Captive Reptile and Amphibian Husbandry Code of Practice PDF

Code of Practice Captive Reptile and Amphibian Husbandry Nature Conservation Act 1992  The State of Queensland, Department of Environment and Science, 2020 Copyright protects this publication. Except for purposes permitted by the Copyright Act, reproduction by whatever means is prohibited without prior written permission of the Department of Environment and Science. Requests for permission should be addressed to Department of Environment and Science, GPO Box 2454 Brisbane QLD 4001. Author: Department of Environment and Science Email: [email protected] Approved in accordance with section 174A of the Nature Conservation Act 1992. Acknowledgments: The Department of Environment and Science (DES) has prepared this code in consultation with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and recreational reptile and amphibian user groups in Queensland. Human Rights compatibility The Department of Environment and Science is committed to respecting, protecting and promoting human rights. Under the Human Rights Act 2019, the department has an obligation to act and make decisions in a way that is compatible with human rights and, when making a decision, to give proper consideration to human rights. When acting or making a decision under this code of practice, officers must comply with that obligation (refer to Comply with Human Rights Act). References referred to in this code- Bustard, H.R. (1970) Australian lizards. Collins, Sydney. Cann, J. (1978) Turtles of Australia. Angus and Robertson, Australia. Cogger, H.G. (2018) Reptiles and amphibians of Australia. Revised 7th Edition, CSIRO Publishing. Plough, F. (1991) Recommendations for the care of amphibians and reptiles in academic institutions. National Academy Press: Vol.33, No.4. Tyler, M.J. (1998) Australian Frogs. A Natural History. Cornell University Press. Weigel, J. (1990) Care of Australian reptiles in captivity. Reptile Keepers Association, Gosford. Wilson, S.K. (2013) Australian lizards. A Natural History. CSIRO Publishing. Page 2 of 45 220820 Department of Environment and Science Code of Practice Captive reptile and amphibian husbandry Table of Content Contents Acknowledgments:................................................................................................................................ 2 Table of Content..................................................................................................................................... 3 1. About this code.......................................................................................................................... 7 2. Reptiles and amphibians of Queensland.................................................................................. 8 General information:............................................................................................................................. 8 3. Definitions................................................................................................................................... 8 4. Aims of herpetology................................................................................................................... 8 5. Purpose of code......................................................................................................................... 8 6. Acquisition of reptiles and amphibians.................................................................................... 9 General information:............................................................................................................................. 9 Minimum Standards:............................................................................................................................. 9 7. Selling and giving away reptiles and amphibians.................................................................. 10 General information:........................................................................................................................... 10 8. Transitional exemption for keeping unlicensed amphibians and their return to the wild... 10 General information:........................................................................................................................... 10 Minimum standards:............................................................................................................................ 10 9. Repatriation of the progeny of wild-caught amphibians....................................................... 10 General information:........................................................................................................................... 10 Minimum standards:............................................................................................................................ 11 10. Requirements for safe transport............................................................................................. 11 Containers.......................................................................................................................................... 11 General information:........................................................................................................................... 11 Minimum standards:............................................................................................................................ 11 Thermoregulation.............................................................................................................................. 12 General information:........................................................................................................................... 12 Minimum standards:............................................................................................................................ 13 Air freight............................................................................................................................................ 13 General information:........................................................................................................................... 13 Minimum Standards:........................................................................................................................... 13 11. Records..................................................................................................................................... 14 General information:........................................................................................................................... 14 12. Collection of food reptiles....................................................................................................... 14 General information:........................................................................................................................... 14 Minimum standards:............................................................................................................................ 15 13. Euthanasia................................................................................................................................ 15 General information:........................................................................................................................... 15 Minimum standards:............................................................................................................................ 16 14. Captive husbandry................................................................................................................... 16 General information:........................................................................................................................... 16 Hygiene............................................................................................................................................... 16 General information:........................................................................................................................... 16 Page 3 of 45 220820 Department of Environment and Science Code of Practice Captive reptile and amphibian husbandry Thermal biology................................................................................................................................. 16 General information:........................................................................................................................... 16 Minimum standards:............................................................................................................................ 17 Water requirements........................................................................................................................... 17 General information:........................................................................................................................... 17 Minimum standards:............................................................................................................................ 17 Behaviour of healthy animals........................................................................................................... 