold and decay. | Its life span is about fifteen to twenty years. | This terrestrial species inhabits the tropical rain forests of East and Central South America. | Individuals of this species like dense foliage and forage for food, of which they consume as much as possible before going into hibernation in autumn. | They also exhibit an unusually high level of intelligence among reptiles, along with a high level of physical activity during the wakeful period of the year. | The two most docile and easiest to handle species are the Argentine Black and White Tegu and the Red Tegu. | Additionally, a new variety has been recently introduced, called the Blue Tegu due to the tendency of males to become bright blue color upon maturity. | These variations grow to 2 and a half to 4 feet and have a pleasant nature making them good pets. | The Argentine tegu reaches lengths of 4 to 5+ feet at maturity. | Males are much larger and heavier than females, and develop jowls as they mature. | The sex of an Argentine tegu can be found by looking at the vent and searching for two raised bump-like features. | Hatchlings are bright green with black markings; the green fades to white within a couple of months. | In captivity, a healthy tegus diet should consist of mice/pinkies, crickets, and assorted fruits and vegetables. | In addition, they need proper housing with UVA and UVB light setups, maintaining a steady enclosure temperature of 75 F – 90 F during the day and just slightly cooler at night. | Because tegus, like all lizards, are exothermic, a temperature gradient will allow them to find the perfect location for their needs, so they also need a spot for basking with a temperature of 100 F – 120 F. | The Gold tegu, also known as Common tegu, black tegu and Columbian tegu, is a species of tegu. | Its scientific name Tupinambis teguixin was long believed to apply to the Argentine Black and White Tegu which is now Tupinambis merianae. | Gold tegus grow to around 80-110 cm with a glossy body, powerful limbs and a thick tail. | They have many black and gold stripes down their body. | Gold tegus live in the tropical forests of northern and central South America. | They feed on insects, invertebrates, small mammals, reptiles and birds,as well as fish. | Tegus naturally go into a hibernation cycle but it has been discovered that this is not needed to maintain their health. ||||||||||||||||}

{{VIDEO |Videos |Video Clip: |||}The Eastern Box Turtle|The Eastern Box Turtle{ VIDEO | Videos| Video Clip| Movie}}

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This is a video of the eastern box turtle from the bbc’s Life in Cold Blood documentary series.

