Wildlife Fact File - Reptiles - Pgs. 21-30

"'CARD 21

KEY FACTS

GIANT TORTOISE '(~____________________~G_R~ O~U~P~3~:~ RE~P~T~IL=E~ S ~&~A_M~P~H~I~ B~ IA~N~S_~~ ORDER

FAMILY

Chelonia

Testudinoidae

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GENUS

Geochelone

SIZES Length: Up to 5 ft. Weight: Up to 600 lb . BREEDING Sexual maturity: 20-25 years. Mating: February to March. No. of eggs: 10-20. Incubation: 2 months. LIFESTYLE Habit: Generally solitary, but gathers to feed when food and water are scarce. Diet: Grass and leaves; cactus, lichen, and carrion. lifespan: At least 100 years, possibly 200.

Range of the giant tortoise species.

RELATED SPECIES The two species of giant tortoise, Geochelone gigantea and G. elephantop us, are not directly related to each other. G. gigantea relatives include the leopard tortoise, G. pardalis, and the Indian star tortoise, G. elegans.

DISTRIBUTION Pacific species, Geochelone elephantopus, lives on several islands of the Galapagos. The Indian Ocean species, G. gigantea, is now limited to the island of Aldabra. CONSERVATION The Aldabran G. gigantea population flourishes and its future seems secure. The Galapagos population of G. elephantopus competes with introduced species and is endangered.

FEATURES OF THE GIANT TORTOISE SPECIES Legs: Tough scales cover the legs. - Shell: The tortoise's high, convex shell provides defense against predators. The limbs can be drawn into the shell.

Feet: The tortoise's feet are not webbed for swimming.

THE SPECIALIZED SHELLS Two species on the Galapagos islands have evolved differently shaped shells, each adapting to the native vegetation .

Saddle-backed shell Testudinoidae elephantopus hoodensis: The shell is raised

This prehistoric-looking giant tortoise is found only on isolated islands. It may live longer than 100 years.

Pet tortoise: This Mediterranean tortoise grows to about 10 in. It has spurred thighs. ©MCMXCI IMP BVIIMP INC WILDLIFE FACT FILpM

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Dome-backed shell T. e. elephantopus: Found where food is plentiful at ground level. 0160200191 PACKET 19

~ BREEDING The male giant tortoise bobs his head and bellows loudly when he attempts to attract a mate. If the female accepts him, the male tortoise will mount her from behind. His undershell is hollowed out to accommodate her domed carapace, or upper shell. The female lays 10 to 20 round eggs and buries them in the sand or soil, where they incubate. The hatchling Left: The giant tortoise was once hunted for its fine oil.

tortoises are no more than two inches long. On Aldabra many hatchlings are prey for robber crabs and frigate birds. On the Galapagos, introduced predators such as rats, cats, and dogs kill the hatchlings. After 18 months, young tortoises are still no larger than a man's fist. They grow steadily for 40 years before they reach full size. Right: The tiny eggs incubate in the sand for two months before hatching.

Left: When food is scarce on Aldabra Island, the giant tortoise often goes into lagoon waters in search of weeds.

The enormous size and weight of the giant tortoises make them look like throwbacks

to another age; in fact, they were isolated on their islands for thousands of years. They adapted through time to the natural changes of their habitat.

• The giant tortoise can live for 200 years. An adult tortoise taken to Mauritius from the Seychelles in 1776 lived for another 142 years, until 1918. • A tortoise's shell prevents

it from expanding its chest, so it has special muscles to help it breathe. • The shell of a giant tortoise is surprisingly fragile. Its bone structure is very light, and the shell itself is easily damaged .

~ FOOD & FEEDING

~ HABITAT Several species of tortoise exist throughout the world, but the true giants are restricted to a few isolated tropical islands in the Pacific and Indian oceans. There are two species of giant tortoise: one is on the Galapagos islands, off the coast of Ecuador; the other is now restricted to the island of Aldabra, near Madagascar. Two species of giant tortoise on the Galapagos Islands have evolved to suit the vegetation. A raised carapace (upper shell) enables one species to feed on vegetation growing above ground level. This contrasts with the species

DID YOU KNOW?

of giant tortoise that lives in areas where there is more vegetation. This tortoise does not need to stretch above its head for food, so its domeshaped shell has not evolved with a raised carapace. The giant tortoise is a vulnerable animal, despite its armor. But the giants have been able to flourish on their islands because they have no predators. In 1965 it was estimated that there were between 60,000 and 100,000 giant tortoises on Aldabra, over 10,000 per square mile. Right: A raised carapace, or outer shell, allows this tortoise to reach tender leaves.

The giant tortoise's diet consists mainly of vegetation, but it will eat almost anything. When food is plentiful during the rainy season, it can be more selective, favoring fresh young grass shoots and tender new leaves. Few shrubs on Aldabra have foliage within the reach of the tortoise, and few seedlings survive to maturity. The Aldabran tortoises float

on the surface of the island's lagoon, reaching into the water with their long necks to feed on seaweed. On the more arid Galapagos Islands, fresh grass and tender leaves are rare. Here, the tortoises feed on cactus, lichen, and even the acidic leaves of the guava tree. Very little food is available during the dry season. The tortoise survives for weeks on shrivelled grass, dead leaves, and the remains of dead crabs, goats, and even the carrion (dead flesh) of other tortoises. Left: During the rainy season the giant tortoise prefers young grass shoots.

WESTERN DIAMONDBACK RATTLESNAKE '\

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CARD 22

GROUP 3: REPTILES & AMPHIBIANS ~ GENUS &: SPECIES "'1IIIIIIII

Crotalus atrox

KEY FACTS SIZES Length: Average of 3 ft. Some grow over 6 ft. Weight: 1-2 lb . BREEDING Sexual maturity: 3-6 years. Mating: Spring and fall. Gestation: 3-4 months from spring mating. The foJlowing summer from autumn mating . No. of young: 2-24, depending on size of female . LIFESTYLE Habit: Solitary, but forms groups with others to hibernate. Diet: Small warm-blooded mammals and birds. Young eat frogs, toads, and lizards. lifespan: Up to 20 years. RELATED SPECIES 30 related species are found throughout North and South America .

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Range of the Western diamondback rattlesnake.

DISTRIBUTION Found in the desert sand and semidesert grasslands of southwestern North America, extending from California in the west to Arkansas in the east. CONSERVATION

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The snake is not currently endangered, although a serious decline in the population could occur if hunting is not controlled.

