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Elaine Yau

Reptiles and amphibians are  animals with unique characteristics. There are several anatomical and reproductive differences between the two. One difference  is the make-up of their  skin. Reptiles are covered with scales or shields. As for reproduction,  both reproduce by laying eggs, but young reptiles look like miniature adults when they hatch.
When an amphibian hatches, it emerges in the form of a tadpole which breathes through gills. As they get bigger, they get limbs and lose their tails. Ultimately, they  develop lungs and become an   amphibian. Here are some of the unusual pets  and the tips on keeping them.
Rainbow Boa
Scientific Name: Epicrates cenchria
Place of origin: Brazil
Life expectancy: about 20 years
Characteristics: The Rainbow boas get  their name from  the multicoloured iridescent sheen on their bodies.  They are shy,  nocturnal and live by rivers,  lakes and swamps. They feed mostly on rodents.
Chinese Crocodile Lizard
Scientific name: Shinisaurus crocodilurus
Place of origin: China
Life expectancy: unknown
Little is known about the species since the animals are found only in very small areas in the Hunan and Guizhou provinces. It moves slowly and is easily caught sleeping on branches above shallow ponds and streams by poachers for the booming  pet trade.
Three Banded Box Terrapin
Scientific name: Cuora trifasciata
Place of origin: Southern China
Life Expectancy: 40 years
Known also as Golden Coin Turtle, it can be found in Guangdong, Fujian, Hainan, Hong Kong and Vietnam. The species is considered critically endangered  due to incessant poaching for making the Chinese medicinal dessert turtle jelly.
Cranwell's Horned Frog or Chacoan Horned Frog
Scientific name: Ceratophrys cranwelli
Place of origin: South America
Life expectancy: 5-6 years
Characteristics:  Native  to the dry Gran Chaco region of Argentina. They are often considered Pacman frogs because of their uncanny resemblance to the popular Japanese video game character of the same name. Most adult species range from 8-13 cm long and can weigh up to 0.5 kg. Though generally inactive, they  can leap high to capture prey. These nocturnal animals rest with their eyelids open and  feed  on insects.
Red Legged Walking Frog
Scientific name: Kassina maculata
Place of origin: Kenya, South Africa
Life expectancy: 5-6 years
Characteristics: Measuring 65mm in length, the frog can be found in Kenya, Malawi, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe. Its natural habitats are swamps, freshwater lakes and ponds. It feeds on algae, insects, dead tadpoles and other tiny invertebrates.
Tips on keeping amphibians and reptiles as pets
With most amphibians and reptiles living in wet habitats, like rainforests and marshlands, the construction of a  place similar to their natural habitats is paramount to their survival in an urban city like Hong Kong. All the  elements like humidity, temperature and light must be made  as close to the original as possible.
Frogs
1. With many types of frogs fond of leaping and hiding underneath mud, the aquarium should be spacious and fitted  with mud, plants and small pebbles.
2. Refrain from  disturbing  frogs like scaring them or frequently taking them out of their aquariums.
3. Keep the aquariums clean by changing water and mud regularly as wet places can be breeding grounds for germs.
4. The secretions on the skin of frogs can be poisonous, so remember to wash your hands after  you touch them.
Snakes
1. Have the cage ready with everything (like proper temperature, fresh water and places to hide) set up before you bring it home as stress makes snakes susceptible to illnesses.
2. Quarantine new snakes before you add them to your collection as unhealthy newcomers can transmit  diseases.  During quarantine period, watch closely for external parasites (mites, ticks) and signs of internal parasites, like runny stool and regurgitation etc.
3. Don't feed a snake while  another snake is in the same cage. They may distract each other and refuse to eat, or they may fight over a meal.
Lizards
1. Keep them in glassed-in enclosures with heat lamps to maintain the proper temperature. Too much cold  will make them go into hibernation and possibly starve to death.
2. Put grasses and plants into the tanks.
3. Most lizards dislike being disturbed so do not cuddle them since frequent disturbances will make them sick.
4. Some lizards get very large as they grow. So make sure you have  big enough space made available to them.
Turtles
1. Turtle are sturdy and resilient animals which are rather easy to keep.
2. Prepare a wide variety of food to maintain good health. A turtle's diet should consist of  pellets rich in calcium and vitamin A.  Daily access to vegetables like carrots, lettuce and bananas is also needed.
3. Turtles can bite so grasp it by the sides of the shell.
4. To maintain a  healthy shell, your turtle needs regular basking in the sun.  But remember  not to leave it under the sun for too long.
5. A healthy turtle should have clean bright eyes and a nose and mouth free of fluid. The shell should be firm and hard.  Take it to the vet if it shows any signs of illness.
Burmese Newt (main picture)
Scientific name: Tylototriton verrucosus
Place of origin: Yunnan
Life expectancy: 12 years
Characteristics: It has a short snort, broad eyes and long tail. A species of salamander, they can be found in South Asia and Southeast Asia. Orange and black in colour, it has coarse skin which is covered with protruding dots.
Common Chinese Treefrog (above)
Scientific Name: Hyla chinensis
Place of origin: China
Life expectancy: 5-6 years
Characteristics: In spite of its tiny size, the frog is famous for its shrill voice. Adult treefrogs are commonly seen croaking in packs like a chorus along water banks.  It is found in China and Taiwan. With a fast growing rate, it usually takes less than 24 hours for the spawn of the frog to hatch into tadpoles.



Get to know your friends before you take 'em home