Herpetology and Me

The Inside Story: Reptile ownership often begins with a baby Green Iguana

Monday, December 3, 2012

News Watch - National Geographic News Blog

 






Source:
News Watch - National Geographic News Blog


 LINK:
 http://newswatch.nationalgeographic.com/

Scrub Jay - A Second Home May Shore up Island Scrub Jay's Future

 
Island Scrub-Jay © Colin Woolley 


By Meghan Bartels
Conservationists often worry about species that have very small home ranges, like an island, because one event can easily affect the entire area. The island scrub-jay is a perfect example of this type of species—in fact, it's the only bird in the continental U.S. whose habitat is limited to a single island—and scientists want to make sure the bird has a long and healthy future.



Source:

The World's Best Photos of channelislands and zoo - Flickr Hive Mind

 
 Lesser Antilles Iguana

  photo
 Mission Golden-eyed Tree Frog

  photo
 Golfoducean Poison-dart Frog




  photo
 Strawberry Poison Dart Frog

  photo
 Blue Poison-Dart Frog

  photo
 European Green Lizard




http://www.flickr.com/photos/78429402@N00/4345845106







Fantastic source of pictures:
The World's Best Photos of channelislands and zoo - Flickr Hive Mind

LINK:
http://flickrhivemind.net/Tags/channelislands,zoo/Interesting
 





 re mostly pretty ugly






Highly poisonous tree frogs are highly visible







Most of these are in danger of extinction






Source: http://www.greatorme.org.uk/Jersey2.html




Monitor Lizard

photo 

Australian Reptile...






Friday, October 12, 2012

Chameleon Camouflages to Sunglasses - YouTube


loaded by on Jul 3, 2011
 
Some dude's pet chameleon changes it's skin color according to the color of Wayfarer shades placed in its path.. A very useful survival mechanism indeed.

 *NOTE:
I do not own this video.. I just downloaded this from an Email that was sent to me.. To whoever owns this video, I'm sorry and I envy you for having such a cool pet..

Category:

License:

Standard YouTube License



Chameleon Camouflages to Sunglasses - YouTube

 Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jyg-y_uO1WE&feature=endscreen&NR=1




Chameleon Camouflages to Sunglasses - YouTube

Henry Lizardlover Iguana Video - YouTube



Published on Mar 19, 2012 by

 
Henry Lizardlover, born March 27, 1954 as Henry Schifberg, is a herpetoculturist, writer, and photographer who has lived with as many as 60 lizards in his home. He poses his lizards in human positions on little lizard-size lounge chairs and they remain statue-still.

Category:

License:

Standard YouTube License
Henry Lizardlover Iguana Video - YouTube

Link:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IFALB7Ay4ik&feature=fvwp&NR=1



Cool Iguana Video

Henry Lizardlover Iguana Video

Published on Mar 19, 2012 by
Henry Lizardlover, born March 27, 1954 as Henry Schifberg, is a herpetoculturist, writer, and photographer who has lived with as many as 60 lizards in his home. He poses his lizards in human positions on little lizard-size lounge chairs and they remain statue-still.
License:  Standard YouTube license

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Giant Iguana in Washington D C Zoo - YouTube







Giant Iguana in Washington D C Zoo - YouTube

Albino and Blue Iguanas at Tom Crutchfield's Farm in Florida - YouTube





upploaded by on Jun 3, 2010
Tom Crutchfield shows us his Albino Iguanas and his Blue Iguanas on a tour of part of his reptile farm in Florida. These are color morphs of the Green Iguana (Iguana iguana.) Tom is the only person in the world producing Albino Iguanas. You can contact Tom at 239-645-9661, tomcrutchfield1@aol.com, or www.tomcrutchfield.com

Category:

License:

Standard YouTube License


Albino and Blue Iguanas at Tom Crutchfield's Farm in Florida - YouTube

Iguana Farm - YouTube





Iguana Farm - YouTube

Iguana vs Tiger Cubs - YouTube


Uploaded by on Nov 8, 2009
 
A wild iguana crawled to to a cage with some young tiger cubs. The iguana looked like he was doing pretty well for himself, but he was turned loose before that theory was tested. As you can see, iguanas can swim incredibly well. It is a common means of escape for them.