FEATURES OF THE RATTLESNAKE Venom: Large hollow fangs act like hypodermic needles. They inject venom into prey when the snake strikes. Spare fangs beh ind the main set spring forward if the front ones are damaged . Forked tongue: Fl icked in and out, senses the air for any trace of prey.

The Western diamondback rattlesnake is one of the largest poisonous snakes found in the United States. Its name comes from the distinctive diamond-shaped pattern of scales on its back.

Eyes: Vertical pupils allow maxim um dilation for sharp vision.

Pit organs: Membranes located in pits between eyes and nostrils. They are sensitive to temperature changes, allowing the snake to locate smail, warm-blooded animals nearby, even in complete darkness. - - --

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The Western diamondback rattlesnake's reputation as an aggressor is undeserved. The snake is a peaceful reptile and is no threat to people unless it is cornered or provoked. When it is alarmed, it rattles its tail to frighten off the intruder.

~ RATTLESNAKE & ~AN

~ FOOD & HUNTING The rattlesnake can swallow almost any small bird or mammal. A three-foot-Iong rattlesnake can easily swallow a halfgrown rabbit. When hunting, the rattler either waits under a bush for prey to pass by or actively searches for prey by investigat-

ing burrows, crevices, and vegetation. It hunts using a combination of sight, smell, and heat detection and can locate warm-blooded prey in total darkness. The rattlesnake can also detect vibrations made by animals moving nearby.

People have always regarded the rattlesnake as a threat, despite the fact that it bites only if provoked. Organized hunting groups gather in some western states every year. Huge numbers of rattlesnakes are collected, killed, and skinned. Many are

sold to be eaten. Although the original purpose of the hunting roundups was to rid populated areas of the dangerous snakes, the events now attract collectors who travel from all over the world to participate in the hunt.

~ HABITS During cool months the Western diamondback rattlesnake is diurnal (active during the day, when the sun can warm its body). Throughout the summer it is nocturnal, or active at night, emerging after dusk to hunt. When the snake is not active it spends its time in holes underground, in rocky crevices, or under dead cacti or large boulders. In the coldest winter weather 30 or more snakes hibernate together in underground dens. The rattlesnake sheds its skin three to four times a year. Rival males test each other's strength during an activity that resembles a dance. But the snakes never harm each other.

Above: The Western diamond-

Right: A female gives birth.

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SPECIAL ~ ADAPTATIONS The snake's rattle is made of hard sections of old skin. A new one is added each time the snake sheds its skin . The sections fit loosely over each other in an interlocking series. Once the snake is fully mature its rattle does not change size. Older segments drop off at the same rate as the new ones develop .

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DID YOU KNOW?

back rattlesnake about to strike.

P.Morris Photographics

Mating takes place in March and April. The female is ovoviviparous; that is, she produces eggs that are hatched within her body so that the young are born alive. This protects them from extremes of temperature before they are hatched. The young snakes inside the mother are encased in a membrane instead of in a shell. If the membrane does not burst when the young are born, they must break through it. They are born in late July or early August.

• One species of rattlesnake on Catalina Island off the coast of California has no rattle . • The longer the snake's rattle, the quieter is its sound . • More people are bitten by diamondback rattlesnakes than any other North American poisonous snake. But the Mojave rattlesnake is 20 times more lethal. • More people in the Un ited States die each year from lightning strikes than from snake bites.

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GECKO

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GROUP 3: REPTILES &:

, . ORDER '11IIIIIIII

Squamata

FAMILY Gekkonidae

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GENUS '11IIIIIIII

Various

AMPHI8IANS~ ~"

KEY FACTS SIZES Length: 1-14 in. BREEDING Incubation: 6-10 weeks. No. of eggs: Usually 2 per clutch. May lay several clutches during breeding season. LIFESTYLE Habit: Solitary. Some species hibernate. Diet: Insects, small birds, mice, lizards, and fruit. RELATED SPECIES There are approximately 86 genera and 800 species of geckos. The gecko family is divided into four subfamilies: Eublepharinae, Diplodactylinae, Gekkoninae, and Sphaerodactylinae. The Gekkoninae subfamily is the largest, with more than 550 species living all over the world. It includes the Mediterranean gecko, Hemidactylus turcicus.

Range of the gecko family.

DISTRIBUTION Southern California, Florida, Mexico, Caribbean, South America, Mediterranean coast, Africa, the Middle East, Australia, New Zealand, Southeast Asia, and Pacific islands. CONSERVATION Geckos are widespread, adaptable, and pose no threat to humans. Most species are not endangered.

FEATURES OF THE GECKO

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Skin: Thin, with small bumps or scales. Color varies but is usually gray or brown. Some species change color as a mating display or for camouflage.

Eyes: Night-hunting geckos have large pupils that close to slits during the day.

The gecko family of lizards includes hundreds of species found in rainforests, mountains, and even deserts. Many have unusual markings, and some give distinctive calls.

Feet: Most geckos have broad toes covered with flaps of skin .... containing thousands of tiny bristles. Each bristle tip is a ded spatula, so that the gecko , rip tiny niches or smooth surfaces such as a windowpane.

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FOOD & FEEDING

Most geckos hunt at night. The common gecko eats beetles, butterflies, millipedes, crickets, and cockroaches. Many larger species, such as the Caledonian gecko, pursue young lizards, mice, and small birds. They track their prey before pouncing. Then they take it in their mouth and strike it against the ground. Some day-active geckos,

such as those in Madagascar, feed on fruit and flower nectar The species Gehyra mutilata eats so much sweet food that it is called the sugar lizard. The Madagascan leaf-tailed gecko washes itself all over with its tongue after every meal. Another gecko in the Seychelles rides on tortoises and feeds on insects attracted by the tortoises' feces.

left: This gecko species lives in

Right: Web-footed geckos prey on insects such as this dune cricket in the Namib Desert.

the warm Solomon Islands in the Pacific.

Geckos have small, plump bodies with large heads and eyes. Many species are vividly colored, and some even change color. Because of geckos' unusual appearance, some people think they are dangerous. But these reptiles do not hurt humans.

~ BREEDING

DID YOU KNOW? • The gecko Sphaerodactylus parthenopion is only one and a half inches long. It is t~e world's smallest reptile. • The tokay gecko gets its name from one of its calls: L ito-kay, to-kay."

