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The ‘ Wrangler ’ Writes ... iHerp Australia
Welcome to the first issue of iHerp Australia , the new Australian-based , digital , interactive magazine for anyone interested in reptiles and amphibians .
Our philosophy is simple . We will bring you the most up-to-date material from the best authors and photographers . We aim to include something for everyone , and the content of each issue will be carefully balanced to ensure that all of our readers can derive something useful , thought provoking , or of interest . In response to a number of requests , we have already developed a dedicated section for newcomers , ‘ What ’ s New ?’ which will include vital information on basic husbandry ( provided by Ben Dessen of Kellyville Pets ), along with product reviews , news , explanations of concepts and veterinary advice .
This first issue also contains compelling articles by some of Australia ’ s most respected herpetological writers . Conservation crusader Dr Gavin Bedford has been galvanised by the fall-out of the ‘ biggest protected wildlife seizure anywhere in Australia ’ and has managed to obtain some exclusive images . Noted author Kit Prendergast reports on a native frog that has made a miraculous comeback , while famed Green Tree Python breeder Michael Cermak demonstrates that it can be very challenging to identify the origins of these beautiful snakes . Plus Neville Burns is surveying snakes , and there is a feature on breeding bluetongues in Tasmania . ‘ Mad Science ’ is a regular column which is devoted to recent research , and ‘ Historical Herpetology ’ provides a glimpse into the past . Don ’ t forget that there are a heap of hyperlinks embedded wherever you see a web address or URL – there are even direct links to articles in the table of contents !
Keep an eye out for new issues of iHerp Australia every second month . Whilst the digital format has significant advantages , including the ability to include interactive elements , for those who would prefer printed copy , we are still investigating print on demand , and these is also the possibility of an annual printed volume .
It would be remiss of me not to mention a couple of people who have been instrumental in bringing you this magazine . Andy Round has worked tirelessly to develop our website and provide invaluable technical expertise ( plus some cool photos ), while Vince Pintaudi has been all over social media ! iHerp Australia has been created to fill a vacuum , and all of us believe it ’ s something that our hobby needs . We are extremely grateful to our major sponsors ; VenomGear , Kellyville Pets , Amazing Amazon , The Reptile Doctor and Aussie Fauna Silkworms , all of whom are on board because they also believe this magazine will be beneficial to people interested in reptiles and amphibians . Please support us by supporting them whenever you can .
We certainly hope you enjoy our first issue . Remember iHerp Australia is accessible to everyone , because it ’ s completely FREE to download . So tell your friends and ask them to subscribe ; there ’ s no reason not to . And while you ’ re at it , don ’ t forget to visit our Facebook page for some great giveaways and competitions . A big thank you to all the businesses and individuals who have donated prizes ; you can find all their details on our website . We ’ ve got a new classifieds section – it ’ s free too .
Happy Herping !
John McGrath
CONTENTS
Back from the Brink : Fleay ’ s Barred Frog
Breeding Tasmanian Blotched
Blue-tongues
On the trail of Illegal Immigrants :
Native vs exotic Green Tree Pythons
Nature extinguished by the push for a healthy bottom line !
( the ‘ biggest protected wildlife
seizure anywhere in Australia ’)
What ’ s New ?
Ben ’ s Reptile 101 : Getting Started
A Breed Apart ( amazing Australian herps )
In Print & What ’ s New
Please Explain ? What is a thermal gradient
& why do I need one ?
Projections and Protuberances ; strange scaly serpentine structures
Mad Science : the latest cool reptile research from around the globe
Nev goes North ... Surveying Snakes
Historical Herpetology : a Redoubtable Victorian
Publisher : John McGrath iherp @ iherpaustralia . com . au
IT & Marketing : Andy Round marketing @ iherpaustralia . com . au
Social Media : Vince Pintaudi
Additional Design : Rachael Hammond rachael @ hammond . net
Matt Jackson www . isonic . net . au Next Issue : September 2017 . Website : www . iherpaustralia . com . au
Issue 1 | July-August 2017
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Facebook : www . facebook . com / iherpaustralia /
Postal Address : 12 Haines Street Mitcham , Victoria , 3132
Advertising Enquiries : iherp @ iherpaustralia . com . au marketing @ iherpaustralia . com . au
On the cover : Green Tree Python photographed by Michael Cermak
Disclaimer : The opinions expressed in our published works are those of the author ( s ) and do not reflect the opinions of iHerp Australia or its editors . The information contained has been obtained by iHerp Australia from sources believed to be reliable . However , neither iHerp Australia nor its authors guarantees the accuracy or completeness of any information published herein and neither iHerp Australia nor its authors shall be responsible for any errors , omissions , or claims for damages , including exemplary damages , arising out of use , inability to use , or with regard to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information contained in iHerp Australia publications . All rights reserved .
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