18 General information:........................................................................................................................... 18 Management of social behaviours in captivity................................................................................ 18 Minimum standards:............................................................................................................................ 18 Photoperiod........................................................................................................................................ 19 General information:........................................................................................................................... 19 Minimum standards:............................................................................................................................ 19 Housing requirements....................................................................................................................... 19 General information:........................................................................................................................... 19 Minimum standards:............................................................................................................................ 19 15. Amphibians.................................................................................................................................... 20 General information:........................................................................................................................... 20 Minimum standards:............................................................................................................................ 20 Diet..................................................................................................................................................... 20 Frogs................................................................................................................................................... 21 Behaviour of healthy frogs General information:.................................................................................. 21 Housing.............................................................................................................................................. 21 Minimum standards:............................................................................................................................ 21 Diet..................................................................................................................................................... 22 Minimum standards:............................................................................................................................ 23 Captive breeding of frogs General information:................................................................................... 23 16. Reptiles........................................................................................................................................... 24 Freshwater turtles.............................................................................................................................. 24 Housing.............................................................................................................................................. 24 General information:........................................................................................................................... 24 Minimum standards:............................................................................................................................ 24 Diet..................................................................................................................................................... 25 Lizards................................................................................................................................................ 25 General information:........................................................................................................................... 25 Housing.............................................................................................................................................. 25 Minimum standards:............................................................................................................................ 25 as corners and joins do not provide climbable strips. Alternatively, an inward overhang near the top of the cage wall that the lizards cannot climb may be used;.................................................................... 26 Diet..................................................................................................................................................... 27 Minimum standards:............................................................................................................................ 27 Dragon lizards (Family Agamidae).................................................................................................... 27 General information:........................................................................................................................... 27 Minimum standards:............................................................................................................................ 28 Housing.............................................................................................................................................. 28 Page 4 of 45 220820 Department of Environment and Science Code of Practice Captive reptile and amphibian husbandry Minimum standards:............................................................................................................................ 28 Diet..................................................................................................................................................... 29 Minimum standards:............................................................................................................................ 29 Monitors and goannas (Family Varanidae)......................................................................................... 29 Housing.............................................................................................................................................. 29 Minimum standards:............................................................................................................................ 29 General information:........................................................................................................................... 30 Housing.............................................................................................................................................. 30 Diet..................................................................................................................................................... 31 Geckos (Family Gekkonidae)............................................................................................................ 31 General information:........................................................................................................................... 31 Housing.............................................................................................................................................. 31 Minimum standards:............................................................................................................................ 31 Diet..................................................................................................................................................... 32 Minimum standards:............................................................................................................................ 32 Legless lizards (Family Pygopodidae)............................................................................................. 33 General information:........................................................................................................................... 33 Housing.............................................................................................................................................. 33 Minimum standards:............................................................................................................................ 33 Diet..................................................................................................................................................... 33 Minimum standards:............................................................................................................................ 33 Snakes (Families Typhlopidae, Boidae, Acrochordidae, Colubridae, Elapidae (including Hydrophiinae and Laticaudinae)............................................................................................. 33 General information:........................................................................................................................... 