Exotic Amphibians and Reptiles in Australian Zoos

JM01 said:
Why are there so few exotic Amphibians in Australian Zoos? The diversity of amphibians in Australian Zoos in general is pretty crap, most places just have Green Tree Frogs or nothing at all.
Click to expand...

Chytrid Fungus is a major concern globally which can often restrict the movement of amphibians into other regions.

But more generally speaking, unfortunately often times Herps (Reptiles and Amphibs) are overlooked on import lists favouring the big ABC species that bring in the funding. Native amphibians are sorely underrepresented in zoological institutions as much as exotics are.
 
A few updates from their respective social media pages:
  • Shoalhaven Zoo and Central Coast Zoo (albeit not open yet but for future reference) now have Veiled Chameleon. The latter facility mentioned there was a recent import from overseas into the region to re-establish chameleons in Australian zoos so I'm sure there will be other facilities with chameleons popping up soon as well: Log into Facebook | Facebook
 
zooboy28 said:
-Reticulated Python Python reticulatus - Australia Zoo, Australian Reptile Park, Ballarat Wildlife Park, Crocodylus Park, Darling Downs Zoo, Hartley's Crocodile Adventures, Melbourne Zoo, Mogo Zoo, National Zoo, Serpentarium Tasmania, Shoalhaven Zoo, Snakes Downunder, Taronga Zoo
Click to expand...
According to this article Reticulated Python has been added to Kyabram Fauna Park's newly opened reptile house: New reptile habitat at fauna park
 
Does anyone know of any current breeding programs for exotic reptiles? Besides Komodo Dragons and tortoises etc.
I have heard from multiple sources state governments are cracking down on species such as corn snakes, burms, anacondas, and retics due to an “invasive threat”.
Needless to say, this seems stupid, as if they can’t control the smuggling of said species they should have no reason to punish zoos for it. I’m curious if any zoos such as the reptile park, australia zoo, etc are breeding these large constrictors and exotic colubrids, as I’ve heard multiple zoos in my region have been flat out denied corn snakes and have had extreme trouble transferring anacondas and burms.
Thanks
 
baekho100 said:
Does anyone know of any current breeding programs for exotic reptiles? Besides Komodo Dragons and tortoises etc.
I have heard from multiple sources state governments are cracking down on species such as corn snakes, burms, anacondas, and retics due to an “invasive threat”.
Needless to say, this seems stupid, as if they can’t control the smuggling of said species they should have no reason to punish zoos for it. I’m curious if any zoos such as the reptile park, australia zoo, etc are breeding these large constrictors and exotic colubrids, as I’ve heard multiple zoos in my region have been flat out denied corn snakes and have had extreme trouble transferring anacondas and burms.
Thanks
Click to expand...

The main reason that these species aren't bred commonly in Zoos in Aus is because there is often not a need for them. Generally speaking, zoos will need to express interest in holding a species before one is produced if that makes sense. For large constrictor species in particular it can often be difficult for places to justify the appropriate space required. In saying that, MZ did produce a Reticulated Python a year or two ago but outside of that it is not an overly common occurrence. Once again, generally speaking, for the most part aside from key display species like Komodos Giant Torts, there is not much in the way of breeding for exotic herps in Aus, Basilisks and Fijian Iguanas get produced relatively often and are a popular display species but aside from those there's not much else going.
 
Josh F said:
The main reason that these species aren't bred commonly in Zoos in Aus is because there is often not a need for them. Generally speaking, zoos will need to express interest in holding a species before one is produced if that makes sense. For large constrictor species in particular it can often be difficult for places to justify the appropriate space required. In saying that, MZ did produce a Reticulated Python a year or two ago but outside of that it is not an overly common occurrence. Once again, generally speaking, for the most part aside from key display species like Komodos Giant Torts, there is not much in the way of breeding for exotic herps in Aus, Basilisks and Fijian Iguanas get produced relatively often and are a popular display species but aside from those there's not much else going.
Click to expand...

That’s quite true, I think I was more interested in going forward with the aforementioned crackdown. Species like boas and corns who are often smuggled/in illegal private hands may be harder to import if the govt. goes ahead with this - so I wonder if there will be future breeding, even for these relatively common species.

I also assume there is no well managed SSP or coordination for those species - was that MZ retic birth just due to them wanting to breed? Would be interesting to find out.
 
baekho100 said:
That’s quite true, I think I was more interested in going forward with the aforementioned crackdown. Species like boas and corns who are often smuggled/in illegal private hands may be harder to import if the govt. goes ahead with this - so I wonder if there will be future breeding, even for these relatively common species.

I also assume there is no well managed SSP or coordination for those species - was that MZ retic birth just due to them wanting to breed? Would be interesting to find out.
Click to expand...

I think suggesting these species are "smuggled" in is drastically overplaying the situation, the reality is that they were kept not 'illegally' some 40 years ago and the majority of illegal exotics today descend from that stock more than likely.

I would believe there isn't SSPs for non-threatened species but generally there still needs to be a breeding recommendation before something is to be produced. I'm not sure what came of the MZ Retic as to whether it is still housed on site or if it has been transferred to a different institution. Generally speaking, for non-threatened reptiles in particular if there's no recommendation, they don't get produced because unfortunately compared to other 'ABC' species, herps don't draw as big a crowd to justify it compared to say Giraffe, Zebras, Hybrid Tigers etc.
 