{The Eastern Box Turtle (Terrapene carolina carolina) is a subspecies within a group of hinge-shelled turtles, normally called box turtles. | Terrapene carolina carolina is native to an eastern part of the United States. | Occasionally, it is referred to as the Common Box Turtle to distinguish it from the other five subspecies of eastern box turtles. | Eastern box turtles have a high, dome-like carapace and a hinged plastron that allows total shell closure. | The carapace can be of variable coloration, but is normally found brownish or black and is accompanied by a yellowish or orangish radiating pattern of lines, spots or blotches. | Skin coloration, like that of the shell, is variable, but is usually brown with some yellow, purplish or white spots or streaks. | This coloration closely mimics that of the winter leaf of the tulip poplar. | The color of the shell and skin of an eastern box turtle differs with age; younger turtles of the type are often more vibrantly colored than the older. | Furthermore, males normally possess red eyes (irises) whereas females usually display brown eyes. | Eastern box turtles feature a sharp, horny beak, stout limbs, and their feet are webbed only at the base. | Staying small in size, males grow to up to seven inches, and females to about eight. | In the wild, box turtles are known to live over 80 years, but in captivity, usually live only between 30-50. | Virtually all turtles have a covering of scutes, or modified scales, over the bony shell. | The number, size, form, and position of these scutes can help in identifying the turtle. | Only in the soft-shelled turtles and leatherback sea turtles are obvious scutes absent, leaving skin to cover the bones. | Eastern box turtles have many uniquely identifying characteristics which separate them from North American tortoises and water turtles. | While the females plastron is flat, in males it is concave so the male may fit over the back end of the females carapace during mating. | The front and back of the plastron are connected by a flexible hinge. | When in danger, the turtle is able to close the plastron by pulling the hinged sections closely against the carapace, effectively sealing the soft body in bone. | The shell is made of bone covered by living vascularized tissue and covered with a layer of keratin. | This shell is connected to the body through its fused rib cage which makes the shell permanently attached and not removable. | When injured or damaged, the shell has the capacity to regenerate and reform. | Granular tissue slowly forms and keratin slowly grows over the damaged area to replace damaged and missing scutes or scales. | Unlike water turtles such as the native eastern painted turtle (Chrysemys picta), box turtle scutes continue to grow throughout the turtles life and develop growth rings. | Water turtles typically shed their scutes as they grow. |The eastern box turtle is found mainly in the eastern United States, as is implied by its name. | They are populated as far north as southern Maine and the northwest of the Michigan Lower Peninsula, south to southern Florida and west to eastern Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas. | The eastern box turtle is considered uncommon to rare in the Great Lakes region; however, populations can be found in areas not bisected by heavily traveled roads. | In the Midwest, they are a species of Special Interest in Ohio, and of Special Concern in Michigan. | Eastern box turtles prefer deciduous or mixed forested regions, with a moderately moist forest floor that has good drainage. | They can be also found in open grasslands, or pastures. | The eating habits of eastern box turtles vary greatly due to individual taste, temperature, lighting, and their surrounding environment. | Unlike warm-blooded animals, their metabolism doesnt drive their appetite, instead, they can just lessen their activity level, retreat into their shells and halt their food intake until better conditions arise. | In the wild eastern box turtles are opportunistic omnivores and will feed on a variety of animal and vegetable matter. | There are a variety of foods which are universally accepted by eastern box turtles, which include earthworms, snails, grubs, beetles, caterpillars, grasses, fallen fruit, berries, mushrooms, flowers, bread, duck weeds, and carrion. | Studies at Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary in Maryland have also shown that eastern box turtles have fed on live birds that were trapped in netting. | Many times, they will eat an item of food, especially in captivity, just because it looks and smells edible, such as hamburger or eggs even though the food may be harmful or unhealthy. | Box turtles are also known to have consumed poisonous fungi making their flesh inedible by native American hunter gatherers. | Anecdotal evidence suggests that hatchling box turtles are more carnivorous than their sub adult and adult versions. | There is as yet no concrete evidence to support this theory. | Thousands of box turtles are collected from the wild every year for the domestic pet trade, especially from Texas, the Carolinas, and Arkansas. | The eastern box turtle is protected throughout most of its range but many states allow the capture and possession of box turtles for personal use. | Although the United States has banned their export, some box turtles still end up in the Asian food market. | Captive breeding is fairly commonplace, but not so much that it can supply the market demand. | Although box turtles may make hardy captives if their needs are met, and are frequently kept as pets, they are very difficult to keep owing to their many requirements. | Eastern box turtles require high humidity, warm temperatures with vertical and horizontal thermal gradients, suitable substrate for burrowing, and full spectrum ultraviolet lighting that mimics sunlight. | A basking area at one end of the enclosure is important to offer the turtle the ability to warm itself and is critical to sexually mature males and females for development of sperm and egg follicles respectively. | Eastern box turtles are semi aquatic in the wild and love to immerse themselves completely in water. | Therefore, a large, easily accessible water dish for bathing and drinking is important to their health. | Water should be fresh and clean and available at all times. | Because box turtles seldom get the nutrients they need to foster shell growth and skeletal and skin development, they also may require vitamin supplements to keep them healthy such as calcium, vitamin a, and folic acid. | Captive diets include various live invertebrates such as crickets, worms, earthworms, grubs, beetles and larvae, cockroaches, small mice, and fish (not goldfish). | Mixed berries, fruit, romaine lettuce, collard greens, dandelion greens, chicory, mushrooms and clover are suitable for box turtles as well. | While some high quality, moist dog foods may be occasionally offered, whole animals are preferable. | Reptomin is a suitable food for hatchling and immature/subadult box turtles. | The box turtle is one of several species of turtles. | It can refer to either those of the genera Cuora or Pyxidea, which are the Asian box turtles, or more commonly to species of the genus Terrapene, the North American box turtles. | They are largely characterized by having a domed shell, which is hinged at the bottom, allowing the animal to close its shell tightly to escape predators. | Otherwise the two genera are very different in habitat, behaviour, and appearance, and as such are not even classified in the same family. | Even though box turtles have become very popular pets, their needs in captivity are complex and the capture of turtles can have serious detrimental effects on the wild population. |The box turtle can commonly live up to twenty years, with verified cases of lifespans as long as 40 or 50 years. | There have been unverified cases of box turtles living as long as one hundred years and more. |North American box turtles are omnivores. | Their sharp eyes and keen sense of smell help them in finding food such as snails, insects, berries, fungi, slugs, worms, roots, flowers, fish, frogs, salamanders, various rodents, snakes, birds, and eggs. | During their first five to six years, the young are primarily carnivorous while they grow. | Adults tend to be mostly herbivorous, but they do not eat green leaves. | Box turtles have been known to eat road-kill. | Babies and young turtles need more protein and prefer a carnivorous diet, and then include more and more plant matter as they get older. | A study by Davidson College revealed that a box turtle snapping its jaw shut can produce sounds as loud as 75 dB. | This sound can be used to scare away predators or possibly even be used as a mating call. | While it appears that most Terrapene carolina mating occurs in one-to-one encounters, there are occasions when two males will contend for access to a single female. | These encounters consisting of butting, shoving, and perhaps attempting to overturn each other. | One of the males eventually becomes exhausted and retires from the field while the other wins access to the female. | Habitat destruction is the biggest problem facing box turtles. | Woodlands converted into farmland have reduced the turtles range in many US states. | Remaining land is often fragmented with roads and housing projects, breaking up the animals habitat. | As they try to cross manmade additions, turtles are often killed by cars, animals, and other dangers. |A further threat to these animals in North America is the capture and sale of wild-born box turtles. | A 3-year study in Texas indicated that over 7,000 box turtles were taken from the wild for commercial trade. | A similar study in Louisiana found that in a 41-month period, nearly 30,000 box turtles were taken from the wild for resale. | Once captured, turtles are often kept in poor conditions where up to half of them die. | Those living long enough to be sold usually suffer from conditions such as malnutrition, dehydration, and infection. |Indiana and other states have laws against collecting the turtles from the wild. | In many states, it is illegal to keep them without a permit. | Collecting box turtles from the wild may cause irreversible damage in the populations, as these turtles have a low reproduction rate and have a hard time finding a mate. |Most turtle and tortoise societies recommend against box turtles as pets for small children. | Box turtles are easily stressed by over handling and require more care than is generally thought. | Box turtles can be easily injured by dogs and cats so special care must be taken to protect them from household pets and neighborhood animals. | Box turtles require an outdoor enclosure, consistent exposure to the sun and a varied diet. | Without these, a turtles growth can be stunted and its immune system weakened. |Finding box turtles in the wild and taking them as pets, even for a very short period of time, can have detrimental effects. | Box turtles want to stay within the same area where they were born. | If one is moved more than a half-mile from its territory, it may never find its way back; but may spend years unsystematically searching. | This exposes the animal to danger and also disrupts the breeding cycle. |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||}