Category:

License:

Standard YouTube License


Iguana vs Tiger Cubs - YouTube

Link:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=endscreen&NR=1&v=sWnzU9MqcRs


Iguana Farm 1.MOV - YouTube


Uploaded by on Jul 9, 2010
 
This is from an island off the coast of Honduras called Roatan. Also awesome place to snorkel.

Category:

License:

Standard YouTube License

Iguana Farm 1.MOV - YouTube

Updated Reptile Room - YouTube






Updated Reptile Room - YouTube

Monday, August 20, 2012

Food Information Chart

  http://www.greenigsociety.org/foodchart.htm


Below is a chart of foods that can be included in the diet you provide for your iguana. Many of these foods should only be fed on occasion and in moderation. Note that even foods labeled as staples should be rotated and used in different combinations. Make sure you refer to our Feeding Iguanas page for more details on feeding your iguana the proper foods. Included in this chart are photos for easy identification, various notes on how much you can feed, preparation advice, and a little bit of nutritional information. This list will occassionally be added to, and if you have any other foods that you would like us to list, please send us an email. For more detailed nutritional information on these and other foods, please refer to the web sites listed at the bottom of the page.


STAPLE - These foods are good to feed an iguana on a regular basis, but don't forget to rotate them.
OCCASIONAL - Best to feed these foods only on occasion. Overfeeding most of these foods can lead to serious health problems. Combined with a balanced mixture of staple foods on occasion (a few times a month) can provide an iguana the variety it needs.
TREAT - These foods work good as a treat or snack. Some of these foods can be included as a regular part of the diet, but most are only occasional treats.
TASTE OR COLOR ENHANCER - Occasionally added to a balanced mixture of foods to make the meal tastier and more interesting for the iguana.
RARELY OR NEVER - Due to poor nutritional content, this food item is okay if offered only rarely, along with other, more nutritious greens and veggies.

FoodPhoto*Information
Ca:P - Calcium:Phosphorus, Pro - Protein
Acorn squash
Good source of fiber. Rind should be discarded. Core and finely chop or shred.
Ca:P 0.9:1 , Pro: 0.8%, Fat: 0.1%, Water: 88%, Fiber: 1.5%
STAPLE VEGGIE
Alfalfa
STAPLE
Apples
Should be peeled, cored and finely chopped or shredded.
Ca:P 0.6:1 , Pro: 0.15%, Fat: 0.3%, Water: 84.5%, Fiber: 1.9%
OCCASIONAL
Asparagus
Very good source of protein. Should be finely chopped or shredded.
Ca:P 0.38:1 , Pro: 2.3%, Fat: 0.2%, Water: 92%, Fiber: 2.1%
OCCASIONAL
Bananas
Only on occasion. Peels may also be fed, but only if they were organically grown.
Ca:P 0.3:1 , Pro: 1%, Fat: 0.5%, Water: 75%, Fiber: 2.4%
OCCASIONAL
Beets & beet greens
High in oxalates, so it should only be fed occasionally. Beets should be finely chopped. Greens are best when cut into larger pieces or strips. Stems should be finely chopped or discarded.
Beets: Ca:P 0.4:1 , Pro: 1.6%, Fat: 0.17%, Water: 87%, Fiber: 2.8%
Beet greens: Ca:P 3:1 , Pro: 1.8%, Fat: 0.06%, Water: 92%, Fiber: 3.7%
OCCASIONAL
Bell peppers
Great for adding color and variety. This catagory includes red peppers, green peppers and other bell peppers. Should be cored and then finely chopped or shredded. (Nutritional information based on red peppers, but most other bell peppers are reasonably close to the same.)
Ca:P 0.5:1 , Pro: 0.9%, Fat: 0.2%, Water: 92%, Fiber: 2%
GREAT TASTE/COLOR ENHANCER
Blackberries
Great for treats and regular part of fruit content.
Ca:P 1.5:1, Pro: 0.7%, Fat: 0.4%, Water: 86%, Fiber: 5.3%
OCCASIONAL
Bok choy
Also known as or equivalent to Chinese cabbage, bok choi, pak choi, and various other names. High in goitrogens. Cut green portion into large pieces or strips. White portion may be discarded or finely chopped.
Ca:P 2.8:1, Pro: 1.5%, Fat: 0.2%, Water: 95%, Fiber: 1%
OCCASIONAL
Broccoli

