4
12 in the Blood ... The Irulas of Tamil Nadu .
18
22
30
40
48
56
The ‘ Wrangler ’ Writes ... iHerp Australia
Happy New Year ! Bear with me a moment ... if the calendar year starts in January , and the financial year starts in July , then the ‘ herping year ’ surely must start at the beginning of a new breeding season , on the first day of spring , and in the southern hemisphere that ’ s September 1 ! This is perhaps the most exciting time of year for many herp enthusiasts , as captive breeding projects are about to ( hopefully ) bear fruit , and no-one knows exactly what will result . We would love to hear from you if your animals produce something extraordinary .
Speaking of which , we believe we have an extraordinarily good mix of content in this issue , with something for just about everyone . But we ’ re going to start by asking you to turn to the very back of the magazine . In Issue 2 , we featured an article on the great work being undertaken on WA ’ s Coral Coast by the Gnaraloo Turtle Conservation Program . Unfortunately , this unique and innovative initiative is in immediate jeopardy through a complete lack of funding . We urge our readers to have a look at the update at the end of this issue , and help in any way possible , perhaps by becoming a ‘ Turtle Friend ’ or purchasing merchandise .
In other features , Phil Mangion takes us on a tour of the NT ’ s herping hot spots , Kit Prendergast examines the impact of Traditional Chinese Medicine on reptile conservation , and we examine some important new applications for traditional snake catching skills in the modern world . Plus Ben Dessen is right on cue to explain how to get started breeding beardies . And we are proud to welcome a couple of new authors . Janne Torkkola has contributed an intriguing piece on snake translocations , and Vickie Lillo takes us to a brand new eco-tourism venture created by local tribespeople in northern Guyana .
A couple more quick points before we let you get to the first article . First of all , one of our founding supporters , Kellyville Pets , has a special offer of $ 20 off online orders for iHerp readers – please support them if you can ! Secondly , RepX is having its first Melbourne Reptile Expo at the Convention centre on Sunday November 25 . This promises to be a huge event , as it is partnered with an aquarium expo ( AQUARFEST ) under the same roof .
Lastly , iHerp Australia is a free resource ; you can support us by telling your friends . Happy Herping !
John McGrath
CONTENTS
Top End Survival Guide .
4
Welcome to Australia ’ s ‘ Final Frontier ’.
Snake Catching
12 in the Blood ... The Irulas of Tamil Nadu .
Paradox Revisited !
18
Snake Oil . A booming trade in traditional medicine is threatening reptile conservation .
What ’ s New ? Ben ’ s Reptiles 101 : Breeding Beardies .
Publisher : John McGrath iherp @ iherpaustralia . com . au
IT & Marketing : Andy Round marketing @ iherpaustralia . com . au
Social Media : Vince Pintaudi
Additional Design : Rachael Hammond
Next Issue : November 2018 . Website : www . iherpaustralia . com . au
Issue 8 | Sept - Oct 2018
Facebook : www . facebook . com / iherpaustralia /
Postal Address : 12 Haines Street Mitcham , Victoria , 3132
Advertising Enquiries : iherp @ iherpaustralia . com . au marketing @ iherpaustralia . com . au
On the cover : Loggerback Turtle ( Caretta caretta ). Image by Andy Leach and courtesy of Karen Hattingh , Gnaraloo Turtle Conservation Program .
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 . The information contained has been obtained by iHerp Australia from sources believed to be reliable . However , neither iHerp Australia nor its authors guarantees the accuracy or completeness of any information 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 . All rights reserved .
22
30
Please Explain : 36 Why do snakes and lizards always poke their tongues out ?
Best Blogs : 39 Overindulgence !
The Trouble with Snake
40
Translocations : Help or Hindrance ?
Herping Upper Amazonia .
48
Eco-tourism in Northern Guyana .
Update : Turtles in Trouble ?
56
Important Conservation Project in Jeopardy .
.
2 .
4
12
22
40
48