Exotic Pets

Copyright

Collins

An imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers Ltd.

1 London Bridge Street

London SE1 9GF

www.harpercollins.co.uk

Collins is a registered trademark of HarperCollins Publishers Limited

Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers, 2008

First published in 2008 by Collins

A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library.

Created by: SP Creative Design

Editor: Heather Thomas

Designer: Rolando Ugolini

Series design: Mark Thomson

Photography

All images by Simon Murrell and David Manning, www.animalark.com.au

except for the following:

Jed Currey: Woma Python and Black Headed Python

Exo Terra vivariums Hagen

Can O’ Food Zoo Med

Chris Mattison: American Green Toad

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Source ISBN: 9780007262755

Ebook Edition © JULY 2017 ISBN: 9780008270698

Version: 2017-08-01

Contents

Cover

Title Page

Copyright

Introduction

1. The vivarium

2. Amphibians

3. Reptiles: lizards and tortoises

4. Reptiles: snakes

5. Invertebrates

Need to know more?

About the Publisher

Introduction

By picking up this book, you are probably either considering keeping exotic pets, or you already have an interest in them. Not only are many of these creatures extremely beautiful to look at but they are also much simpler to look after than some of the more traditional pet mammals and birds with whom we choose to share our lives.

Among the most popular pet amphibians, tree frogs are remarkably easy to look after and many species are suitable for handling by keepers.

Which species?

Whilst many species of exotic pets are easy to care for, there are some obvious considerations to bear in mind before purchasing one of these pets. In the case of children, for example, a parent or another adult must ultimately be responsible for the welfare of the chosen species. As a responsible herpetologist, in this book I have concentrated on species that meet the following criteria.

They are suitable for the novice keeper

I have tried to promote the care of the most easy-to-keep and interesting species, which are not too demanding in terms of time or space. At the same time, however, I have also included some of the most sought-after animals, such as chameleons and iguanas.

They are available from pet stores or breeders

All the species featured in the book are widely available from specialist breeders or pet stores and, wherever possible, from captive-bred stock. This will ensure that they are free from internal and external parasites and are most likely to adapt successfully to new homes.

Ease of care

I have listed the species that are featured within each section of this book in an ‘ease-of-care’ order. The easiest to keep appear first, graduating to those species that are more demanding in terms of equipment, space, owner’s time and maintenance.

Conservation

Loss of natural habitat for housing or agricultural development, along with pollution and other negative human actions, is having a colossal impact on the rapidly decreasing numbers of reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates globally. An estimated 1,856 species of amphibians, i.e. 32 per cent of known species, are ‘globally threatened’ according to IUCN (International Union for the Conservation of Nature).

Many snakes, like this Royal Python, are easy to keep and breed as pets.

Captive breeding

Captive breeding offers an opportunity for the continued survival of many creatures. It is hoped that one day these may be reintroduced into the wild if their habitats can be saved. Captive breeding also helps reduce pressure on wild populations, teaches us about their life cycle and husbandry and provides us with healthier livestock. It is remarkably satisfying when you watch a snake hatch from an egg, or a batch of tadpoles metamorphose into their adult form.

Responsible ownership and husbandry

The collection of certain animals from the wild and their trade between countries may, rightly or wrongly, be illegal. However, it is important that wherever you happen to live, you adhere to both your local and national rules and regulations. Responsible pet ownership and husbandry are always the right way to proceed.

These Australian Green Tree Frogs are a popular choice of pet and are widely available from captive bred stocks in Europe, the United States and Australia.