• Sometimes a gecko's tail heals instead of breaking off completely. A new one also grows in, leaving the animal with two or even three tails. • A gecko pounces on an insect only if it moves. - '

~ HABITAT Geckos live in a wide range of habitats including tropical rainforests, parched deserts, and icy mountain peaks. They are not afraid of humans, and some species have expanded their range by stowing away on ships. For example, the common gecko originated in north Africa and was carried unknowingly by humans to Right: The leopard gecko lives in arid, rocky parts of Asia. Unlike most other geckos, it has eyelids that can close.

southern France, the Canary Islands, and even islands in the South Pacific. In the Southwest some geckos seem to prefer living in houses to staying in their natural habitat. At night the lights attract so many insects that all the gecko needs to do is cling to the ceiling and wait for prey to fly by.

Geckos' mating habits vary greatly, but most include a courtship ritual, such as displaying bright skin colors or uttering a distinct mating call. For example, between March and May the male tokay gecko in southeast Asia makes a barking sound that is probably a mating call. A male banded gecko approaches a prospective mate with his legs bent and head stretched forward. Wagging his tail, he nuzzles her flanks and licks her before mating. Like most reptiles, the maleft: Geckos regularly shed their skin. This process starts shortly after they hatch.

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SPECIAL ADAPTATIONS

Eyes: The pupils of nightactive geckos enlarge to fill their eyes and shrink to slits during the day. Color: Some geckos can change color. The banded leaf-toed gecko is brown

during the day and yellow at night. The skin of the Madagascan leaf-tailed gecko matches tree bark. Tail: The tail of a gecko may break off if it is caught and will later regrow.

jority of geckos lay eggs. The female house gecko lays four or five pairs of eggs between May and August, with two to four weeks between layings. Gecko egg shells tend to be soft at first but harden quickly. They have a sticky coating and are often stuck inside cracks or under bark or stones. It is not unusual to discover clumps of eggs stuck together if several females share a site. The female southern dwarf gecko has an unusual egglaying method. She strokes and pulls the eggs free with her hind legs. There are even species in New Zealand that bear live young. Left: Like most other geckos, the ring-tailed gecko has no eyelids. It licks its eyes to keep them moist and clean.

RED-AND-BLUE POISON-ARROW FROG "

' " CARD 24

GROUP 3: REPTILES & AMPHIBIANS ~ ,,~--------------------------------------------ORDER Anura

FAMILY Dendrobatidae

.... GENUS &: SPECIES "1IIIIIIII Dendrobates pumilia

KEY FACTS SIZES Length: 1 in. The biggest frog in the family grows to 2 in. BREEDING Mating: During the tropical rainy season. No. of eggs: 4-6, laid on land. Tadpole: Develops in flooded leaf joints of plants and feeds on unfertilized eggs. LIFESTYLE Habit: Lives on forest floor and among trees. Diet: Small insects such as ants and spiders. lifespan: Unknown. RELATED SPECIES Of the 116 species in the family, 55 are brightly colored poisonous Dendrobates and Phyllabates species. These include the golden poison-arrow frog, Dendrobates auratus, and the deadly Phyllabates terribilis.

Range of poison-arrow frogs.

Red-and-blue species.

DISTRIBUTION The red-and -blue poison-arrow frog lives in the Costa Rican rainforests. Other species occur throughout tropical South America from Costa Rica to southern Brazil. CONSERVATION Although the poison-arrow frog is collected both for its poison and for the pet trade, the destruction of its forest habitat threatens its future.

HOW THE RED-AND-BlUE POIS,,· ,""'--FROG REARS ~---'---

The red-and-blue poison-arrow frog's jewel-like color stands out from the rich rainforest vegetation as a warning that it is one of the most poisonous animals on earth.

Young: Regularly fed unfertilized eggs by the female. The frog climbs out of the plant when fully grown.

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For centuries, the poison-arrow frog has provided South American Indians with poison for the tips of arrows and blowpipe darts. For predators, swallowing a frog means certain death, and even licking one can prove fatal.

~ BREEDING Many frogs lay large quantities of eggs in water and leave them alone. Fish eat the newly hatched tadpoles, and few survive to develop into adult frogs. The poison-arrow frog breeds in a different way that ensures the tadpoles' survival. After a courtship ritual of calling, chasing, and wrestling, the female lays four to six eggs. The male then fertilizes the eggs. The newly hatched tadpoles climb onto the female's back, and she carries them to the water. Sticky mucus holds the tadpoles on tight and keeps them moist during the severalhour journey. Instead of a pond or stream, the red-and-blue mother places her tadpoles in tiny condensation pools in the , centers of tropical plants. The female puts one tadpole

in each plant, feeding them each week by placing unfertilized eggs in the pools. Fed on this nutritious food, the tadpoles grow into adulthood.

Above: Males wrestle for mates; their poison is for predators.

Below: Its vocal sac fully extended, a poison-arrow frog croaks a territorial claim.

Left: The newly hatched young attach themselves to the female's moist back.

~ HABITS

~ DEFENSES

Like all amphibians, poisonarrow frogs must stay moist to survive. The red-and-blue species lives in Costa Rican rainforests. The constantly steamy, wet environment reduces the frog's need for streams and pools. It forages through the rainsoaked leaves and vegetation for small insects such as ants and spiders. The poisonarrow frog moves in short hops and rarely stays still. Adhesive pads on its toes allow it to climb agilely to search for prey.

Some frogs protect themselves from larger predators such as snakes and hawks by secreting mild poisons from the skin to make themselves taste foul. The poison-arrow also uses this tactic, but its skin gland secretions are lethal. A predator faces certain death if it swallows a poison-arrow frog, and even licking one can often prove fatal. These frog poisons are the most powerful animal poisons known. As little as two micrograms of its poison can

kill an adult human-and each frog contains nearly 200 micrograms. The dangerous levels of poison are lower in the red-and-blue species, but it still is lethal. Because the poison-arrow frog is too small to be seen by some animals, its brightly colored skin makes it more noticeable and acts as a warning to predators that the frog is deadly prey. Consequently, fewer frogs are eaten during the day, when predators can recognize them as dangerous .

DID YOU KNOW? • Only one natural predator may hunt the poisonarrow frog: the snake Leimadophis epinephe/us seems to be immune to the toxins. • This family includes some of the smallest frogs in the world : Dendrobates minutus grows to only a half inch. • Scientists discover new species of poison-arrow continually in their tropical forest explorations. Still, their habitat may be destroyed before scientists can account for them.