33 Dangerous or venomous snakes may only be kept by experienced people who have been issued with the relevant authority to keep Class 2 animals.................................................................................... 34 Housing.............................................................................................................................................. 34 Minimum standards:............................................................................................................................ 34 Blind snakes (Family Typhlopidae).................................................................................................. 35 Housing.............................................................................................................................................. 35 Minimum standards:............................................................................................................................ 35 Diet..................................................................................................................................................... 35 Pythons (Family Boidae)................................................................................................................... 36 General information:........................................................................................................................... 36 Minimum standards:............................................................................................................................ 36 Housing.............................................................................................................................................. 36 Minimum standards:............................................................................................................................ 37 Diet..................................................................................................................................................... 37 Minimum standards:............................................................................................................................ 38 Aquatic and semi-aquatic snakes (Families Acrochordidae (file snakes), Colubridae (Homalopsids), and Elapidae (Laticaudinae (sea kraits) and Hydrophiinae (sea snakes)). 38 General information:........................................................................................................................... 38 Housing.............................................................................................................................................. 39 Minimum standards:............................................................................................................................ 39 Diet..................................................................................................................................................... 39 Minimum standards:............................................................................................................................ 40 Page 5 of 45 220820 Department of Environment and Science Code of Practice Captive reptile and amphibian husbandry Elapids and terrestrial colubrids (Families Elapidae and Colubridae)........................................... 40 General information:........................................................................................................................... 40 Housing.............................................................................................................................................. 40 Minimum standards:............................................................................................................................ 41 Diet..................................................................................................................................................... 42 Minimum standards:............................................................................................................................ 43 17. Dangerous snakes................................................................................................................... 43 Security requirements for dangerous snakes................................................................................. 43 General information:........................................................................................................................... 43 Minimum standards:............................................................................................................................ 44 Equipment required for handling venomous snakes...................................................................... 44 General information:........................................................................................................................... 44 Standards for the captive maintenance of dangerous snakes....................................................... 45 Minimum standards:............................................................................................................................ 45 Page 6 of 45 220820 Department of Environment and Science Code of Practice Captive reptile and amphibian husbandry 1. About this code This code provides minimum acceptable standards for the taking, keeping and use of reptiles and amphibians in Queensland. It also outlines some of the conditions for the conduct of persons involved in the taking, keeping and use of reptiles and amphibians in Queensland. Requirements concerning captive husbandry, transport of reptiles and amphibians and collecting procedures can be sourced from the Table of Contents. This code is intended as a resource for recreational keepers, but may be useful to many types of people, including herpetologists, animal welfare experts and researchers. This code should not be read in isolation. It must be read in conjunction with the Nature Conservation Act 1992 (‘the Act’), the Nature Conservation (Animals) Regulation 2020, the Animal Care and Protection Act 2001 and any other relevant legislation. The Act provides that a person must not take, keep or use a protected animal unless the person is an authorised person or the person is authorised under the Act. A person wishing to keep and use reptiles or amphibians for recreational purposes needs a standard licence. Advanced and specialised licences are also available for people wishing to keep a greater number of reptiles or amphibians including dangerous snakes for recreation, breeding and to sell. Licence holders should make sure they are familiar with the relevant sections in the Act and the Regulation. The Animal Care and Protection Act 2001 deals with matters such as cruelty, duty of care to animals, feeding of live prey to animals and humane killing of animals. These are all issues of importance to persons keeping animals in captivity. People who keep reptiles and amphibians also need to consider other laws, including those made by local government that may deal with the keeping and use of animals (including reptiles and amphibians). If you obtain a licence under the Act that does not specify a limit on the number of animals that you may keep under the licence, local government may still limit the number of animals you may keep within their respective jurisdiction. If you are uncertain about the laws that apply in your local area you should contact your local council. This code is based on the knowledge and technology available at the time of publication. To maintain high standards of animal welfare and avoid personal injury, it is essential that a commonsense approach prevail at all times when dealing with reptiles and amphibians. The basic behavioural, anatomical and physiological needs of various reptiles and amphibians are considered in this code. The importance of knowledge of the particular species involved cannot be overemphasised. A sound knowledge of particular species enables the early detection of signs of distress and disease, so that the cause can be identified, and prompt, appropriate remedial action taken. The basic requirements for the wellbeing of native animals are: a) appropriate and sufficient food and water to sustain health and vitality b) sufficient area with appropriate environmental features to maintain their well-being and in which they can exhibit normal behaviour c) protection from predation d) protection from injury and disease, including providing veterinary treatment e) protection from extremes of climate, particularly when young or injured Page 7 of 45 220820 Department of Environment and Science Code of Practice Captive reptile and amphibian husbandry f) protection from pain, distress and suffering. 2. Reptiles and amphibians of Queensland General information: Queensland has the largest number of species of frogs and reptiles of any Australian state. Cogger (2019) lists as occurring in Queensland – 110 species of frogs, 17 species of turtles, 248 species of lizards, 107 species of snakes (including sea snakes) and two species of crocodiles. This code is designed to provide basic information on the requirements of captive reptiles and amphibians but does not provide specific information for each of the 484 species. Although the use of scientific names has been kept to a minimum in this code, it is sometimes necessary and often convenient to refer to an animal by its scientific name. Many species of Australian reptiles and amphibians do not presently have recognised common names and it is only by referring to the scientific name that we can accurately identify particular animals. 