Part 1

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AMPHIBIANS AND REPTILES IN CAPTIVITY

Tom R. Johnson Robert N. Bader Donald J. Coxwell

SPECIAL ISSUE NUMBER 2 SEPTEMBER 1975

Cover design, booklet format, and photographs by Tom R. Johnson

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE ST. LOUIS HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY

Tom R. Johnson, President 2820 Oakland Ave. St. Louis, Mo. 63143

Craig Petefish, Vice-President 11220 Hi-Tower St. Ann, Mo. 63074

Diane M. Johnson, Sec.-Treas. 2820 Oakland Ave. St. Louis, Mo. 63143

Donald J. Coxwell, Editor 11908 San Remo St. Louis, Mo. 63138

CONTENTS

Introduction iii Salamanders 1 Toads and Frogs 6 Turtles and Tortoises 13 Lizards 20 Snakes 25 Bibliography 35

INTRODUCTION

In recent years the number of people interested in keeping amphibians and reptiles in captivity has grown rapidly. All too often, these same people have little knowledge of the proper care needed for their captives, nor do they know where to turn in order to learn the needs of their animals.

Pet stores generally do not have the expertise to give out proper information on the identification and care of amphibians or reptiles. The booklets they sell on the subject are too general and too vague.

It is the intent of the authors of this special issue to offer the proper information needed to successfully keep amphibians and reptiles in captivity. We are by no means THE experts on the subject, nor do we claim to cover all the facts. However, we do hope that enough information is furnished to answer most of the common questions asked by people.

The bibliography has a list of books which go into more detail on amphibians and reptiles: their identification, and natural history, range, and care in captivity. Room did not permit the inclusion of amphibian diseases--thus, the bibliography will be of help there.

Due to the decline in the majority of crocodilians in the world, the authors do not condone their being kept in captivity by amateur herpetologists. We also contend that venomous reptiles, as well, do not belong in a private collection.

Acknowledgments.

A note of thanks goes to the authors listed in the bibliography; for, without their works, this special issue would have been extremely difficult.

Tom R. Johnson Robert N. Bader Donald J. Coxwell

SALAMANDERS (Order Caudata)

Background.

Salamanders have been on earth a very long time; as a matter of fact, the first land vertebrate animal was a type of salamander that evolved from air-breathing fresh water fish--around 300 million years ago (late Devonian period). Today, they range in size from a few inches to over five feet long (the giant salamander of China and Japan reach nearly 5 feet in length).

Salamanders require a moist environment of various degrees--from slightly moist (as with a newt eft stage), to a completely aquatic existence (as with the mudpuppy, hellbender, or adult newt). Nearly all salamanders require water for breeding and egg laying, but there are some varieties which lay their eggs on land, under logs or in leaf litter.

There are approximately 280 species of salamanders in the world--North America, Europe, and Asia sharing the majority of species. Missouri is the home of some two dozen species and subspecies.

Selection of Species to be Kept.

It would be erroneous to say that all species of salamanders can be successfully kept in captivity, because, as with other groups of animals, there are types which are hardy in captivity, and there are types which are extremely delicate. It is recommended that only the more hardy species be considered for keeping in the home.