~ POISON-ARROW FROG &: MAN The Choco Indians of western Colombia developed the technique of using this frog to poison the tips of arrows or blowpipe darts. The Choco use poison from three species. With the dead-

liest frogs, the tribesmen pin a frog to the ground with a stick and wipe their arrowheads on its skin. Less poisonous species are warmed over fires on skewers to make them excrete large

quantities of poison, which is concentrated for use. Today the Choco use poison darts or arrows for hunting small game, but in the past they were used in wars with other tribes in the forest.

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SNAKE-NECKED TURTLE "~______________________~G_R_ O_U_P_3_ :_ RE_P_ T_ IL_ES__ &_A_M_P_H_I_ B_ IA_N_S_~~ . . . ORDER "11IIIIIIII Chelonia (Testudines)

FAMILY Chelidae

' " GENUS &: SPECIES "11IIIIIIII Chelodina longicol/is

KEY FACTS SIZES Length: Shell, up to 11 in. Extended head and neck, 5 1/2 in. Weight: Average 21/ 2 lb. BREEDING Sexual maturity: Male, 7 years . Female, 10-11 years. Mating season: September to October. Nesting season: November to December; occasionally January. No. of eggs: 6-24. Incubation: 1 30-1 70 days. LIFESTYLE Habit: Both water and land. Migrates over land in groups. Diet: Amphibians, crustaceans, worms, insects, and mollusks. Lifespan: 17-50 years. RELATED SPECIES There are 36 species of turtle grouped into 9 genera within the family Chelidae.

Range of the snake-necked turtle.

DISTRIBUTION Widespread in slow-movin g waters in eastern Austral ia, from southern South Austral ia to northern Queensland . CONSERVATION This species is still common, but it has been widely trapped . Many turtles have been killed by fishermen and vehicles and as a result of losing access to water.

FEATURES OF THE SNAKE-NECKED TURTL(JJ~I There are two suborders of turtle : the side-necked and the hidden-necked turtles. They are distinguished by their neck and head movements. The snakenecked turtle belongs to the sidenecked turtles (Testudines) found in Australia and South America.

The snake-necked turtle is Australia's most widespread and well-known freshwater turtle. Exclusively meat eating, it hunts in many still and slow-flowing waters.

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Neck: Provides excellent vision because of turtle's ability to move head freely. Can be coiled like a spring for seizing prey.

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The snake-necked turtle is also known in Australia as the long-necked turtle. When fully extended, its head and neck are more than half the length of its shell. The snake-necked turtle belongs to a family whose turtles fold their heads and necks along the sides of their shells rather than pulling them in.

~ FOOD & HUNTING The snake-necked turtle is a carnivore (meat eater). It hunts actively during the day for a variety of aquatic invertebrates such as shrimp, insect larvae, crayfish, and mollusks, as well as for frogs. The turtle's long, sinuous neck is critical to its ability to catch prey.

Once the turtle is within reach of prey, it draws its neck back into an S shape and then springs it forward . Underwater, instead of striking the prey, the turtle brings its head to a sudden halt alongside the creature and opens its mouth wide. Water

rushes into the turtle's mouth, pulling the prey along with it. The turtle then partially closes its mouth, forcing the water back out, but leaving the prey behind. The snake-necked turtle does not have powerful jaws for biting prey. Instead, the reptile appears

to kill and dismember large prey in its throat with a rubbing action of its front legs. It uses the same movement to position food for swallowing. Below: Few young turtles ever

hatch because the eggs are eaten by water rats and goannas.

~ BREEDING Mating takes place underwater, with the male swimming closely behind the female until he can rest his chin on her shell. He then moves forward and mounts, clasping the edge of the female's shell with his forefeet and tucking his tail beneath hers. Two months later, the female prepares a nest on land by digging a hole in sandy, sparsely vegetated soil. She chooses a slope from which rainwater can drain easily, for even a few hours of soaking will kill the unborn hatchlings. She lays and arranges the eggs and scoops the soil back over them. The young turtles may not emerge for six months. They immediately go into the water. Left: The turtle is an aggressive, agile hunter. It uses both stealth

and the strike of its coiled neck to grab its prey. Below:' Adults use a strong-smelling

fluid to discourage predators.

The snake-necked turtle is commonly seen both in and out of water. Streams, rivers, swamps, and lagoons are its favorite habitats. It prefers slow-moving, often muddy water, but it can occasionally be seen crossing small rapids, looking for food.

The seasonal drop in temperature in the southern part of the snake-necked turtle's range sends many turtles into hibernation underwater or on dry land. This species is known for its ability to colonize new, artificial ponds, usually within about two

years. Also, groups of snakenecked turtles are frequently seen far from the water's edge. The turtle often takes a rambling path over dry land, readily changing direction to move around any barrier. But as soon as it sights water, it heads straight for it.

~ PREDATORS Many young turtles fail to hatch because their nests are raided by animals. The hatchlings are vulnerable as they journey to the water; and they face attack from fish and water birds when they arrive. Adults have fewer predators because of their size and protective shells. But pelicans, storks, dingoes (Australian wild dogs), and birds of prey have been known to attack them.

DID YOU KNOW? • The snake-necked turtle can breathe while resting on the bottom of shallow water: it stretches its long neck up and pokes its head above the surface. • This turtle's eyes are set unusually far forward . The resulting accurate vision is vital for striking at the right spot. • The snake-necked turtle is sometimes called the "stinker" because of the strong-smelling liquid that it produces when caught. It can spray this fluid as far as three feet. • Western scientists first learned about the snakenecked turtle from Sir Joseph Banks. He collected a specimen during Captain Cook's voyage to Australia in 1770.

AUSTRALIAN FRILLED LIZARD

KEY FACTS

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GROUP 3: REPTILES & AMPHIBIANS CLASS Reptilia

SUBORDER Sauria (Lacertilia)

. . FAMILY ~ Agamidae

. . . GENUS ~ Chlamydosaurus

SIZES Length: 1 1/2- 3 ft. Ruff diameter: 8-10 in . Weight: Up to 1 lb . BREEDING Sexual maturity: 2-3 years. Breeding season: Early spring. No. of eggs: 2-8. Incubation: 8-12 weeks. LIFESTYLE Habit: Mostly solitary. Defends territory against rivals. No parental care of young . Diet: Insects, spiders, small mammals. Lifespan: About 8-1 0 years in captivity. Not known in the wild. RELATED SPECIES There are 300 species of chiseltoothed lizard; 65 in Australia. These include the thorny devil, Moloch horridus, and the eastern water dragon, Physignathus lesueurii.