3. Definitions In this Code of Practice – adult where minimum cage sizes are described for adult specimens, an adult reptile or amphibian means any individual whose snout-vent length or total length falls within the size recorded for that species in Cogger (2019). herpetofauna any species of frogs, crocodiles, lizards, snakes or turtles. This includes their eggs and, in the case of frogs, their larval stages including their eggs, tadpoles or other non-adult forms and is used as a substitute for the term ‘reptiles and amphibians’. herpetology the study of reptiles and amphibians including the breeding and keeping of reptiles and amphibians in captivity for non-commercial, or hobby purposes. minimum standards minimum requirements that must be complied with to ensure the likelihood of escape, injury or ill-health to captive reptiles and amphibians is minimised. Other terms are defined in the Act and the Regulations. 4. Aims of herpetology The aims of herpetology are the: a) maintenance of reptiles and amphibians in a captive environment b) acquisition of knowledge of the biology and behavioural ecology of reptiles and amphibians through the study of reptiles and amphibians in captivity c) maintenance of the genetic integrity through sound captive breeding management d) conservation of various species and particularly those whose numbers are falling in the wild. 5. Purpose of code The purpose of this code is to: a) provide standards for the safe housing and maintenance of native reptiles and amphibians in captivity, which ensure that the likelihood for escape of, injury or illness to the reptiles and amphibians is minimised; and Page 8 of 45 220820 Department of Environment and Science Code of Practice Captive reptile and amphibian husbandry b) describe protocols for the collection and repatriation of native reptiles and amphibians, in order to protect and conserve wild populations. 6. Acquisition of reptiles and amphibians General information: It is recommended that any person wishing to acquire reptiles and amphibians for the first time should learn as much as possible about the species beforehand. Responsible breeders will not supply animals to people who do not hold the necessary licence and demonstrate or possess an appropriate level of knowledge, skills and experience. It is important that recreational and educational value is not mistakenly linked to rarity. Since least concern species are frequently hardier in captive situations and may exhibit more interesting behaviours than some threatened species, keepers’ efforts should be directed at those animals most likely to thrive and be more engaging rather than towards those that are rare and kept for no other reason. Holders of a standard licence should look for reptiles or amphibians that are interesting to watchand and to study aspects of the life history of the species held (e.g. social behaviour, growth, reproductive biology and welfare needs). Care is needed when acquiring captive reptiles and amphibians to ensure that the individuals to be acquired are free from disease and external parasites. Some parasites, which affect reptiles in captivity, include the native red or orange mites that feed off body tissue and the snake mite (Ophionyssus natricis) that feeds off blood. While parasites of any nature will affect the behaviour and stress levels of a captive reptile, the snake mite can cause severe health issues leading to the death of reptiles if left untreated. Snake mites reproduce very quickly and build up to high numbers, causing infections from their feeding, especially within nostrils, skin folds and eyes. If left untreated, they have a serious effect on both snakes and lizards (there is evidence that the mite may be a vector for disease transfer and may be very difficult to eliminate when not kept in check). Early detection of parasitic infestation is vital to ensure the health and well-being of captive reptiles and amphibians. Where mites have been present in a collection, keepers should conduct regular close inspections of all specimens for the early indications of mite infestation (tiny white spots, raised scales, body or snout-rubbing). Minimum Standards: People who acquire a new specimen must quarantine the animal from other captive reptiles or amphibians for a minimum period of seven days. To minimise the likelihood of spread of disease, both from wild stock to captive stock and vice versa, animals taken from the wild under a damage mitigation permit or a rehabilitation permit must not be housed with captive-bred animals. Animals must be inspected thoroughly for parasites (including native red or orange mites and the snake mite) under bright light within 24 hours of acquisition. If any parasitic infestation is detected or the animal shows signs of illness, the animal must immediately be taken to a veterinarian for advice and treatment, preferably one who specialises in reptiles and amphibians. All housing material and cage furniture must be sterilised. Diseases that are relatively recent arrivals to Australia may pose a serious threat to Australian native reptiles and amphibians. Any person who suspects that one or more reptile or amphibian in their collection may have any form of exotic reptile disease (e.g. inclusion body disease or ophidian paramyxovirus) must quarantine their collection immediately and notify the Department of Environment and Science and Biosecurity Queensland. Housing material and cage ‘furniture’ that is being moved from one cage to another, particularly Page 9 of 45 220820 Department of Environment and Science Code of Practice Captive reptile and amphibian husbandry between different keepers’ residences, must be inspected thoroughly and sterilised before placement in an animal’s enclosure. 7. Selling and giving away reptiles and amphibians General information: Reptiles and amphibians must not be sold or given to any person who does not have the appropriate licence or the appropriate skills necessary for the proper care of that animal. It is also illegal to buy or accept wildlife from another person who is not lawfully keeping the animal. It is illegal to sell or give away, or buy or accept a protected animal if the animal shows signs of illness or injury, without the written approval of the chief executive. A reptile that has a parasitic infection will ordinarily show signs of illness. Movement of reptiles and amphibians across state and territory boundaries is subject to the law of both jurisdictions. Consult the relevant conservation authorities for advice on permits for the interstate movement of reptiles and amphibians. 8. Transitional exemption for keeping unlicensed amphibians and their return to the wild General information: The Animal Regulation does not authorise the collection of amphibians from the wild without a licence as the previous regulation did. The previous regulation allowed an unlicensed persons to take least concern amphibians from the persons’ own land and keep them on their own land. Under the Animal Regulation least concern amphibians that were collected prior to it coming in to effect and are still in captivity can continue to be kept by that person or be released into the area from which they were taken. If these amphibians have produced offspring they can be kept for 7 days after they have metamorphosed into adults and then released into the area from which they were taken. If frogs are bred out of season under artificial conditions, care must be taken to release them into a microhabitat that will not expose them to conditions in which they will not survive. Conditions outlined in section 9 of this code, Repatriation of the progeny of wild caught amphibians, will apply to the release of captive specimens and the keeper must be familiar with these before any specimen is returned to the wild. Minimum standards: Repatriation of Australia’s native amphibians are threatened by a pathogenic fungus, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, known as amphibian chytrid fungus, which causes the progeny infection known as chytridiomycosis. Keepers must be aware of this disease and its symptoms and have an intimate knowledge of the Threat Abatement Plan – “Infection of amphibians with chytrid fungus resulting in chytridiomycosis” developed by the Australian Department of Environment and Heritage under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 when considering taking wild amphibians. 