High in oxalates and goitrogens and should only be fed on occasion. Cut into very small pieces or shred. Leaves can also be offered.
Ca:P 0.7:1 , Pro: 3%, Fat: 0.4%, Water: 91%, Fiber: 3%
OCCASIONAL
Brussels Sprouts
High in goitrogens and should only be fed on occasion. Should be finely chopped or shredded.
Ca:P 0.6:1 , Pro: 3.3%, Fat: 0.3%, Water: 86%, Fiber: 3.8%
OCCASIONAL
Butternut squash
Very good staple vegetable and excellent source of fiber. Should be peeled, cored and finely chopped or shredded.
Ca:P 0.6:1, Pro: 1.2%, Fat: 0.2%, Water: 94%
STAPLE VEGGIE
Cabbage
High in goitrogens and should only be fed on occasion. Finely chop or shred.
Ca:P 2:1 , Pro: 1.5%, Fat: 0.27%, Water: 92%, Fiber: 2.3%
OCCASIONAL
Cactus leaves (prickly pear)
High in calcium. Should be finely chopped or shredded.
Ca:P 2.32:1, Pro: 0.8%, Fat: 0.5%
STAPLE FRUIT
Cantelope
Should be cored, rinds discarded and finely chopped. Great source of additional water content.
Ca:P 0.7:1, Pro: 0.9%, Fat: 0.3%, Water: 90%, Fiber: 0.8%
OCCASIONAL
Carrots
Should be peeled and finely shredded. (Carrot tops can be high in oxalates and should only be fed on occasion.)
Ca:P 0.6:1, Pro: 1%, Fat: 0.2%, Water: 88%, Fiber: 3%
OCCASIONAL
Cauliflower
High in goitrogens and should only be fed occasionally. Should be finely chopped and shredded.
Ca:P 1:2, Pro: 2%, Fat: 0.2%, Water: 92%, Fiber: 2.5%
OCCASIONAL
Celery
Should be very finely chopped or shredded.
Ca:P 1.6:1 , Pro: 0.75%, Fat: 0.14%, Water: 95%, Fiber: 1.7%
OCCASIONAL
Chicory greens
(Escarole)