Range of the Australian frilled lizard .

DISTRIBUTION The Australian frilled lizard lives throughout northern and northwestern Australia and in Papua New Guinea . CONSERVATION The Australian fri lled lizard is currently in no danger of extinction .

THE AUSTRALIAN FRILLED LIZARD'S RUFF The scaly ruff is patterned to blend with the lizard 's habitat and may be entirely or partly serrated (notched).

When startled , the lizard spreads its ruff, opens its mouth wide , hisses, and flicks its tail from side to side .

The frilled ruff folds neatly underneath and against the sides of the neck.

The Australian frilled lizard usually keeps its colorful frilled ruff folded flat against its long neck, but it will suddenly raise it during courtship or when threatened.

As it spreads , the ruff opens out in a series of long pleats.

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The frilled lizard is a tree dweller of northern Australia and Papua New Guinea. When it raises its spectacular ruff, it transforms itself into one of the most colorful of all the Australian lizards. On the ground it is exceptionally fast-moving. Most of the time it runs upright on its hind legs.

~ FOOD &: HUNTING ~ BREEDING Insects, spiders, and small mammals are the main diet of the frilled lizard. Few lizards are herbivores (plant eaters). The frilled lizard is itself prey for birds, larger lizards, snakes, and some mammals . Below: With its ruff raised and long tail whipping, this lizard is a frightening foe.

The male Australian frilled lizard is territorial and aggressive toward other males or rivals. The larger males hold the bigger territories . The frilled lizard is one of many species of chiseltoothed lizard that perform elaborate courtships . The male always courts the female . He needs only a brief signal from her to know that she is receptive to mating . The female's eggs are fertilized internally. They normally hatch in 8 to 12 weeks. Once the female chooses a hatching spot, she lays her eggs and leaves. The frilled lizard is independent at birth. Right: With its ruff flattened, the lizard blends with the color and texture of tree bark.

DID YOU KNOW?

~ BEHAVIOR Like most lizards, the Australian frilled lizard is active during the day, relying on the sun to warm its blood so it can feed and move quickly. Spiny scales covering its body help reduce water loss. This lizard lives in trees, lying on branches and basking in the sun . Its long, slim forelegs and enlarged hind legs allow it to stretch to reach another branch, or to jump from one branch to another, as well as walk upright on the

ground. Unlike other lizards it does not shed its tail easily. If threatened by a predator, the frilled lizard quickly erects its frill-like ruff to make itself look larger and more intimidating. When fully spread, the frill can measure up to 10 inches across. It has a colorful scaled pattern . This pattern varies depending upon the lizard's habitat. In Queensland it is usually yellow with black and white markings. In the Northern

Territory it is more likely to be orange with red, black, and white speckles. The serrated (notched) ruff acts like a solar panel and absorbs heat from the sun. The ruff folds flat below and on either side of the head . A series of cartilage rods raises it. When the lizard raises its ruff, it also stands upright on its hind legs and hisses with its yellow mouth wide open and its long, slender tail flicking from side to side.

• A likeness of the frilled lizard is on Australia 's twocent coin . • The frilled lizard's hind footprints show only the three middle toes . They look similar to those of birds and some extinct dinosaurs. • The f rilled lizard's teeth are fixed to the surfaces of its jaws and look similar to human teeth . • Another tree-living Australian liza rd is the common goanna, which grows to about seven feet in length . The abo ri gines believe t hat a goanna bite will never heal. • The f rilled lizard is often kept as a pet.

DIAMONDBACK TERRAPIN GROUP 3: REPTILES & AMPHIBIANS ORD ER

FAM ILY

GENUS &: SPECIES

Chelonia

Emydidae

Malaclemys terrapin

KEY FACTS SIZES Length: Male, 4-6 in . Female, 6-9 in. Weight: Up to 2 lb. BREEDING Sexual maturity: Female, about 7 years. Male may be slightly older. Mating season: Early spring. No. of eggs: 7-24 white eggs per clutch. Up to 5 clutches per year laid by large, mature female. Range LIFESTYLE Habit: Solitary. Diet: Fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and insects. lifespan: About 30 years in the wi ld; 50-70 years in captivity. RELATED SPECIES There are 7 subspecies of diamondback terrapin . Ten species of map turtles Graptemys are also related .

of the diamondback terrapin.

--~~======~--

DISTRIBUTION Found in salt and brackish water along the Atlantic coast of North America from Massachusetts to the Gulf of Mexico and Mexico. CONSERVATION Humans have been the terrapin's main predators. Its population has been increasing as a result of protective measures and commercial farms where terrapins are raised for their meat.

FEATURES O F THE DIAMONDBACKTERRAPIN ::--_ __ _

Shell: Wider at the back than the front. Distinctive patterns with diamond shapes made up of ridges and grooves.

Shell coloration: Varies between individuals of the same subspecies. Some diamondback terrapins have dark rings on light gray or brown shells. Others have solid dark brown or black shells. Hind limbs: Strong, muscular, and webbed. Adapted for fast swimming. Head: Powerful jaws and a sharp, horny beak that is used to tear prey into small pieces.

In the past the diamondback terrapin was almost hunted to extinction for its meat. Today, protective measures and commercial farms make its distinctive shell a more common sight. © MCMXCI IMP BV/IMP INC WILDLIFE FACT FILETM

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0160200381 PACKET 38

"IIIIIIIIIIIII FOOD & HUNTING Instead of teeth, the diamondback terrapin has a strong, horny beak with a sharp cutting edge. It uses its powerful jaw muscles to tear and cut its prey into small pieces. Small prey like aquatic insects are swallowed whole. The terrapin eats small fish, crustaceans, mollusks, insects, worms, and sometimes green water plants. Most marine turtles can drink seawater because their bodies excrete the salt. But the diamondback terrapin can only drink fresh water.

The diamondback terrapin gets its name from the diamond-shaped patterns on its carapace, or

Above: The diamondback terrapin's shell varies greatly in size. The shell of the female may be twice as large as the male's shell.

upper shell. Some shells also have strongly contrasting light and dark colors that accentuate Above right: The diamondback

these patterns. Black dots speckle the terrapin's yellowish head, legs, and lower shell, or plastron.