9. Repatriation of the progeny of wild-caught amphibians General information: In general, the release of native animals that have been kept or bred in captivity is an offence, unless acting under a licence that authorises the release of wildlife, or a special approval of the chief executive. In relation to amphibians however, a person who does not hold a licence, permit or other authority may keep a least concern amphibian if it was taken from the wild prior to the current Animal Regulation having come into effect. An amphibian taken under these circumstances is to be kept on the persons own property for their own enjoyment. The person must release all progeny of wild-caught amphibians Page 10 of 45 220820 Department of Environment and Science Code of Practice Captive reptile and amphibian husbandry in their care within 7 days after the offsprings’ metamorphosis, under the conditions described below. This code provides some information to ensure that the way in which amphibians are released to the wild will not impact on wild populations. Minimum standards: The genetic integrity of wild populations is important to maintain the distinctiveness of regional populations, and may be critical in protecting that population from disease and decline. Consequently, it is important the progeny of wild-caught amphibians are returned to the wild: – on the same property where the mother was captured, as near as possible to the point of capturein a healthy, disease-free state. If doubt exists concerning the health of a specimen, it must not be released unless an experienced person (e.g. veterinarian or biologist) provides expert verification of sound health. (See chapter 8 ‘Take from the wild’ regarding ‘chytridiomycosis’) Generally, there will be little risk in returning the metamorphosed frogs to the collecting site – that is, provided that the animals have been kept in clean containers and care has been taken not to expose the animals to any exotic pathogens. Juvenile reptiles and amphibians are subject to high levels of predation in the wild, so care needs to be taken to optimise the chance of survival. Release the animals close to cover while they are at a body temperature which permits normal escape behaviour. Choose release sites which are suitable microhabitat, and which have adequate cover. Release the animals away from roads, at spaced intervals, and at a time of day that permits normal behaviour (e.g. at night for nocturnal species). 10. Requirements for safe transport Containers General information: Transportation of reptiles and amphibians can cause stress to the animal. Careful planning to minimise the impact on the animal must be considered before consigning animals for transport and commencing the journey. The main principle of safe transport for animals is to minimise the period the animal spends in transit or in its transit container. The Animal Regulation sets out the requirement for labelling of containers for the transporting of wildlife. The relevant sections should be read in conjunction with the following sections of this code. Minimum standards: Containers must be: – free of loose thread or other imperfections that may enable an animal to become entangled or injured – free of holes or any other possible escape routes – locked or secured to prevent the animal from getting loose in transit or otherwise being interfered with by another person – washed out or replaced daily, as waste materials accumulating in bags can injure or kill the occupants Page 11 of 45 220820 Department of Environment and Science Code of Practice Captive reptile and amphibian husbandry – of a suitable size and design to move an animal, whilst ensuring that it is not overcrowded and that it does not become overheated during transportation. Frogs must be transported: – in moist substrate – no more than one frog should be placed in a container – frogs should not be transported in wet bags, which can suffocate animals. Turtles must be transported: – in containers with a damp substrate – individually or, if more than one animal is to be transported in the same container, the container should be partitioned to prevent the animals’ shells from becoming damaged – in an upright position. Care should be taken to ensure that turtles cannot turn over to a position where they would be unable to right themselves. Aquatic snakes (subfamilies Hydrophiinae, Laticaudinae or family Acrochordidae) must be transported in damp cloth bags with sufficient padding inside the bag to prevent the snake suffocating. Transporting lizards and terrestrial snakes: – lizards and non-venomous terrestrial snakes must be transported in secure cloth bags, with attention paid to the following: o for long-term transport (greater than three hours) larger goannas (monitors) must be individually accommodated in stout bags of jute or canvas, as they will easily tear lighter fabric with their powerful claws o in the case of short-term transport (less than three hours) two or three similar sized individuals of the same species may be placed in the same cloth bag o care must be taken to ensure that any animals transported in the same enclosure are compatible and are not members of species likely to injure or eat each other. – venomous snakes require special treatment for safe transport because of the potential threat they pose to people who open the container. In particular: o only one snake must be placed in each bag for transport o bags containing dangerously venomous snakes must be securely tied and placed inside another securely tied bag. Bags containing dangerous snakes must be placed in a secure container with rigid walls and a locked lid. This will minimise the risk of injury to other people because venomous snakes are capable of biting through cloth bags o the outer container must be labelled and in particular must specify the name of the species, the number of animals it contains and that the animal is a dangerous snake. Thermoregulation General information: Maintenance of appropriate temperature levels is critical for the safe and humane transport of live herpetofauna. If the thermal environment is not suitable, animals may suffer stress or die in extreme conditions. Ideal transport temperatures for reptiles vary according to species. Generally, no reptile being transported should be exposed to temperatures higher than 30 deg. or lower than 12 deg. Frogs should generally not be exposed to temperatures higher than 25 deg. or lower than 12 deg. Page 12 of 45 220820 Department of Environment and Science Code of Practice Captive reptile and amphibian husbandry The control of temperature is best achieved by placing the bags containing live reptiles and amphibians in an insulated container (e.g. polystyrene box with tight fitting lid). Allow adequate ventilation. It is desirable to avoid transporting reptiles and amphibians in cars for long distances during extremely hot weather. If possible, animals should be transported as air freight during temperature extremes. Minimum standards: The temperature inside an animal’s transport container should be monitored using a thermometer placed in the container with the animals, especially during hot conditions (>30 deg. ambient temperature). Live animals in bags must not be stacked upon each other but can be placed in separate rigid cardboard containers in the same insulated container. Containers must not be left in the sun or in parked cars in the sun, even for brief periods. Animals must be provided water during transport only if it is likely that the time required for transport will be in excess of one day, or for a shorter period on particularly hot days (>30 deg. ambient temperature). During periods of extreme heat, ice must be placed into the insulated container in a place where the animal cannot come into direct contact with it. If it is not possible to place ice into the container with an animal, a wet cloth should be placed over the animal to facilitate cooling. Air freight General information: The objective of air freighting wildlife is to minimise the amount of time the wildlife spends in transit. Liaison with freight-handling staff and immediate collection of animals at the destination are important in achieving this outcome. If animals are to be air freighted the animals should be housed in secure and thermally suitable containers as per the requirements specified in the above sections on Containers and Thermoregulation. Permits to transport animals must be obtained prior to moving the wildlife and should be presented to airline staff and a copy attached to the transport container. International Air Transport Association (IATA) rules may also apply to the consignment of animals through air freight. Minimum Standards: Animals must be packed in a way that minimises undue movement or jarring during flight and landing. If a small specimen travels alone in a large container, empty space around the animal should be packed firmly with crushed newspaper (or similar packing material). Containers must be secure to prevent an animal’s escape. For some species, such as frogs, small to medium sized lizards, turtles and non-dangerous snakes, a polystyrene container that is taped shut will be adequate to prevent the animals’ escape. Adequate ventilation (air holes) must be provided. If more than one animal is to be transported, the container must be partitioned to ensure that the animals do not injure or crush each other. Using rigid panels (e.g. cardboard) and masking tape