Excellent choice for greens and high in calcium. Best when cut into larger pieces or strips. Finely chop, shred, or discard stems. Store cut, dried pieces in plastic storage bag with other greens wrapped in paper towels. Squeeze air out of bag.
Ca:P 1:0.9, Pro: 1.7%, Fat: 0.3%, Water: 92%, Fiber: 4%
STAPLE GREEN (WHEN MIXED WITH OTHER GREENS)
Collard greens
Excellent choice for greens. High in calcium and somewhat high in goitrogrens. Best when cut into larger pieces or strips. Finely chop, shred, or discard stems. Store cut, dried pieces in plastic storage bag with other greens wrapped in paper towels. Squeeze air out of bag.
Ca:P 14.5:1 , Pro: 2.5%, Fat: 0.4%, Water: 91%, Fiber: 3.6%
STAPLE GREEN
Coriander (cilantro)
Good choice for an occasional green. High in oxalates. Finely chop.
Ca:P 1.4:1 , Pro: 2.1%, Fat: 0.5%, Water: 92%, Fiber: 2.8%
OCCASIONAL
Corn
Extremely low in calcium and high in phosphorus. Use sparingly and only if overall diet is loaded with calcium. Best if finely chopped.
Ca:P 0.03:1 , Pro: 9.4%, Fat: 4.7%, Water: 10.4%
RARELY OR NEVER
Cucumber
Lacks in nutrition, but okay on occasion for additional water and flavor.
Ca:P 0.7:1 , Pro: 0.7%, Fat: 0.18%, Water: 96%, Fiber: 0.8%
OCCASIONAL
Dahlia
Both flowers and leaves are okay to feed. Use caution and do not use plants that may have been treated with any pesticides or other chemicals.
GREAT TREAT
Dandelion greens
Excellent choice for greens and high in calcium. Best when cut into larger pieces or strips. Finely chop, shred, or discard stems. Store cut, dried pieces in plastic storage bag with other greens wrapped in paper towels. Squeeze air out of bag. Use caution when using wild dandelion greens by making sure no pesticides or other chemicals have been used. Both the flowers and leaves are okay to feed.
Ca:P 2.8:1, Pro: 2.7%, Fat: 0.7%, Water: 86%, Fiber: 3.5%
STAPLE GREEN
Endive
Excellent choice for greens and high in calcium. Best when cut into larger pieces or strips. Finely chop, shred, or discard stems. Store cut, dried pieces in plastic storage bag with other greens wrapped in paper towels. Squeeze air out of bag.
Ca:P 1.86:1, Pro: 1.2%, Fat: 0.4%
STAPLE GREEN (WHEN MIXED WITH OTHER GREENS)
Grapes
High in oxalates. Should be crushed or chopped. Adult iguanas can eat whole grapes. Good source for additional water content.
Ca:P 0.8:1, Pro: 0.7%, Fat: 0.6%, Water: 81%, Fiber: 1%
OCCASIONAL AND/OR TREAT
Green beans
Also known as snap beans. Good choice for staple vegetable. Should be finely chopped or shredded.
Ca:P 1:1 , Pro: 1.8%, Fat: 0.1%, Water: 90%, Fiber: 3.4%
STAPLE VEGGIE
Hibiscus
Both flowers and leaves are okay to feed. Use caution and do not use plants that may have been treated with any pesticides or other chemicals.
GREAT TREAT
Honeydew melon
Should be cored, rinds discarded and finely chopped.
Ca:P 0.6:1 , Pro: 0.5%, Fat: 0.1%, Water: 90%, Fiber: 0.6%
OCCASIONAL
Kabocha squash
Should be peeled, cored and finely chopped or shredded.
Ca:P 0.6:1 , Pro: 1.2%, Fat: 0.2%, Water: 94%, Fiber: 1.9%
STAPLE VEGGIE
Kale
High in oxalates and goitrogens, so it should only be fed on occassion. Best when cut into larger pieces or strips. Finely chop, shred, or discard stems. Store cut, dried pieces in plastic storage bag with other greens wrapped in paper towels. Squeeze air out of bag.
Ca:P 2.4:1, Pro: 3.3%, Fat: 0.7%, Water: 84%, Fiber: 2%
OCCASIONAL
Kiwi fruit
Should be peeled, seeds removed, and finely chopped or crushed.
Ca:P 0.7:1, Pro: 1%, Fat: 0.4%
OCCASIONAL
Lentils
Best if cooked and finely chopped.
Ca:P 0.14:1 , Pro: 9%, Fat: 0.5%, Water: 67%, Fiber: 22%
OCCASIONAL
Lettuces
Lettuces are very poor in overall nutritional value.
Romaine - Ca:P 0.8:1 , Pro: 1.6%, Fat: 0.2%, Water: 95%, Fiber: 1.7%
Iceberg - Ca:P 1:1 , Pro: 1%, Fat: 0.2%, Water: 96%, Fiber: 1.4%
Loose leaf - Ca:P 0.4:1 , Pro: 1.3%, Fat: 0.3%, Water: 94%, Fiber: 1.9%
RARELY OR NEVER
Mango
Should be peeled, pitted, and finely chopped or crushed.
Ca:P 0.9:1, Pro: 0.5%, Fat: 0.3%, Water: 82%, Fiber: 1.8%
STAPLE FRUIT
Mushrooms
Very high in phosphorus and should only be fed on occasion. Should be finely chopped.
Ca:P 0.05:1 , Pro: 2.9%, Fat: 0.3%, Water: 92%, Fiber: 1.2%
OCCASIONAL
Mustard greens
Excellent choice for greens. High in calcium, but somewhat high in goitrogens. Best when cut into larger pieces or strips. Finely chop or discard stems. Store cut, dried pieces in plastic storage bag with other greens wrapped in paper towels. Squeeze air out of bag.
