ExoticReptilesNZ

Whatever it was, it was a ridiculous amount to expect from graduate students. Apparently the landowner was notified and the pesky fisherman were banned from that particular lake.

Nice. While I was there I heard a story about 2 Russian girls that had booked a 3-week trip to see the penguins and giraffe in the "Madagascar" movie. I assume they were bit disappointed...

Wow! Those photos are great! Especially the first one. Calendar quality!

Awesome. I've done both and am still struggling to pick a favourite...

Tell me about it. My tour guide wanted to check my bag after I saw the baby ring-tailed lemurs (there were twins...flipping adorable)...

Here are a few pics from my time in Madagascar earlier this year. Admittedly, most of the reptile photos are from a reptile park. I did see heaps of species in the wild, but the photos of the captives turned out better Hope you like.

Good idea, but I don't think it would make a difference. Bones were prevalent in every meal, and you simply spat them on the table (or the floor, depending on the establishment).

I'll see what I can dig up. I also spent some time in Madagascar beforehand...could put a few pics up if you're keen?

Good points, Henward. I found it really interesting that some animals were regarded as very special (i.e., swallows) and were automatically protected and revered, whereas other animals (i.e., turtles) have always been regarded as a food item. It's just how it is, and there is no easy way to change a long-standing and traditional aspect of a culture. Admittedly, I did have a few "Why am I bothering?" moments...China is a very challenging place to do turtle conservation, but a fascinating place as well. I am hoping to head back next year.

I meant folk's collections of frogs and reptiles...not venereal disease

Thanks, Mark. Hope you are doing well. I'd love to catch up soon

Fair enough. Red-eared sliders are rampant over there, but apparently the Chinese consider them "inferior" to the native (and endangered) species. Many more native species make it into the dinner pot, unfortunately. Any ideas on how to change a long-ingrained, cultural way of thinking?

Long time, no forum. For those who don't know me, I did a PhD on exotic reptiles in NZ (http://researcharchive.vuw.ac.nz/bitstr ... sequence=1). Again, a big thank-you to those of you who took part in my Salmonella survey. I've spent a large portion of this year in China doing native turtle conservation work (challenging in a culture that simply wants to eat them) as well as investigating the impact of introduced red-eared slider turtles on native species... A few pics below. Hope everyone and their herps are doing well. Markets. Baby Reeves at University. Big red-eared slider.

Stella, you might like this one too.... http://graphjam.memebase.com/2011/03/10 ... rpetology/