How did you come to work with snakes in Bali? As someone who has been interested in snakes and other wildlife since I was a small boy, I was allowed to keep reptiles at home, and I will forever be grateful to my parents for encouraging me and allowing me to do this. After going … More Ron Lilley: The Snake Man of Bali
Name: Spectacled caiman (Caiman crocodilus) Range: From southern Mexico, through Central America and down into tropical South America as far south as Corrientes, close to the Paraguay-Argentina border. Diet: Carnivorous Conservation Status: IUCN – Least Concern The Spectacled caiman is a medium sized crocodilian (~1.8 – 2.5meters) from the family Alligatoridae, which is comprised of … More Species Profile: Spectacled Caiman
I have recently finished my undergraduate degree in Zoology at Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge. I was given the opportunity to go out to Borneo with the University for a Field Course that is run for masters students studying relevant post-graduate courses. The trip would see me spend 10 days in Sabah with the rest of … More Photographic Diary: Borneo Field Trip
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: 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
On a rainy Saturday afternoon in Cork city, my partner-in-crime, Seán, and I decided to head out in search of sunshine. After loading up the car with binoculars, cameras, and flasks of tea, we drove east to Ballycotton. The beautiful cliff walk in Ballycotton, East Cork, is popular with walkers, photographers and wildlife enthusiasts alike. … More Photographic Diary: Lizards of the Irish Coast
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
An Article on the Keeping of Larger Turtle Species in Captivity By Cat Hendry, HSI Science Officer. The keeping of reptiles and amphibians in captivity is a rewarding and fulfilling hobby for thousands of people, and indeed a profession for many. Unfortunately, from time to time issues arise regarding the keeping of animals that due … More Captive Turtle Care and Caution
John Dunbar is an Irish biologist currently based in the UK. He is one of four Science Officers volunteering with the HSI. His introduction to reptiles as a teenager led to him becoming a passionate hobbyist, as well as inspiring him to pursue a career in science. What is your current position? I am currently … More Herpetologist Profile: J.P. Dunbar
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 