to create individual compartments inside a container is suitable. Page 13 of 45 220820 Department of Environment and Science Code of Practice Captive reptile and amphibian husbandry 11. Records General information: The Animal Regulation sets out the requirements for records that must be kept by the holders of standard, specialised or advanced licence. There is certain information that must be recorded in the record book, including the sex of each animal. The sex of most reptiles and amphibians is difficult to determine and you may require assistance from a veterinarian or other highly experienced reptile keeper to determine this. Keepers must also record any birth, death or transaction involving reptiles kept under their licence. This information must be entered into the record book. In addition to these requirements, it is recommended that keepers retain the following records: – plastron and carapace measurements for each turtle – recording notes and observations on behaviour and health are vital parts of captive husbandry, enabling a chronological record of any patterns or problems that occur – the place of origin of the individual, when the specimen was acquired, species name, sex, age if known, distinguishing features if any and general condition. Further notes on feeding, fasting, social interaction, breeding and any other aspects of behaviour can be made. 12. Collection of food reptiles General information: Provision is made in the Animal Regulation for the collection of twelve species of least concern skinks as food for exclusively lizard-eating (saurophagous) species of reptiles, principally small snakes. It should be noted that the Animal Regulation does not permit the use of frogs as food animals. The species of skink are: a) Carlia decora b) Carlia pectoralis c) Carlia rubigo d) Carlia vivax e) Cryptoblepharus adamsi f) Cryptoblepharus metallicus g) h) Cryptoblepharus pannosus i) Cryptoblepharus pulcher j) Cryptoblepharus virgatus k) Ctenotus robustus l) Lampropholis delicata m) Morethia boulengeri Before attempting to maintain in captivity species of reptiles which will only accept skinks as prey, it is necessary to understand the following principles: – the requirement to take live skinks from the wild for the maintenance of captive reptiles places additional pressures on the wild populations of such skinks; Page 14 of 45 220820 Department of Environment and Science Code of Practice Captive reptile and amphibian husbandry – food reptiles can only be taken and kept for food for a reptile that is kept under a licence. It should also be noted that several of the food reptile species are listed as class 1 animals and it is illegal to take them from the wild if they are not to be used as food. the long-term maintenance of a pair of adult yellow-faced whip snakes, Demansia psammophis, for example, will require the provision of at least eight to ten skinks per week; any attempt to raise hatchling snakes, which will only eat skinks, consumes large numbers of lizards. Persons undertaking this type of husbandry are obliged to substitute other dietary items as soon as possible, and to behave conservatively and responsibly when taking skinks for this purpose; – common tree snakes, Dendrelaphis punctulatus, may take small fish or elvers (baby eels); and – most snakes will accept pink mice if the mouse carries the scent of a skink (e.g. place the mouse in a container housing skinks or rub the mouse with a dead skink). Minimum standards: In order to minimise the effects of regular harvesting of local skink populations, the following recommendations must be observed: – spread collecting effort over as wide an area as possible – do not continue to take skinks from the same area or population; – provide additional cover and food resources for the feed skink population, i.e.: o the provision of additional shelter and egg-laying sites will enhance survival of both individuals and the population; o in practice, this can be accomplished by arranging sheets of cardboard or wet newspaper or other suitable cover around a pile of composting grass clippings or manure in a sunny location, preferably in your backyard; and o the decaying vegetation attracts invertebrates which provide additional food for the skinks and the wet newspaper provides additional egg-laying sites. – do not take gravid (pregnant) female skinks; – do not take skinks from communal winter refuges; – rotate harvests through separate areas/populations; and – skinks are vectors for the transmission of nematodes which can be fatal to snakes, so care needs to be taken to recognise infected lizards. Avoid feeding snakes any lizards that are emaciated or carrying large numbers of parasites. The presence of a large lump beneath the skin of a skink may indicate the presence of a nematode; however, apparently healthy skinks can also harbour these parasites. If your captive skink-eating snakes are dying from nematode infestation, you may have to freeze the food skinks before they are fed to a snake, or obtain skinks from another area. In this situation, selecting captive reptiles that do not require a diet of skinks may be necessary. 13. Euthanasia General information: There may be times when the most appropriate treatment for a reptile or amphibian is euthanasia. Situations where an animal should be euthanasia include: – where the animal is suffering to such an extent that it is unreasonable to keep it alive – where the animal is injured or diseased to a point where it cannot reasonably be expected to recover Page 15 of 45 220820 Department of Environment and Science Code of Practice Captive reptile and amphibian husbandry – where no appropriate treatment for the animal is available. Minimum standards: Whatever the reason for euthanasia, it is important that it is done in such a way to ensure that the animal experiences as little pain as possible. There are two acceptable methods for euthanasing reptiles and amphibians: – the first and most preferable method is by lethal injection. This can only be performed by veterinarians or a person trained and authorised for the use of barbiturates; and – the other acceptable method is by chilling and freezing. This involves placing the animal in a refrigerator for several hours. The animal will become immobilised and appear to sleep. Once this occurs, the animal can be placed in a freezer and frozen. Under no circumstances is it recommended that reptiles and amphibians be placed in a freezer without prior chilling. 14. Captive husbandry General information: This code does not provide keepers with information about the husbandry and breeding of all of Australia’s reptiles and amphibians. Keepers, and any person who wishes to become involved in herpetology, are encouraged to contact their local herpetological society to learn more about reptiles and amphibians, including obtaining specialist advice about their breeding. Hygiene General information: Hygiene is an important factor in maintaining the health and well-being of all reptiles and amphibians. Reptiles and amphibians may carry zoonotic diseases – that is, diseases that are capable of being transmitted from animals to people. For example, freshwater turtles may carry strains of the bacteria Salmonella and it is necessary to establish a responsible regimen of hygiene practices. Always wash your hands after handling reptiles or amphibians and do not eat or drink while cleaning cages or handling reptiles and amphibians. Wastewater should be disposed of in accordance with your Local Government guidelines. Thermal biology General information: Reptiles and amphibians are ectothermic. This means that they rely upon their surroundings to control their body temperature. In contrast to mammals and birds, which maintain a relatively constant temperature, reptiles and amphibians are capable of normal metabolic function over a wide range of temperatures. Body temperature is controlled throughout the day by behavioural strategies such as moving in and out of shade, altering body posture to maximise exposure to a heat source, and colour and retreating to shelter. This pattern will be influenced by whether the animal is nocturnal and the season. Captive reptiles and amphibians need to be provided with a range of suitable microclimates so that the individual can select the temperature which best serves its current need. Recently fed and gravid (pregnant) animals may seek higher temperatures, while inactive animals may sometimes seek to remain cool, even immersing themselves in water. Before placing any reptile in a cage, it is necessary to know the temperature gradients of the cage. Page 16 of 45 220820 Department of Environment and Science Code of Practice Captive reptile and amphibian husbandry If captive reptiles and amphibians are forced to experience temperatures substantially outside their preferred ranges, then death or illness may result. To understand what range of temperatures is available in a particular cage, it is necessary to monitor conditions at various locations in the cage with a thermometer for some time before placing an animal in the cage and to recognise the fact that seasonal