Climate change; two words synonymous with a growing list of threats facing the continuity of our planet, and coming to the forefront as one of the most prominent problems of the 21st century. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) describes climate change as ‘a statistically significant variation in either the mean state of the … More Sex and Climate Change – Yes, You Read That Right…
Atlas Moth (Attacus atlas) Caresheet Sexing and characteristics. Caterpillars are green, with long, soft, blue protrusions coming out of their bodies, a red spot on the side of their last feet (prolegs), and are covered in white pruinescence (a waxy substance that resembles powder). The adult moths have comb-like antennae and a rusty brown, fuzzy thorax. The heavy-bodied abdomen alternates between … More Atlas Moth Care
Name: African clawed frog (Xenopus laevis) Range: Sub-Saharan Africa (Angola, Botswana, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Gabon, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa, South Sudan, Swaziland, The Democratic Republic of the Congo, Zambia, Zimbabwe. Diet: Opportunistic predators, consuming both live and dead matter. Conservation Status: IUCN – Least Concern The African clawed frog is an aquatic species that is … More Species Profile: African Clawed Frog
It’s not easy being green, or so that charming, amphibious, banjo-strummer would have us believe. But however difficult life is for the emerald-hued denizens of this great, blue, planet, there’s no denying that green is the colour of life. There is a reason we seek out fields, forests and gardens when we need rest and regeneration. … More Gallery: Green
Venomous and poisonous animals capture the imagination of people across the globe. Whether through fear or fascination, toxic creatures (epitomised by reptiles and amphibians) have long been the object of interest amongst the public and scientists alike. This has lead to an incredible body of research on the benefits to individuals of having a chemical arsenal, often obvious such … More It’s Not Easy Being Mean
Last year I was lucky enough to spend several months volunteering with the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation (MWF), where I worked on conservation projects with two endangered passerines; the Mauritus Olive white-eye, and Mauritius Fody. Whilst there I got the chance to work on other conservation projects, including the reptile recovery programme. Mauritius was once home … More Field Herp Diaries: Volunteering on Mauritius
Name: Aldabra Giant Tortoise (Aldabrachelys gigantean) Range: Indian Ocean islands of the Aldabra Atoll in the Seychelles and captive populations reside in conservation parks on the island of Mauritius. Diet: Herbivorous Conservation Status: IUCN – Vulnerable The giant Aldabra tortoise of the Indian Ocean islands, are some of the largest species of terrestrial tortoise, rivalling … More Species Profile: Aldabra Giant Tortoise
If there is one aspect of snake anatomy and physiology that everybody is familiar with, it is probably their ability to consume prey many times larger than their own skull. One of the most bizarre feats one can witness in nature, is an egg-eating snake ingesting a massive egg. Even more amazing, and perhaps a … More Biting Off More Than They Can Chew: How Snakes Swallow Large Prey
Name: Atlas moth (Attacus atlas) Range: South-East Asia, in tropical and subtropical broadleaf rainforests. While it can be found throughout the year, it is most common during November to January. Diet: Ficus carica (common fig), Mangifera indica (mango) and other citrus plants, Ricinus communis (castor oil plant), Annona squamosa (sugar apple) The atlas moth is one of the largest … More Species Profile: Attacus Atlas Moth
Giant African Train Millipede Care. Other Names: Giant Millipede, African Black Millipede, and Tanzanian Giant Black Millipede. *Please note that ALL millipedes can secrete a liquid that may be dangerous to some people. Although most people are not affected by this species, some people may be allergic to the liquid, or just more sensitive, making … More Giant African Train Millipede Care
The Herpetological Society of Ireland 