Rare Jewels-Bismark Ringed Python

Rare Jewels is a repeating segment where I spotlight a species of reptile that’s not very common in the pet trade. A lot of attention goes out to animals like corn snakes, ball pythons, leopard geckos and the like (for good reason!), so this is an opportunity to take a peek at some of the more obscure species. Simply because there are so many incredible options to choose from, it’s nice to highlight ones you might not have heard of before.

So the first feature of the column goes to the beautiful Bismark Ringed Python. These beauties from the Bismark archipelago off of Papua New Guinea begin their life bright orange and black, then turn golden as they age. One of the characteristic features is their black head, which has the appearance of a mask with a colored spot around their eye. For these burrowing snakes, the dark head helps absorb sunlight while the rest of their body is concealed underground. They are a medium sized snake, getting about six or seven feet and staying fairly slender. Another neat thing about these pythons is that they like it cooler than most, only needing basking temperatures of about 85 degrees. As a group, the ringed python is known to be a bit of a reluctant feeder when they’re young, but morph into having a ferocious appetite as they get older.
Unfortunately these snakes are not too common in Canada as of yet, though they are seen more frequently in the United States, so are not impossible for a determined collector to get a hold of! Before you purchase one, try to take a look at the parents, since these snakes go through such a massive color change over time. High contrast in between the rings is what is often preferred with these snakes, so look for that in the parents!

* Photo obtained from Google Images, unfortunately I have never had the chance to see one of these in person!

Pictures Might Be Better Than Words-Bolivian Boas

For any of you who have visited my website or seen some of my posts on the forum, you've probably seen my obssession with the short-tailed Bolivian Boa Constrictor. So take a look at this video to hear some cool info about them, and watch one in action! (Yes, that's me!)

Scales Nature Park

Scales Nature Park located a couple minutes north of Barrie is a new place for reptile lovers and other naturalists to visit, but the faces are not! The operation is carried on by Jeff and Jenny Hathaway of Sciensational Snakes, a company that has been promoting reptile and amphibian conservation through hands-on, educational programs in the Simcoe and Grey county area for years now.
Each reptile nature center or zoo throughout Ontario has a uniqueness that makes each and every one a joy to visit. One awesome thing about the Scales Nature Park is that they have the most complete collection of native Canadian reptiles and amphibians. These animals are highly protected by the law, so getting the chance to see all of them up close and personal is a real treat. We’re talking fox snakes, black rats, hognose, garters of a billion different colors, smooth greens snakes and more-don’t forget all the turtles! Snappers, spotted, painteds and musk, all in beautiful and naturally laid out exhibits. They also have exotic species and educate kids and adults alike about the difference between good and not so good reptile pets. Know that cute baby boa or Burmese python you were eyeing up in the pet store? Well wrap one of the adults at the Scales Nature Park around your shoulders and see if you still want one! I think you’ll find the friendly corns, kings and milks end up making the better pet!
But the unique collection isn’t even the best part. What about getting the chance to touch and hold just about all of them? Friendly staff members loaded with facts and willing to answer your questions bring out animals of all shapes and sizes for you to experience.
If you’re finished up in there, step outside, visit some of the turtles and tortoises hanging around out there, then go for a walk on the nature trail! On my trip I was lucky to spot a wild garter snake, but if you’re lucky you may spot turtles in the pond too! Another helpful and enthusiastic guide came with us and told us neat facts about the trees, edible plants and the other vegetation.
This is a place that’s well worth the trip, check them out at scalesnaturepark.ca!

Life in Cold Blood-Documentary Review

BBC is well known for some fantastic documentaries. Life in Cold Blood is a five part series that features both reptiles and amphibians. If you manage to catch this on TV, or find it at your local movie store, I recommend watching it! It’s split into hour long segments that feature different groups, such as one for snakes and one for lizards, so you can watch them all or just the ones most interesting to you.
The depth and detail of the documentary beats any book or internet source you can pick up, simply because it shows you some things a book just can’t cover comprehensively. You have the chance to see some absolutely amazing bits of behavior in a wide variety of species, probably some you’ve never even heard of. The film quality is astounding, and it’s like sitting back and watching a stunning photographer’s snapshot-just in motion!
The DVD also features ‘under the skin’, which goes even more in depth and behind the scenes by showing you how they filmed some things, or introducing you to some of the scientists they worked with.
Some highlights of the show were some of the complex and warm behaviors that are not often associated with reptiles, such as the Australian shingleback. Scientists have been following the shinglebacks, and have discovered that they appear to mate for life. The same male and female will spend several months of each year together before parting ways, only to find each other again the next year. One of the pairs they’ve been researching have been together for over 20 years! They are so dedicated, even if one is hit by a car, the other will stay by its side for several weeks. This behavior is only one of many incredible ones you’ll see if you watch the series.