’s
t
h a
W
Ben Dessen refers to
himself as a
‘conservationist and
wildlife advocate’ but
he is also Reptiles
Department Manager
at Kellyville Pets and is
passionate about
educating newcomers
to the reptile hobby.
Since this is the very
first issue of iHerp
Australia, Ben is taking
us right back to the
beginning....
NE
Getting Started.
T
he reptile hobby in Australia continues to grow
in leaps and bounds, and that’s no surprise with
the vast array of amazing native species available to
us. Increased knowledge and access to professional
equipment and resources has also made reptile
keeping much more simple. For a first-time reptile
keeper knowing where to start can be a daunting
process. Which species is best for me? Where
should I source it from? What enclosure do I need?
What temperatures and lighting will this reptile
require? Do I need a licence? These are all
important questions and detailed research should
always be carried out before deciding to commit to
caring for a new reptile pet. Many reptiles have long
lifespans and very specific husbandry requirements,
so make sure that your first choice is a good choice.
Legal Obligations.
All native reptiles are protected by law in Australia so
you will need to find out what kind of licence is
required to keep a reptile in your state or territory, or
if a licence is required at all. Each state has its own
reptile licencing system and the list of species avail-
able to keepers also differs significantly. Information
regarding the type of licence required in your state -
including the cost and application process - is
available online or from your nearest specialist
reptile retailer.
Research, research, research.
With such a wide variety of reptiles available to
Left: lizards should be alert,
active and able to stand
upright, with bright eyes.
Above right: ‘Beardies’
come in a variety of colours
and make the perfect first
reptile pet for children and
adults alike.
All images by Sam Dessen.