change may greatly affect these conditions. While reptiles and amphibians from most regions will tolerate brief exposure to cold (5-10 deg.), most species will be killed by exposure to excessive heat (>35 deg.) from which they cannot escape. A thermostat that turns off the heat source once a set temperature is reached is the best way to control the temperature in heated cages. Minimum standards: Keepers must provide a thermal gradient by placing a heat source at one end or part of the enclosure. This will enable the animal to regulate its own temperature by moving closer to, or further away from, the heat source. Keepers must provide a light and temperature (photothermic) gradient in an animal’s enclosure. Since light intensity is usually linked to heat in wild conditions (that is, the warmest part of the cage should also be the brightest), a light globe usually offers the most appropriate solution. However, this may not be suitable for some secretive or nocturnal species. For nocturnal or more secretive species, thermal gradients must be provided in a different manner, usually by heating part of the substrate (floor) or by using coloured light globes (which reptiles generally cannot see). light bulbs should be positioned or covered to ensure a frog cannot come into contact with one and be burnt. Keepers must monitor the temperate of an animal’s enclosure to ensure that it conforms to the animal’s normal temperature range it would experience. In outdoor enclosures, covered areas such as a pile of rocks or logs or deep burrows (>30cm) can provide animals a refuge from extremes of temperature. Water requirements General information: Reptiles and amphibians vary widely in their requirements for water. Certain aquatic species (e.g. most file snakes) spend their entire life in water, while others (e.g. desert lizards) may get most of their water needs from their food and seldom encounter water. It is vital to know in advance the particular water requirements for any species before it can be properly maintained in captivity. Captive terrestrial reptiles and amphibians can usually be provided with a water bowl, sufficiently low that small individuals can easily access and leave without drowning. Minimum standards: Fresh water must be supplied for terrestrial species at least two times per week and up to three times per week if the water is becoming regularly soiled. Reptiles such as pythons, etc. must have enough fresh water to fully immerse themselves to assist with the process of shedding their skin. For hydrophilic (water-loving) species, such as Arafura file snakes, Acrochordus arafurae, the water must be kept clean at all times and must be of sufficient volume to enable the animal to be fully immersed. Keepers must regularly monitor the humidity of enclosures. For most species a humidity of 50 percent is sufficient. However, the humidity must be higher (possibly >70 percent) for some species that originate Page 17 of 45 220820 Department of Environment and Science Code of Practice Captive reptile and amphibian husbandry from tropical parts of Australia. Misting or fogging the enclosure can be used to achieve this. The humidity level must not be maintained by allowing the substrate to become wet, as this promotes bacterial growth and may lead to scale rot and other skin problems. Behaviour of healthy animals General information: Behaviour may be one of the greatest indicators of stress or poor welfare in reptiles and amphibians. It is essential for reptile or amphibian keepers to know what constitutes normal behaviour and appearance in captive animals. Any problems with health or adaptation to the environment need to be recognised and remedied early. Symptoms will not be noticed unless the animal is regularly inspected. This also emphasises the value of keeping records about an animal’s behaviour that may assist in early diagnosis of illness, stress or disease. For example, longitudinal folds on the neck of a snake indicate extreme levels of dehydration. Individuals that fail to adapt to new conditions can display any or all the following symptoms: – failure to accept food for a prolonged period (See advice under individual family/subfamily headings); – continually attempting to escape; – abrading (rubbing) the snout, even after the cage front is covered; and – exhibiting unusual passivity or torpor. The importance of an appropriate diet is crucial in maintaining the general health and well-being of reptiles and amphibians. It is essential to know the dietary requirements of each species before obtaining animals. Disease or parasites may also be transmitted to a captive animal through unhygienic food preparation or storage. It is important to ensure that disease or parasites are not introduced in food. Occasionally new specimens will refuse to eat until they have adapted to a new environment. It is important to be able to recognise the signs of illness such as weight loss and other signs of deterioration in the condition of each individual animal. Any frog that displays these behaviours is unlikely to thrive in captive circumstances. If the animal has been taken from the wild and has not been kept with or near other amphibians or reptiles it should be released at the site of capture. Reptiles and amphibians generally do not like to be handled. Excessive handling is a common cause of failure to adapt and can eventually lead to the death of the animal. While occasional captive-bred and long-term captives will accept more handling than wild-caught animals, it is necessary to keep handling to a practical minimum for most reptiles and amphibians. Recently fed snakes tend to regurgitate food if handled soon after feeding and snakes and lizards about to shed skin can be permanently scarred if handled during the ‘opaque’ period (the opaque period is when a snake is shedding its skin and the scale over the eye becomes opaque). The Animal Regulation does not allow a person to require an animal to do an act the animal would not normally do in the wild. Therefore the use of snakes in ‘exotic’ entertainment (e.g. striptease or belly dancing) is illegal as it only demeans the animal and can detrimentally affect its health and well-being. Management of social behaviours in captivity Minimum standards: It is important that animals maintained in captivity are able to exhibit normal social behaviour. This will Page 18 of 45 220820 Department of Environment and Science Code of Practice Captive reptile and amphibian husbandry contribute to their health and well-being. Reptile and amphibian keepers must be fully aware of the social systems of captive reptiles and amphibians to ensure that animals are not injured or killed when they are unable to escape the attentions of dominant conspecifics (other individuals of the same species). Keepers must provide an enclosure that allows animals to exhibit normal social interaction. For example, animals that usually live in a solitary manner must be housed separately to other animals of the same species. This will minimise the incidence of fighting, aggression or food deprivation that will affect less dominant animals. Keepers must provide close supervision when introducing new animals into an enclosure (including introducing animals of the opposite sex to the enclosure for mating) to ensure that the animals do not fight and injure each other. Photoperiod General information: The annual cycles of lengthening and shortening of daylight and the accompanying changes in temperature provide an important stimulus for wild reptiles and amphibians. For captive specimens to be healthy, and especially to reproduce in captivity, some exposure to seasonal variation in day length (photoperiod) and temperature is necessary. It does not appear to be essential that the photoperiod regime is that of the animal’s original location. In general, animals kept without the provision of a cycle of varying day length and temperature do not thrive and rarely breed. Exposure to a suitable photoperiod is easily achieved by locating indoor cages near a window, however care is required to ensure that proximity to a window does not result in dangerously high temperatures. Keepers should position cages or enclosures in a location that allows the animal to experience normal seasonal fluctuations in photoperiod and temperature. Minimum standards: If it is not possible to position a cage or enclosure in a position that exposes it to natural seasonal variation, keepers must provide the animal with an artificial environment that imitates these seasonal variations. Housing requirements General information: Since there is such variation in the housing requirements of reptiles and amphibians, detailed standards and conditions are mentioned under the individual family headings. Minimum standards: Where minimum cage sizes are described in this code, these are the smallest cages in which the reptiles and amphibians specified should be kept. However, all housing for captive reptiles and amphibians must be: – escape-proof – free from sharp edges or coarse wire – safe for the keeper, by enabling access to the animal without exposing yourself to danger – located/designed so dangerously high temperatures do not occur – large enough to permit normal behaviour and activity by the inhabitants Page 19 of 45 220820 Department of Environment and Science Code of Practice Captive reptile and amphibian husbandry – easy and practical to clean – well illuminated to enable effective and safe husbandry – well-drained. 