Keeping reptiles and amphibians as pets: challenges and rewards

Reptiles and amphibians are, for many of us, the most fascinating animals on earth, with morphological, physiological, reproductive, behavioural and life style diversity far beyond anything found in mammals and birds, the typical focus of veterinary research and practice. When I started my career in reptile behaviour there was comparatively little interest in reptiles and amphibians in ethology, comparative psychology or veterinary medicine. This has changed dramatically in the last few decades due to several factors. Why the interest in exotic species? Herptiles have become increasingly popular in the pet trade. While hatchling turtles and green anoles were an ever present dime store item, at least in the 1940s and 1950s when I came of age, they were cheap, disposable and the suggested housing and diet horrendous. Most died. I still remember when green anoles (chameleons) were sold at state fairs and other events harnessed to pins to be...
Source: Veterinary Record - Category: Veterinary Research Authors: Tags: Research Source Type: research