Ca:P 2.4:1, Pro: 2.7%, Fat: 0.2%, Water: 91%, Fiber: 3.3%
STAPLE GREEN
Nasturtiums
Both flowers and leaves are okay to feed. Use caution and do not use plants that may have been treated with any pesticides or other chemicals.
GREAT TREAT
Okra
Should be finely chopped or shredded.
Ca:P 1.3:1, Pro: 2%, Fat: 0.1%, Water: 90%, Fiber: 3.2%
STAPLE VEGGIE
Papaya
Good source of fiber. Should be peeled, seeds removed and finely chopped or shredded.
Ca:P 4.8:1, Pro: 0.6%, Fat: 0.1%, Water: 89%, Fiber: 1.8%
STAPLE FRUIT
Parsley
Good source of calcium. Finely chop.
Ca:P 2.4:1 , Pro: 3%, Fat: 0.8%, Water: 88%, Fiber: 3.3%
OCCASIONAL
Parsnip
Should be peeled and shredded. Very good source of fiber and carbohydrates.
Ca:P 1:2, Pro: 1.2%, Fat: 0.3%, Water: 80%, Fiber: 4.9%
STAPLE VEGGIE
Pasta (cooked)
Should be cooked, cooled and chopped. Use pasta made without egg.
Ca:P 0.1:1 , Pro: 5.2%, Fat: 1%, Water: 69%
OCCASIONAL
Peaches
High goitrogens. Should be peeled, pits removed and finely chopped.
Ca:P 0.4:1, Pro: 0.7%, Fat: 0.09%, Water: 88%, Fiber: 2%
OCCASIONAL
Pears
High in oxalates. Should be peeled, cored and finely chopped.
Ca:P 1:1, Pro: 0.4%, Fat: 0.4%, Water: 84%, Fiber: 2.4%
OCCASIONAL
Pumpkin
Rind should be discarded. Core and finely chop or shred.
Ca:P 0.5:1 , Pro: 1%, Fat: 0.1%, Water: 92%, Fiber: 0.5%
OCCASIONAL
Raspberries
Excellent source of extra fiber content. Should be crushed for smaller iguanas. Larger iguanas can be fed whole rasberries.
Ca:P 1.8:1, Pro: 0.9%, Fat: 0.6%, Water: 87%, Fiber: 6.8%
OCCASIONAL AND/OR TREAT
Rice (cooked)
Should be cooked, drained, and cooled.
Ca:P 0.08:1 , Pro: 2.4%, Fat: 0.2%, Water: 68%
OCCASIONAL
Rutabaga
Should be peeled and finely chopped or shredded.
Ca:P 0.8:1 , Pro: 1.2%, Fat: 0.2%, Water: 90%, Fiber: 2.5%
OCCASIONAL
Snap peas
Should be finely chopped.
Ca:P 0.1:1, Pro: 0.8%, Fat: 0.04%
STAPLE VEGGIE
Spaghetti squash
Should be peeled, cored and finely chopped or shredded.
Ca:P 0.6:1 , Pro: 1.2%, Fat: 0.2%, Water: 94%, Fiber: 1.9%
OCCASIONAL
Spinach
High in calcium, but very high in oxalates and goitrogens, so it should only be fed occasionally. Should be finely chopped.
Ca:P 2:1, Pro: 2.9%, Fat: 0.4%, Water: 92%, Fiber: 2.7%
OCCASIONAL
Strawberries
High in oxalates and goitrogens. Remove stems and caps and finely chop.
Ca:P 0.7:1, Pro: 0.6%, Fat: 0.4%, Water: 92%, Fiber: 2.3%
OCCASIONAL AND/OR TREAT
Sweet potato
Should be peeled and very finely shredded. Fairly high in phosphorus, so best used as a substitute for other orange veggies occasionally.
Ca:P 0.8:1, Pro: 1.7%, Fat: 0.3%, Water: 73%, Fiber: 3%
OCCASIONAL
Swiss chard
Very high in oxalates and should only be fed occasionally. Should be finely chopped.
Ca:P 1.8:1, Pro: 0.2%, Fat: 0.1%
OCCASIONAL
Tomatoes
High in oxalates. Should be finely chopped. Great for adding color to a mixture of food. Can be acidic and some iguanas may not like the taste.
Ca:P 0.2:1, Pro: 0.9%, Fat: 0.3%, Water: 94%, Fiber: 1.1%
COLOR/TASTE ENHANCER
Turnip greens
Decent choice for greens. Very high in calcium, although somewhat high in goitrogens. Best when cut into larger pieces or strips. Finely chop, shred, or discard stems. Store cut, dried pieces in plastic storage bag with other greens wrapped in paper towels. Squeeze air out of bag.
Ca:P 4.5:1, Pro: 1.5%, Fat: 0.3%, Water: 91%, Fiber: 3.2%
STAPLE GREEN (WHEN MIXED WITH OTHER GREENS)
Watercress
Excellent choice for greens and very high in calcium. Best when cut into larger pieces or strips. Finely chop or discard stems. Store cut, dried pieces in plastic storage bag with other greens wrapped in paper towels. Squeeze air out of bag.
Ca:P 2:1, Pro: 2%, Fat: 0%
STAPLE GREEN
Watermelon
Very little nutrition, but an excellent source for additional water content. Remove rinds and cut or crush into small pieces.
Ca:P 0.9:1, Pro: 0.6%, Fat: 0.4%, Water: 92%, Fiber: 0.5%
OCCASIONAL
Whole wheat bread
Very high in phosphorus, but makes for a great treat. A great food to hide and feed liquid medications.
Ca:P 0.3:1 , Pro: 9.7%, Fat: 4.2%, Water: 38%, Fiber: 6.9%
GREAT TREAT
Yellow squash
Should be very finely chopped or shredded.
Ca:P 0.57:1, Pro: 1.2%, Fat: 0.2%, Water: 94%, Fiber: 1.9%
OCCASIONAL
Yucca root (Cassava)
Very tough. Should be peeled, washed, boiled and mashed. Raw yucca may contain chemicals that cause digestive upset.
Ca:P 1:1.7, Pro: 1.36%, Fat: 0.28%, Water: 59.7%, Fiber: 1.8%
STAPLE VEGGIE
Zucchini
Should be very finely chopped or shredded.
Ca:P 0.47:1, Pro: 1.1%, Fat: 0.1%, Water: 95%, Fiber: 1.2%
OCCASIONAL

