Name: Tokay gecko (Gekko gecko) Range: Northeast India to South China and as far southeast as Timor. Habitats are typically tropical rainforests, but will thrive in a variety of habitats including human settlements. Diet: Insects and small vertebrates Conservation Status: IUCN – Not yet assessed The Tokay gecko (Gekko gecko) is one of the largest … More Species Profile: Tokay Gecko
Note: While this article will consider the harm caused by unscrupulous photographers, we will not share their photos as a matter of principle. While links to the offending material will be provided for context, every effort has been made to ensure that the photographs used in this article are from reputable sources. Cute animals are … More The Cruel Cost of “Cute”
Name: Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis) Range: Komodo National Park, the Lesser Sunda Islands, Indonesia. Habitat are typically dry arid savannah, and low level rainforest. Diet: Water buffalo, pigs and deer. Conservation Status: IUCN – Vulnerable The Komodo dragon is the largest living species of lizard. It is a close relative of the smaller monitor lizards … More Species Profile: The Komodo Dragon
Name: The Rinkhals (Hemachatus hemachatus) Range: Eastern regions of South Africa. Typically found in grassland. Diet: Small amphibians, but will sometimes take small mammals and reptiles. Conservation Status: IUCN – Least Concern While closely related to the true cobras, genus Naja, the Rinkhals is actually a monotypic species in the genus Hemachatus. While this species is capable of … More Species Profile: The Rinkhals
The global crash in amphibian populations has created a strong focus on protecting these species from extinction. Efforts to protect these species are often borne from a desire to protect these charismatic animals from harm and to ensure they remain an integral part of a nation’s natural heritage for future generations. However, it is also important … More HSI Project: Documenting Predation During Amphibian Reproductive Events.
By J.P Dunbar, HSI Science Officer. Ever since I was a teenager I was fascinated by giant constrictors, and in particular, the green anaconda of South America. Of all the giant snakes, the anaconda is arguably the most mysterious, perhaps due to the fact that its aquatic lifestyle in the vast flooded savannahs keeps it far from the … More Field Herp Diaries: Anaconda Expedition
The Herpetological Society of Ireland 