Germany, a country with a rich history and diverse landscapes, is characterized by impressive biocultural diversity. From the dense forests of the low mountain ranges to the expansive coastlines of the north, Germany offers a wide range of ecosystems and habitats. The flora is diverse, encompassing a wealth of plant species, including deciduous and coniferous trees in the forests, as well as typical German flowers like the Edelweiss in the Alps. The fauna is also abundant, with a variety of bird species in the forests and wetlands, as well as mammals such as deer, wild boar, and foxes. German culture is closely connected to nature, and the protection and preservation of biocultural diversity play an important role in the country's environmental and conservation movements. Despite urban development and environmental pressures, conserving this diversity remains crucial for Germany's future and the well-being of its residents.
A reptile that hugs you is only looking for your warmth or tries to eat you.
Kleptothermy, theft of warmth, is a form of thermoregulation. It occurs in a wide variety of animal species, including human. For example when we cuddle up because it's cold.
Reptiles* cannot create body heat themselves. Their metabolism is dependent on external heat sources.
When your reptile hugs it body against you, it certainly feels safe. But it doesn't do it out of affection, but because you are warm.
It's still a nice feeling.
You should always keep in mind, that it's better for the animal not to take it out of the terrarium.
My leopard geckos are about to winter rest. I initiate a near-natural rest at a temperature of around 12°C. It's important to get an accurate picture of the animals health beforehand. This includes taking fecal samples, scanning the body for abnormalities and assessing the strength of the animal.
*From a cladistic point of view, which is the scientific standard today, the reptiles as a monophyletic taxon, i.e. as a natural (complete) descent group (Reptilia as clade), should at least also contain the birds, which are warm-blooded.
Desert locusts (Shistocerca gregaria) only do two things 🤷♂️
I feed them alive to my animals. I have also tried freeze-dried grasshoppers myself. Tasted a little like sunflower seeds. Did you ever eat insects and did you like it? 😋
When I do something with the terrarium, Dakota always has to watch what's going on. He's very headstrong and likes to design himself. No idea where he got this from. 🤷♂️
It's a big big world for a tiny baby lizard, less than two centimeters tall. 🥺
Native to the Bahamas and Cuba, this iguanian species has widely been introduced to other places like the United States, Mexico and Taiwan. Their eggs often travel via the soil of plant pots. Like other anole, it can change color. In this case from brown to black. The coloration depends on their mood and activity. Brown anole are very communicative in visual ways.
