Wednesday, February 23, 2011

WEEK .38, gonna pull out my .38 special as this gecko is just killer!!! Uroplatus pietschmanni a.k.a. the corkbark leaftail gecko!!!




This is a gecko that gets a lot of hype from the gecko community and for those that can appreciate an incredible specie for what it is...Another Uroplatus and therefore reigning from Madagascar, these animals just blow me away with their fat toe pads and almost perfect camoflauge appearance when on wood or cork. These beauties are still up on my list of species to get. These pictures were taken by Charles Mullen of his beautiful specimen, and many thanks go to him for the photo's! Enjoy these guys and if you would like to sell me a CB pair, please let me know :) OLi

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

WEEK 37, this week we're reppin' the Chinese cave gecko aka Goniurosaurus orientalis
















HeYO! What's up ladies and gentlemen, gentlemen and ladies?! So I figured I'd spice up this week with some more colorful schematics in regards to the luxurious Tokashiki or Tonaki Ground Gecko (also falsely referred to as the 'chinese leopard gecko') as this gecko is just one that jumps right out at you in regards to pattern and vivid coloration. This species is known to inhabit only 4 small islands off the coast of Japan, and they are just one of several species in this genus. Enjoying a damp, cool climate these geckos can be easily housed and kept without the need for additional heat sources as they loathe the heat and prefer a room temperature like climate. These are another type of gecko with eye-lids so they don't have to sleep with their eyes open ;) Much respect and thanks to Bruce Daniels for the pictures of his amazing animals, hopefully i will be adding them to my collection soon! 

GECKOTIME: Brumation article




My few pennies on brumation here: http://www.geckotime.com/gecko-brumation/




And a previous word on my experience so far with the naultinus grayii here: http://www.geckotime.com/naultinus-grayii-the-northland-green-gecko/




Above is another writing in a British reptile keeping magazine from your's truly! 

Friday, February 11, 2011

WEEK 36!!! This week is getting dedicated to the almighty Ball Python!!
















Some question my decision for this week as to why I chose the "ohh so prevalent" ball python? Well, first off, this python has so many color morphs, and color pattern variations that the opportunities are limitless in regards to color schemes and genetic combinations.  And secondly, a HUGE part of the reptile industry is in the trade of this one species, and the Python regius is a multi-million dollar 'pet trade' or more so applicable 'investment species' now-a-days. And of course some of the morphs are hands down just incredible looking, even if you aren't a morph lover. Personally, I am tired of going to a reptile show and walking around to see that 50% of all vendors are ball python breeders, but hey, there must be a massive demand for these guys or those vendors would not continuously be at the shows. Well, here are just a few examples of some basic morphs......

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

WEEK 35, This week is the Cyrtodactylus elok!!!





OK, so here we go again with the species of the week. And this week after much inquiry and speculation I have nominated the Malaysian Bent-toe gecko as an appropriate candidate to add to the list. This gecko is quite rare in the wild, and also in captivity. The animals in captivity are mostly imports, yet there are a few individuals that have had success in producing some F1 animals and this is really what we need to push for. These geckos are just incredible looking! Their tail is so cool, and their eyes, and pattern are just amazing! A truly voracious predator that likes to predate either in the decaying leaf matter or up on some wood.  It is very interesting how they can cling to the glass of their tanks despite having claws, but they must have toe pads (lamellae) as well. A lot more research needs to be done with this species, and therefore I am trying to raise awareness of these amazing beings here on the RDR blog. Enjoy.....