05/04/2026
Due to a number of circumstances, I was not able to read the entire Issue of the latest Responsible Herpetoculture Journal ( #26) until this weekend.
As always, after reading the journal, I feel like I have broadened my knowledge of herpetoculture and herpetology. I learned about conservation projects with Batagur baska (an endangered freshwater turtle) and Darwin’s frog, and the methods used by zoos to keep and breed Caspian monitors and spider-tailed vipers. Even if these are species I will not be working with, I find them fascinating and the articles have husbandry information that could be useful to me in the future
I admired herpetologist Petr Necas’ unifying piece on the three disciplines of the Herpetoverse,: Herping , Herpetology, and Herpetoculture. He makes the point that rather than considering these separate branches, we should all recognize the values each branch contributes to the other. We should be supporting and cooperating with each other.
I have talked in my lectures about how the snake is the most represented symbol of mythology, and it was a pleasant surprise to see an article dedicated to ethnoherpetology by Rene Villanueva Maldonado on serpent mythology in Latin America.
As someone who has played a role in the diversity and popularity of giant geckos in the hobby, I found the article on establishing albino leachianus particularly interesting. A similar path has led to the development of patternless and amelanistic giant gecko morphs in the US.
The interview with Jay Brewer taught me about his background and his drive.
The article on the history of the National Breeder’s Expo, which played a key role in the rise and popularity of herpetoculture in the US brought back memories, since I attended most of the early ones with my friend, the late Bob Mailloux.
If you want to broaden your worldview and knowledge of herps, the Responsible Herpetoculure Journal with more than 40,000 member is the leading publication on what is going on in the Herpetoverse around the world. If you’re not yet a member, what are you waiting for?
The RH Journal issue #26 is printed!
Printed versions available at: https://responsibleherpetoculture.foundation/product/rh-journal-26-printed-version/
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