* Photos have been used and modified with permission from ZoeAnn Holmes (Oregon State University's Food Resource site), Deena Spielman, Derek Baze and Jamie Wang ©2000-2002. All rights reserved.

Nutritional information obtained from:
USDA Nutrient Database and Jen Swofford's Iguana Pages.

Food Chart Last Updated 8/2/09


USDA Nutrient Database for Standard Reference is an excellent source for nutritional information on most foods that would be available for your iguana's diet. As well as searching for specific foods, you can also download all or part of their database for use on your computer. Please note that many of the vegetables listed are not suitable for iguanas.
The Iguana Pages by Jen Swofford contains her Complete Guide to Keeping Giant Green Iguanas in Captivity. This incredible guide contains a great deal of excellent information on nutrition, including diet recommendations, several charts, and just about all you need to know to properly feed an iguana. She also has in-depth charts on the nutritional content of most commonly fed foods.
Oregon State University's Food Resource - This very educational web site has a wealth of information on many types of foods. Food descriptions, photos, and hundreds of links to other sites for more information on specific foods makes this site a fantastic place to learn and continue learning more about all types of food for not only your iguana, but for you as well. Some of the photos on this page have been used and modifed with permission from the Food Resource page.






Glossary of Iguana TermsContact UsDisclaimer




Food Information Chart


 LINK:
  http://www.greenigsociety.org/foodchart.htm