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.
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
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
Rufous Foam-Nest Tree Frog. Credit: brian.gratwicke It ain’t easy being green. Sadly, frogs and other amphibians are facing unprecedented population declines, and local extinctions, on a global scale. These precipitous declines have been attributed to a myriad of factors, including habitat destruction, pollution, pesticides, invasive species and the spread of infectious diseases. While habitat destruction … More Progress In The Fight Against Frog-Killing Chytrid Fungus
Since it’s formation in 2009, the Herpetological Society of Ireland has worked non-stop to fulfill it’s mission statement; working to “… advance, and promote, awareness and understanding of herpetofauna …, the conservation of native & exotic herpetofauna, and Herpetoculture through education, learning, and research….HSI Chairperson 2010). With each passing year, The Society has grown; undertaking new … More 2014: A Busy Year For The Herpetological Society of Ireland
The H.S.I feature in the latest (June 2014) issue of FrogLog, the newsletter of the IUCN Amphibian Specialist Group. The article details our work on North Bull Island, UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in collaboration with Dublin City Council. The article is open access and can be downloaded here http://www.amphibians.org/froglog/fl111
Name: Fire Salamander (Salamandra salamandra) Range: Throughout Central and Southern Europe. Habitat is typically upland deciduous forests. Diet: Insectivorious Conservation Status: IUCN – Least Concern The fire salamander is one of Europe’s most striking amphibians. The contrast of bright yellow spots/stripes against a glossy black background gives this species a very distinctive appearance. The species … More Species Profile: Fire Salamander
If you’re a fan of reptiles and amphibians, you can’t be blamed for begrudging Ireland’s sorry lack of cold-blooded fauna. You’re very much in the wrong country if you’re a fan of snakes. As a nation, we have a world renowned reputation for getting “legless” but when it comes to the legless reptiles: ice-ages, climate … More Tetrapod Trackway: The Path Of Our Ancestors.
Anthony Rafferty is an Irish scientist based in Melbourne Australia. In the course of his career he has studied several species of turtle, with particular emphasis on their embryonic development. His body of work includes a fascinating study, published earlier this year in the American Society of Naturalists journal, in which he describes some of … More Herpetologist Profile: Anthony Rafferty
The Herpetological Society of Ireland 