"IIIIIIIIIIIII HABITS Although the diamondback terrapin belongs to the family of Emydidae freshwater turtles, it actually lives in salt or brackish water near the coast. A diamondback terrapin living in a river usually stays near the mouth. It only travels upriver with the tide. The diamondback terrapin spends most of the day in the water. It floats with its shell down, so only its snout can be seen above the water. It keeps its body steady by paddling slowly with its webbed hind feet. When necessary, it uses its

terrapin basks in the sun during the heat of the day. At night it buries itself in mud, where it remains until morning.

DID YOU KNOW? • The name terrapin comes from a Native American word meaning "little turtle." • A diamondback terrapin held captive in fresh water will develop a skin fungus . When salt is added to the water, the fungus disappears.

• In the 18th century the diamondback terrapin was a cheap source of food for slaves. In the late 19th century terrapin meat was considered a delicacy. By the early 20th century diamondback terrapins were sold for

~--------~~--~~-----------

as much as $120 a dozen . • A female diamondback terrapin can lay fertile eggs for several years after a single mating . This feat is made possible by her ability to store live sperm that is later used to fertilize eggs.

"IIIIIIIIIIIII BREEDING powerful legs to swim quickly. During the hottest parts of the day, the terrapin lies on nearby rocks and basks in the sun for short periods. At night it buries itself in mud. In northern regions the diamondback terrapin digs itself into wet mud to hibernate during the winter. It does not hibernate for a specific period of time and often emerges during milder winter weather to build up its fat reserves. If the weather becomes colder, it digs itself back into the mud.

Most information about the mating and breeding habits of the diamondback terrapin has been gathered at commercial farms. Terrapins are bred at these farms for their meat. Mating occurs in spring when the temperature becomes warmer. Temperature is thought to be the main factor in the onset of mating. In early summer the female chooses a suitable nesting site just above the high water Left: A terrapin hatchling is only an inch long when it emerges from its shell.

mark. Then she digs a hole with her hind legs about a foot deep. She lays 7 to 24 white eggs and covers them with mud and sand. The laying season varies with the location. Depending on her age and size, the female may lay as many as five clutches per year. Hatching occurs about 90 days later. Hatchlings are more brightly colored than adults_ Females are ready to breed when they are about seven years old, but some males may be older before reaching sexual maturity.

" ' CARD 28

ANACONDA "~_____________________G~R~O~U~P~ 3:~R~E~PT~I~lE~S~& ~ A_M~P~H~IB~I~ A~ N~ S _~~ ORDER

FAMILY

GENUS &: SPECIES

Squamata

Boidae

Eunectes murinus

KEY FACTS SIZES Length: Usually up to 16 ft., but snakes over 33 ft. long recorded. Weight: Up to 550 lb., possibly more. BREEDING Sexual maturity: 3-4 years. Mating: Tropical rainy season. No. of young: 20-40, occasionally up to 60. Born live. LIFESTYLE Habit: Solitary, but can form small groups. Active at night. Diet: Large rodents, wild pigs, deer, birds, fish, and aquatic reptiles.

Range of the anaconda.

RELATED SPECIES There are at least two species of anaconda: the green anaconda, Eunectes murinus, and the yellow anaconda, E. notaeus. Both belong to the boa family, which includes the boa constrictor.

DISTRIBUTION The green anaconda is found throughout the basins of the Amazon and Orinoco rivers in tropical South America. The yellow anaconda ranges as far south as Argentina. CONSERVATION The anaconda is threatened by deforestation of its habitat and hunting for its skin. It seldom lives long enough to reach the record sizes reported in the past.

FEATURES OF THE ANACONDA Camouflage: Black patches on the anaconda's back combine with dull background color to blend in with the thick, wet vegetation of its habitat.

The anaconda is the biggest snake in the world, even larger than the Old World python. Yet despite its size and strength, it has few defenses against humans-its main enemy.

Length: The yellow anaconda grows to a maximum of 16 feet. The green anaconda can reach 33 feet and possibly more.

Nostrils: Like the crocodile, the anaconda's nostrils are on top of its snout so it can breathe easily while it is swimming .

WAITING FOR PREY

The anaconda lies coiled in the shallows of a forest stream or pool and waits for prey such as a large rodentto come and drink. It occasionally preys on jaguars but never attacks humans, even from the water. If the anaconda senses the presence of humans, it quietly glides away.

Weight: The heaviest of all snakes, the anaconda is more comfortable swimming than dragging its bulk on land .

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~ FOOD & HUNTING

A larger version of the boa constrictor, the anaconda is a massive snake that kills its prey by squeezing it to death in its powerful coils. It then swallows its victim whole. Although it has

an appetite for prey as large as wild pigs and deer, the huge anaconda is capable of surviving for months and even years without food.

~ HABITAT The abundant streams, rivers, swamps, and pools of the tropical rainforests of Amazonia provide an ideal habitat for the anaconda. This heavy snake is more at home in the water than on land, and it swims with grace and agility. It can stay submerged for over 10 minutes at a time and often lies beneath the surface waiting for prey. The anaconda lets itself be carried downstream on the river's current with only its head breaking the surface.

The anaconda preys on deer, wild pigs, and large rodents such as the agouti, paca, and capybara. It also attacks aquatic animals like the caiman, a relative of the alligator. The anaconda lies in a murky pool to ambush animals coming to drink. It seizes its prey quickly with its sharp teeth and drags it into the water. The victim often drowns before it is killed. Like all boas, the anaconda kills by constriction, coiling itself afound the

prey and squeezing. The snake squeezes tighter each time the animal breathes out so it cannot breathe in again. It quickly dies from suffocation. The anaconda swallows its victims whole. It can stretch its mouth around prey twice the width of its head because its jawbones are loosely attached to its skull and to each other. After a large meal, the anaconda sleeps for several days as it digests and may not feed again for weeks.

Left: Slow on land, the anaconda is quick and deadly in the water.

Above right and right: The

anaconda kills its varied prey by one method-constriction.

