The ‘Wrangler’ Writes...
Time has flown, and iHerp
Australia is celebrating its first
birthday with another issue
packed with features that, as
always, is free to download. So
take some time out from winter
maintenance to check out all our
great articles.
We’ve been on at Simon Fearn
for a long time to write something
about the fabled ‘Golden’ Tiger
Snakes of Tasmania. Finally he
has come through with the goods
on an incredible naturally-occurring morph that
really doesn’t look like it belongs in a cooler climate.
Speaking of morphs, we were a little sceptical
when Dave Evans declared the ‘marble’ Children’s
Python to be one of the most exciting animals in the
hobby, but his snakes are out of this world – take a
look at the photos!
We also have a couple of great field-herping
articles in this issue. One from none other than the
legendary Rom Whitaker, and the other from Nick
Gale, who once again proves that you don’t have to
travel too far from the suburbs to find some amazing
reptiles. Plus Kit Prendergast explains why pythons
are ‘hot’ and Gerrut Norval and Michael Gardner,
from Flinders University, have contributed a piece
on the dangers of long distance travel for lizards.
Now, for all those who like naturalistic terrariums,
Ben Dessen is along to get you started in the brand
new age of ‘Bioactive Systems’ – a trend that is
sweeping the hobby overseas and rapidly gaining
traction here in Australia. And, being winter, we
have a special article on brumation – what it means
and what to do about it in captivity.
It’s been a heck of a year. iHerp Australia was
conceived as a free resource that could be useful
to anyone interested in reptiles, and as a platform,
particularly for up and coming authors. We’re
steadily reaching more and more people out there,
but if you like the magazine, please tell your friends!
And don’t forget, if there’s something you would like
to see in the magazine, drop us a line.
Lastly, for those who like to hold a hard copy in
their hands, we have a special limited offer currently
available – check out the store in our website.
Happy Herping!
John McGrath
iHerp Australia
Issue 7 | July - August 2018
CONTENTS
All that Glitters is not Gold.
The Golden Tiger
Snake of Tasmania.
4
Don’t Lose Your Marbles.
Dave Evans is excited about
the Marble Children’s Python.
The Gecko on the Hill and a
‘Snake’ in the Grass
Nick Gale is off on another
herping adventure.
What’s New?
Ben’s Reptiles 101:
An Introduction to
Bioactive Systems. 10
A Visit to the Vet:
Reptile Dietary Supplements
Please Explain:
What is BRUMATION, and
why won’t my beardie eat in
winter?
A Good Book:
‘Green Tree Pythons.’ 30
18
10
24
32
18
36
It’s not Easy being Green.
Some interesting observations
derived from captive Green
Tree Pythons. 37
Two Indian Herpers
in Australia.
Rom Whitaker takes a break
from chasing cobras... 44
Snakes that Shiver.
Incubating pythons
turn up the heat! 54
Long-distance Lizards.
Some instances of
‘vehicular rafting’.! 58
Publisher: John McGrath
[email protected]
IT & Marketing: Andy Round
[email protected]
Social Media: Vince Pintaudi
Additional Design:
Rachael Hammond
Next Issue: September 2018.
Website: www.iherpaustralia.com.au
4
37
44
Facebook:
www.facebook.com/iherpaustralia/
Postal Address:
12 Haines Street Mitcham, Victoria, 3132
Advertising Enquiries:
[email protected][email protected]
On the cover: Eastern Brown Snake (Pseudonaja
textilis). Image by Janne Torkkola. Janne’s
article on snake translocations will appear in our
September issue.
Disclaimer:
The opinions expressed in our published works are those of the author(s) and do not reflect the opinions of iHerp Australia or its editors.
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published herein and neither iHerp Australia nor its authors shall be responsible for any errors, omissions, or claims for damages, including exemplary damages, arising out of use, inability to use, or with regard to
the accuracy or sufficiency of the information contained in iHerp Australia publications.
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