Practical Reptile Keeping

Practical Reptile Keeping is the only monthly herp care magazine published in English. Launched in 2009, it attracts an international readership and is packed with advice on how to look after and breed snakes, lizards, tortoises, turtles, amphibians and bugs. As well as stunning photography, each issue features technical help, product information and health care advice to keep your animals in tip-top condition, plus breeding details and the latest news relating to this group of creatures from around the world.

Welcome

A pet gecko which could help to unlock the mysteries of cancer • Featuring reports this month about a colourful gecko morph that may help to unlock the secrets of cancer, a long-standing rattlesnake myth that has been overturned, the reason snake embryos coil into tight spirals, why some amphibian populations recover from a deadly fungal disease, hidden genetic diversity that helped brown tree snakes to conquer Guam, Galápagos sea turtles that stay close to home and more.

A debunked rattlesnake myth

Why snake embryos twist into spirals

Natural survivors amongst amphibians

Hidden genetic diversity helped inbred brown tree snakes conquer Guam

Not all Galápagos sea turtles are oceanic wanderers

A crocodile that ran like a greyhound in the UK

Overdue for a comeback? • Back in the 1970s, there was a popular amphibian that was frequently offered for sale by pet stores. Although it has faded noticeably in popularity since then, the actual underlying appeal of this remarkable newt remains as strong today as it was back then. Don Harper explains.

Gopher passion • There has been massive interest in corn snake morphs over recent years, and yet it could be argued that this has led to colour-breeding in similar species such as the San Diego gopher snake being overlooked. In this article, specialist breeder Alan Stotton reveals what to many snake enthusiasts is still a hidden world.

Advice on hibernation • Summer has gone for another year, and the time for hibernation has returned. David Alderton explains the background to hibernation, and practical steps to ensure that your pet passes safely through this period.

Brumation in bearded dragons

REPTILE FOCUS • Red pipe snake (Anilius scytale)

THE SPOTTED BUSH SNAKE • It is interesting to discover when you live in a country like Botswana that has a large snake population just how much (or how little) knowledge people have about their native reptiles, writes Paul Donovan.

Jasper's swollen ear • Unexpected swellings anywhere on a reptile's body should always receive urgent veterinary attention, so that the cause can be determined, and appropriate treatment given advises specialist veterinary surgeon Dr Joanna Hedley, BVM&S, DZooMed (Reptilian), DECZM (Herpetology), MRCVS.

The world of the African giant millipede • These large and impressive invertebrates are surprisingly easy to keep and breed, although they are not suited to being handled, as John F. Taylor explains.

Meet Mark O'Shea - TELEVISION'S REPTILE ADVENTURER • Susie Kearley talks with field herpetologist, global explorer, author and television presenter Mark O'Shea.

Loss of appetite • It's one of the most common problems encountered by snake-keepers. Everyone comes across a reluctant feeder at some point. If you are lucky, you are experienced with snakes when this happens. If you are unlucky, it is probably your first or second snake. Josh Beeston reveals a number of methods which have worked personally for him when confronted by this situation in the case of a healthy snake.

The behaviour of Bosc's monitor lizard • Scientist Alexander Hill writes about how these lizards react differently, depending on their environment, and asks why this should be the...