DID YOU KNOW? • The anaconda has been known to attack jaguars, and a 26-foot anaconda was reported to have killed a sixand-a-half-foot caiman. • When kept out of the water, an anaconda's body becomes infested with ticks. • In captivity the anaconda

can go without food for months. One captive snake fasted for over two years. • The heaviest of snakes, a 20-foot anaconda weighs more than a 33-foot python. • There have been reports of 1 30-foot anacondas, but they have not been proven.

~ BREEDING Then it drifts to the bank and glides away into the thick undergrowth. The anaconda usually hunts at night. It spends the day lying in the shallows or basking in the sun, draped over the branches of a tree at the water's edge. Like most snakes, it can climb well and it uses trees for refuge from predators. Only the most powerful predator, however, can subdue a full-grown anaconda. Right: The anaconda may sleep

for days while it digests its prey.

The anaconda is normally solitary with its own fixed hunting area. But at the onset of the rainy season each female in breeding condition gives off a scent known as a pheromone, which is picked up by a nearby male. He makes his way toward the female, with his forked tongue flicking as he follows the scent trail. During courtship the male presses his body to the female's. With his tongue still flicking, he works his way up until his head is resting on her neck. He then

erects his spurs, a pair of tiny hind limbs whose use in mating is unique' to boas and pythons. The male uses them to tickle the female's vent region, encouraging her to mate. Most snakes lay eggs, but the anaconda gives birth to live young. The female usually produces 20 to 40 young, each about two feet long. Within hours of birth young snakes can swim, hunt, and care for themselves. They feed mainly on frogs and fish until they are big enough to tackle larger prey.

"' CARD 29

GILA MONSTER

'(~-----------------------------------------ORDER CLASS ~

Reptilia

Squamata

Helodermatidae

Heloderma suspectum

KEY FACTS SIZES Length: 1 ~-2 ft. Weight: 3-5 lb. BREEDING Mating season: June to July. Eggs: 3-13. Incubation: About 4 months. LIFESTYLE Habit: Solitary, burrowing. Grounddwelling and active at night. Diet: Rodents, birds and their young, eggs, lizards, frogs, large invertebrates. Occasionally feeds on carrion and small mammals. Lifespan: Up to 20 years in captivity. RELATED SPECIES The Mexican beaded lizard, Heloderma horridum, is the other member of the family Helodermatidae and the only other venomous lizard. It is larger than the Gila monster.

Range of the Gila monster. DISTRIBUTION Found in northwestern Mexico and the southwestern United States, including parts of Arizona, California, Nevada, Utah, and New Mexico. CONSERVATION The Gila monster is threatened because its habitat is being taken over by farming . It has also been caught in large numbers for the pet trade but is now protected by law in Arizona .

FEATURES OF THE GILA MONSTER

Body: Squat and heavy with a large head. Skin: Has a granular surface. Texture and color provide excellent camouflage among the desert sand and pebbles.

The Gila monster is one of only two lizards in the world that have a venomous bite. Its bite, combined with its ferocious appearance, give it a fearsome reputation that its habits barely match.

Claws: Short but sharp. The Gila monster is well equipped for digging up the eggs of tortoises, snakes, and lizards and for digging its own burrows and egg-laying holes.

Tongue : The Gila monster flicks out its thick, forked tongue to pick up scents. They are conveyed to a special taste organ , called Jacobsen's organ, in the roof of its mouth. © MCMXCI IMP BV/IMP INC WILDLIFE FACT FILpM

Tail : The short, thick tail contains a fat store that enables the Gila monster to survive periods without food . PRINTED IN U.S.A.

0160200431 PACKET 43

~ FOOD &: HUNTING When hunting, the Gila monster relies on its senses of taste and smell rather than its eyes. When it detects the aroma of prey, the Gila monster tracks it across the desert. As it moves, it flicks out its forked tongue to taste the scent particles that have been left on the ground. Because it moves slowly, the Gila monster must snatch unaware animals with its sharp teeth or catch prey that cannot escape easily. Its victims include birds' eggs and nestlings as well as rodents, frogs, Left: The Gila monster tracks prey by tasting scent trails on the ground with its tongue.

The Gila monster roams the desert of the American Southwest and nearby Mexico at twilight. As it heaves its heavy body across the sand and rocks, it flicks its tongue in search of prey. Although it can kill relatively large mammals and birds, this slow-moving lizard eats mostly insects, eggs, and newly hatched birds.

~ HABITS The Gila monster inhabits arid and semiarid parts of northern Mexico and the American Southwest. It prefers areas that get just enough moisture to support a few shrubs. The Gila monster is inactive much of the time, hiding under rocks and in burrows. It excavates burrows or takes them from rodents. In winter the Gira- monster lies dormant in a burrow and lives on fat deposits in its tail. In summer

it avoids the heat by coming out only at twilight. It moves sluggishly and tastes the air with its thick, forked tongue to assess its surroundings. If danger threatens, the Gila monster usually escapes into its burrow. If cornered, it inflates its body, lifts its head, and hisses. It may then lunge sideways and bite its enemy. Right: The Gila monster's body is covered with beadlike scales of

black and yellow or pink.

lizards, insects, centipedes, and worms. The Gila monster also feeds on carrion (the remains of dead animals). It swallows most prey whole but usually breaks eggs to eat the contents. The Gila monster's bite contains poison that attacks the nervous system of its prey. The venom is strong enough to kill mammals and birds, but it does not seem to be important for hunting. Most of the Gila monster's victims are small enough to be subdued with its jaws and teeth. The venom may be more useful to the Gila monster as a defense against its enemies.

DID YOU KNOW? • A few people have died from being bitten by a Gila monster, but they were already in poor health. • It has been reported that the Gila monster may flip over while its jaws are still clamped on to prey. This move may help its venom flow into the wound.

• Many myths surround the Gila monster. It has been said to possess magical powers and to be impossible to kill. • Few animals have been known to kill a Gila monster in the wild, but a snake has been seen preying on one. • The Gila monster is named for the Gila Basin in Arizona.

Above: The

Gila monster may break into rodents' nests to seize both young and adults. It can swallow a mouse whole.

~ BREEDING Mating is a slow process that lasts up to an hour and usually occurs in early summer. Later in the year, the female Gila monster lays a batch of large, oval leathery eggs in a hole she has dug with her forefeet. She then covers them with sand. The eggs lie about five inches under the surface, and the sun

heating the sand warms them. After about four months the young break free from their shells and crawl to the surface. They are only four inches long. Their coloring is usually more vivid than that of the adults. Above: The female Gila monster

lays her eggs in a hole in the sand and leaves them to incubate.