Josh F said:
I think suggesting these species are "smuggled" in is drastically overplaying the situation, the reality is that they were kept not 'illegally' some 40 years ago and the majority of illegal exotics today descend from that stock more than likely.

I would believe there isn't SSPs for non-threatened species but generally there still needs to be a breeding recommendation before something is to be produced. I'm not sure what came of the MZ Retic as to whether it is still housed on site or if it has been transferred to a different institution. Generally speaking, for non-threatened reptiles in particular if there's no recommendation, they don't get produced because unfortunately compared to other 'ABC' species, herps don't draw as big a crowd to justify it compared to say Giraffe, Zebras, Hybrid Tigers etc.
Click to expand...

Agree re the crowd drawing things, and it’s a shame most zoos don’t/can’t invest in higher reptile diversity because majority of people won’t be interested.

There definitely is still smuggling though. The snake ranch situation is just one high profile example, and I don’t doubt that stock still exists from more than 40 years ago, but corns are a highly trafficked species. Chameleons too. It’s sad but the truth, we can’t catch everything at the borders.
 
baekho100 said:
Agree re the crowd drawing things, and it’s a shame most zoos don’t/can’t invest in higher reptile diversity because majority of people won’t be interested.

There definitely is still smuggling though. The snake ranch situation is just one high profile example, and I don’t doubt that stock still exists from more than 40 years ago, but corns are a highly trafficked species. Chameleons too. It’s sad but the truth, we can’t catch everything at the borders.
Click to expand...


SR was more smuggling out than in. People don’t realise how large the proportion of exotics are actually produced here from non smuggled stock that just hasn’t been found by authorities. It certainly does still happen but not anywhere near the proportion that it is often reported in the media. As a nation our wildlife smuggling issue is more things going out rather than things coming in.
 
Josh F said:
SR was more smuggling out than in. People don’t realise how large the proportion of exotics are actually produced here from non smuggled stock that just hasn’t been found by authorities. It certainly does still happen but not anywhere near the proportion that it is often reported in the media. As a nation our wildlife smuggling issue is more things going out rather than things coming in.
Click to expand...

I agree with you there, I think the government just can't keep a lid on things especially with corns and milk snakes escaping to public areas, and so have been trying to restrict the movement of exotics by zoos. If only they put that level of resources towards finding those holders... with the level of stuff that gets admitted in reptile circles, they wouldn't have a hard time. If they actually cared.
 
When I visited Shoalhaven Zoo last year, the only exotic reptiles on display were Reticulated Python, Leopard Tortoise, Green Iguana and Veiled Chameleon. No sign of American Alligator, Aldabra Giant Tortoise, Elongated Tortoise, Burmese Python, Boa Constrictor or Corn Snake, although they may have been off display and I didn't see the reptile show.
 
Osedax said:
When I visited Shoalhaven Zoo last year, the only exotic reptiles on display were Reticulated Python, Leopard Tortoise, Green Iguana and Veiled Chameleon. No sign of American Alligator, Aldabra Giant Tortoise, Elongated Tortoise, Burmese Python, Boa Constrictor or Corn Snake, although they may have been off display and I didn't see the reptile show.
Click to expand...

Shoalhaven Zoo still has Aldabra giant tortoise and American alligator (from social media in the last month).

Shoalhaven Zoo - Come down and see, maybe even pet ,...
ALRIGHT GUYS THE TIME HAS COME!! We’re introducing a new social media special with our head keeper Nick called “Keeper Talks”. Nick has a lifetime of knowledge and such an immense passion for animals we realised it was a crime not sharing it with you all on here. We’ll be uploading weekly videos in which Nick will be talking candidly about the animals we care for here at the Shoalhaven Zoo. We hope that by sharing Nicks passion and knowledge our visitors will develop deeper and more wonderful connections with these truly incredible animals. It’s only right that we kick it off with one of Nicks favourites, Naamar the Aldabran Tortoise. Let us know in the comment section which animal you want to see next!!? #keepertalks #discoveryourwildside #aldabrantortoise #tortoise #zoo #animals | Shoalhaven Zoo | Shoalhaven Zoo · Original audio
 
Jambo said:
Awesome news to hear she's alive and doing well. Is she on display at DDZ?
Click to expand...

It’d be great to see this species on display. @Zorro did note earlier this month that the tropical reptile house is undergoing renovations to provide the yellow anacondas with a new room; and to allow the exhibition of a ‘new species.’ I don’t believe it’s been announced what that species will be yet.
 
Zoofan15 said:
It’d be great to see this species on display. @Zorro did note earlier this month that the tropical reptile house is undergoing renovations to provide the yellow anacondas with a new room; and to allow the exhibition of a ‘new species.’ I don’t believe it’s been announced what that species will be yet.
Click to expand...

It has now!!!!

Part of the Tropical Reptile House has been re-opened now that major construction work has been completed but the eastern end rooms remain off-display while they are being fitted out.

The Green Anaconda will not be on display until that work has been completed.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top