Sharing the Love

Since I started keeping reptiles a few years ago now, I have been very pleased with the opportunity it presents to talk to people about them.  Most recently this has been the result of my new geckos stirring up plenty of interest at work and beyond.  Of course I get plenty of funny looks and much interest at the fact that I keep Dragons and even a snake.  I guess it must startle people somewhat that an otherwise average looking Joe like me is 'into that sort of thing'.  I think on the whole, most people would be surprised just how many people are.  But, that is another story entirely.

I've always liked things that are unique, or at least a little different.  I suppose that is what must have at least in some way drawn  me to keeping reptiles.  However, it is the peculiarities of the ACT licensing system that has lead me to keep a far greater variety of animals than I ever thought possible (and even sensible if I am honest about it).

Now that I am actually able to keep geckos, the animals that I originally set out to have, I've started to reflect a little.  What I think strikes me most is the opportunities to learn and share with others about these fascinating animals, in particular with my kids.  Quite spontaneously this afternoon, I took Lacey outside to take some photos and the kids joined in.  I'm really happy that they are so comfortable with her and that I have been able to provide them with interesting insights into topics such as genetics, reproduction and the care and safety issues associated with animals.  You can see from these photos that they are both more than happy to interact with Lacey, as they are with all our animals.  I dubbed our youngest the snake charmer this afternoon.  The way she handled Lacey showed me just how much she has learned and really how much she has grown up.  Even if she is still only four.

I guess the point of my self indulgent monologue today is partly to show off my beautiful girls, but, also to articulate how much I enjoy sharing my interest in the hobby of keeping reptiles.  It's great to see the expressions on peoples faces go through a variety of shock, polite interest and sometimes even some wide eyed wonder.  Perhaps the most pleasing part of it is that I've been able to help a few others get started in the hobby as well.  From my two seasons of breeding Dragons, four of my babies are now in homes that knew nothing about keeping reptiles previously.  I was more than happy to gift them to their knew owners on the basis that they had the right set ups, knowledge and intent to care for them.  So far so good.  Here's to many more years with these great pets!

The Wait is Over!

 It may have taken nearly 3 years to get my license, but, the wait was more than worth it.  Today, we took possession of a pair of Golden Tail Geckos (Strophurus taenicauda triaureus).  They came on a plane from Melbourne and we picked them up at the airport.  This picture is of them still in the container in which they were lovingly packed this morning.

This yet to be named pair are male and female and have successfully bred this season.  Their former owner sold them to me as she is downsizing her collection.  I am completely thrilled at the opportunity this presented me to start keeping geckos with this species and these individuals.  The arboreal Strophurus genus, often called spiney tails caught my eye some time ago, over the more popular terrestrial species commonly kept by enthusiasts.  I like their slender tails and find their markings more appealing to my eyes at least.  Despite often being called spiney golden tails because of their classification, this particular species does not posses the spines often associated with their cousins like Strophurus ciliaris.

Interestingly this species was recently reclassified into three subspecies, hence the triple barrel name of Genus, species and subspecies (Strophurus taenicauda triaureus).  Normally only genus and species are used to classify animals.  The name translated means, turning-tail, stripe-tail, three golden.  This is because not only do these guys have a single well defined golden stripe down the top side of their tails, but, they have one less prominent stripe down either side of their tails as well.  They are commonly referred to as the barred form of golden tails which I assume is because of the neat rows of black and white stripes running vertically opposed to the golden stripes running the length of their tails.  The sub species is also distinct from the two other species in a few other ways, including their amber eye colour.  The other two sub species have red, and white eyes respectively.  If you are interested in reading more, check out the reclassification document on Danny Brown's site GeckoDan.

I must say that I was taken aback when I opened the tightly sealed container and saw these guys in the flesh for the first time.  They are stunningly beautiful and my pictures do not do them justice.  Everything from their amber eyes, black and white markings right through to their golden striped tails is just breathtaking.  I am so looking forward to watching and learning more about these little guys first hand.  With any luck they will breed for me this coming season too.  Another great experience to share with the kids.  For now, they are settling into their new home and I'm trying to think of some groovy names for them.