Ia... SPECIAL ADAPTATIONS Most venomous reptiles inject their venom into prey. But the Gila monster lets its poison flow into the wound it has made. Its poison glands are modified salivary glands. When the lizard bites, the glands empty their poison into a fleshy groove. The venom runs into grooves on the lizard's teeth and into the wound through the bite.

The Gila monster bites very hard, almost half an inch deep. It hangs on with its viselike jaws to let the venom flow in. It may chew to tear the flesh so the venom penetrates still further. People who have been bitten by a Gila monster suffer great pain but rarely die. The main problem is forcing the lizard to release its grip.

' " CARD 30

MUDPUPPY , ,_______________________G_R_O_U_P_3_:_R_EP_T_IL_E_S_N__ A_M_P_H_IB_IA __ N_ S _"~

~

CLASS

ORDER

Amphibia

Caudata

....

FAMILY

~ Proteidae

....

GENUS & SPECIES

~ Necturu5 maculo5u5

KEY FACTS SIZE Length : 8-13 in . BREEDING Sexual maturity: 5-7 years. Mating: Late summer to fall. No. of eggs: Usually 30-200, with extremes of 18-880. Hatching: 5-9 weeks, depending on temperature. LIFESTYLE Habit: Night-active, but generally sedentary. Diet: Small fish and their eggs, insects, and invertebrates. Lifespan: Up to 20 years.

Range of the mudpuppy.

DISTRIBUTION RELATED SPECIES There are 4 other species in the genus Necturu5, all called waterdogs. Each species is confined to a few rivers along the coast of the southeastern United States. They are all closely related to the olm, Proteu5 anguinu5, of southeastern

The range of the mudpuppy extends across eastern North America into the Midwest. CONSERVATION The number of mud puppies is difficult to measure, but they seem to be in decline due to habitat destruction . The mudpuppy is less threatened than its European relative, the olm .

Europe.

FEATURES OF THE MUDPUPPY

carry essential oxygen to the blood . The gills are bigger if the mudpuppy lives in dirty water. Coloring: Khaki with blue-black spots. Provides camouflage in debris on the bottom of a lake, pond , or river, particularly in murky water. Tail: Large , blade-shaped, and strong. Propels the mudpuppy when it swims.

Legs: Stubby and not very powerful. Each foot has 4 toes . The legs enable the mudpuppy to crawl , but it moves mostly by swimming .

The mudpuppy is a remarkable North American salamander whose lifecycle is entirely aquatic. It lurks on the bottoms of rivers, lakes, and ponds, out of the sight of most humans. ©MCMXCVI IMP BV/IMP INC . WILDLIFE FACT FILETM

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US P 6001 12054 PACKET 54

~ FOOD &: FEEDING

The mudpuppy has a thoroughly misleading name. Although the first part of its name suggests that it lives in mud, this sluggish amphibian is just as likely to live in clear water. Given the second part of its name, one might expect the mudpuppy to bark, but it does not-although it may whine if taken from the safety of its underwater home.

~

CHARACTERISTICS

The mudpuppy lives in sheltered pockets amid rocks or debris in lakes and rivers in the eastern half of North America. The adult is darkly colored with well-spaced blue-black spots to provide camouflage. A dark stripe runs through its eyes, and it has a spotted, grayish belly. The adult mudpuppy retains the bushy external gills of the larval stage. The deep maroon gills are arranged in three pairs that protrude from the back of the head. Their shape and size vary, depending on the mudpuppy's environment. In warm, stagnant water, the gills are

large and bushy and kept constantly in motion . But in cool water that contains plenty of oxygen, the gills are small and contracted. The mudpuppy apparently needs a high level of oxygen to thrive. The mudpuppy has a range of only 650 feet, and it seldom moves far from its home on the bed of a lake or river. Although it has four legs with four toes on each, its legs are short and weak, suitable only for crawling over the mud. The mudpuppy moves faster by swimming with its legs held out of the way, against the sides of its body.

The mudpuppy's coloring provides effective camouflage, so it is able to survive as a passive predator, lying in wait for the current to bring it small fish, fish eggs, aquatic insects, mollusks, and crustaceans. Crayfish are a mainstay of the mudpuppy's diet. In the Mississippi Valley, the mud puppy assists farmers in controlling these crustaceans, which graze on rice crops and damage them. But

the mud puppy is less popular with fishermen, who use crayfish as bait. The mudpuppy is primarily a nocturnal predator, although it may emerge to feed during the day. It is most likely to do this if its habitat is muddy or choked with weeds, so that it can remain hidden. Usually, the mudpuppy spends the day hiding under stones or lying buried in the mud of the lake bed.

Left: The mudpuppy mates in late summer, but it does not lay eggs until the next spring.

Right: Although its tiny legs allow the mudpuppy to crawl, it usually

moves by swimming. Left: The mud-

puppy's fine gills let it extract vital oxygen from even stagnant water. In clean water, which is high in oxygen, the gills are small and move less frequently.

DID YOU KNOW? • The mudpuppy's ugly appearance has led to the belief that it is poisonous. It does have poison glands in its skin, but the toxin is not strong enough to affect humans. • It is thought that the mudpuppy can disentangle the filaments of its gills by using one of its forefeet as a "comb."

~ BREEDING

The mudpuppy follows a delayed spawning pattern . Mating occurs in late summer or early fall, before the adults enter their dormant winter state. The female does not lay her yellowish eggs until spring. Depending on her size, she lays from 20 to over 200 eggs at a time. The female attaches each egg, encased in a tiny jelly envelope, to the undersides of rocks or debris. A sandy hollow in the riverbed may also serve as a nest. During the five to nine weeks Left: The mudpuppy larva has gills,

which it retains as an adult, unlike most salamanders.

• Mudpuppies can withstand great drops in temperature. Many mudpuppies have been sighted crawling under the ice of frozen lakes. • Mudpuppies established themselves in New England when unused laboratory specimens were turned loose several decades ago.

it takes the eggs to hatch, the mother keeps a close guard on them-unusual behavior for an amphibian . Although she looks harmless, the female can give a sharp nip if threatened. The young hatch with the yolk sac still attached to their undersides. The yolk nourishes them for about two months, until they are about an inch and a half long and can feed themselves. The young are born with the species' characteristic bladelike tail and horizontally flattened head . They quickly build up the robust body shape of the adult.