15. Amphibians Eggs and tadpoles Housing General information: Eggs and tadpoles of most species of Queensland frogs can be kept in watertight containers of sufficient size. Aquaria, large jars and plastic tubs are all potentially suitable, remembering that overcrowding will kill tadpoles. As the tadpoles grow, the density of tadpoles in the container should be reduced. If you intend to raise tadpoles, the density of tadpoles normally found in the wild should guide the optimal stocking density in the enclosure. Tadpoles do not tolerate chlorinated tap water or water that is highly acidic or alkaline. Ideally, water that is allowed to stand for several days, or water to which water stabiliser has been added is best for tadpoles. Shallow, cool water provides the best environment and helps maintain normal oxygen levels. Water should be partially replaced before it fouls or stagnates. Tadpoles will develop faster in warm water; however, heated water holds less oxygen than cool water and will foul more quickly, so it must be aerated. The speed with which the tank fouls will depend upon the stocking density and whether there is a suitable filter installed (e.g. gravel base and/or a gravel filter.) Minimum standards: As a general guide, an aquarium with dimensions 60cm by 40cm by 40cm (length by width by height), one-third filled with water will support 20-30 small tadpoles (e.g. clicking froglet, Crinia signifera, or eastern sedge frog, Litoria fallax) or 6-8 large tadpoles (e.g. common green tree frog, Litoria caerulea, or barred frogs, Mixophyes spp.), providing that adequate food is available and that water quality is maintained. Water must be cleaned at least twice a week, or more frequently if it becomes fouled or stagnant. When cleaning the tank, one-third or less of the water in the tank must be replaced at any one time. Decorative objects or fixtures must be removed from the tank and irrigated in clean water regularly to avoid soiling. As tadpoles begin to metamorphose (change into frogs) they need to be able to leave the water. Some gently sloping solid objects, such as rocks, at water level that rise above the height of the water, must be provided to enable the metamorphs to climb onto the objects so they don’t drown. The handling of metamorphs must be avoided where possible. Once the transformation has reached the stage where the forelimbs emerge and the tail begins to be resorbed, the small frogs need to be transferred to a terrestrial cage with a shallow water dish. Diet General information: Tadpoles should be fed a diet of algae or boiled lettuce. Small quantities of dry fish food can be used as Page 20 of 45 220820 Department of Environment and Science Code of Practice Captive reptile and amphibian husbandry a dietary supplement. Frogs Behaviour of healthy frogs General information: Healthy frogs are alert animals. The eyes are clear and the skin is moist. When frogs are starving the hip girdle is unusually conspicuous. Some species (e.g. the toadlets Pseudophryne spp. and Uperoleia spp.) pretend that they are dead and will remain still, even when placed on their back. Others will visibly exude highly toxic skin secretions if they are roughly handled or feel threatened (e.g. the holy cross frog, Notaden bennettii, and related Notaden spp.). Many Australian frogs produce toxic skin secretions and care is required when handling them. Always wash your hands thoroughly, and take care to avoid putting fingers to your eyes, nose or mouth after handling frogs. The movement of amphibians between populations should be avoided. The anthropogenic movement of amphibians from one location to another has been identified as a possible cause of transmission of chytridiomycosis, although the evidence to support this is not conclusive. The infection of amphibians with chytrid fungus resulting in chytridiomycosis has been listed as a key threatening process under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. Housing General information: Cages for frogs should be designed with the welfare and specific natural history of the frog in mind. The type and quality of housing is important in the keeping of frogs, because it will influence how well the animals survive and ensure that they don’t escape. Aquaria and plastic tubs are suitable containers in which to house most frogs. The more athletic species (e.g. rocket frogs, Litoria nasuta, and barred frogs, Mixophyes spp.) can injure themselves by leaping into the cage wall when alarmed. Frogs exhibiting this behaviour are generally unsuited to life in a small enclosure, unless they show evidence of rapid adaptation to confinement. Most species of frogs are nocturnal and will generally hide during daylight hours, preferring to emerge and feed at night. Frogs should therefore have access to shelter or retreat sites. Many of Australia’s frog species escape the effects of drought and excessive heat by spending long periods in an inactive state beneath the ground, digging their way to the surface following heavy seasonal rains. Therefore, it is important that each enclosure has a suitable substrate that fulfils the needs of the species it houses and provides for their natural behaviour. For the purposes of recommendations on captive care, the frogs of Queensland are divided into tree frogs and burrowing and terrestrial frogs. Minimum standards: Tree frogs (Family Hylidae): – Cage sizes vary according to species and number of frogs. As a general guide, the 60cm by 40cm by 40cm aquarium described above will be the minimum size required to house two adult or four half-grown green tree frogs. Larger frogs require larger enclosures. – The enclosure must have a tight fitting lid to ensure that the animals do not escape, as tree frogs are athletic and will invariably climb onto the lid. Page 21 of 45 220820 Department of Environment and Science Code of Practice Captive reptile and amphibian husbandry – Keepers must avoid the use of abrasive materials in the enclosure. Hard wire mesh is unsuitable as a material to construct ventilation ducts, as it is likely to cause injury to the frogs. Ventilation ducts can be made from pegboard, shade cloth or soft fibreglass mesh. – Cages must include a floor covering (substrate) of clean sand and/or leaf litter to a depth of at least 5cm. – There must be open areas on the cage floor where frogs can easily see and catch prey – a flat stone flush with the substrate serves this purpose. – A shallow dish of water must be provided. The lip of the container holding the water should be level with the soil. – Water must be replaced at least twice per week or more frequently if it becomes soiled. – Most tree frogs climb and must be provided with climbing opportunities. Tree branches, etc. are the most suitable items. Pot plants (real or artificial) are also suitable. – The humidity of the cage must be maintained at a high level by regularly fogging or misting the enclosure. Do not leave the substrate moist, as this will promote bacterial growth. – The substrate must be replaced at least once every three months, or more frequently if it becomes soiled or damp. If the cage begins to smell, the substrate should be replaced immediately. – Frogs from tropical environments (e.g. the white-lipped tree frog, Litoria infrafrenata) will often refuse to feed through winter in temperate climates, and for these species the enclosure must be maintained between 15 deg. and 25 deg. – Cage temperatures must be kept below 25 deg. in general. Burrowing and terrestrial frogs (Families Limnodynastidae, Myobatrachidae, Ranidae, and some Hylidae): – Most members of the genera Limnodynastes and Cyclorana and all of the members of the genera Uperoleia, Notaden and Neobatrachus are burrowers. At least 15cm of sandy earth or clay must be provided, with the choice of substrate replicating the species’ natural environment. – Two or three adults of small and moderate sized species (e.g. Uperoleia and Notaden) will require a cage 40cm by 40cm floor area. – Larger species like Cyclorana, will require larger cages – at least 60cm by 60cm floor area for one or two adults. – Suitable substrate must be provided in each enclosure, at a depth of at least 15cm. The type of substrate will depend on the species being kept. Suitable substrate should be covered with leaf litter or bark pieces to provide animals an opportunity to hide. – Weather conditions that trigger natural behavioural patterns can be simulated (e.g. sprinkling the cage with tepid water in the warmer months can stimulate burrowing frogs to emerge from the ground to feed and mate. Diet General information: Captive frogs will often become tame enough to accept food from blunt-ended forceps. Timid individuals will require the prey to move past them before being stimulated to feed. It is possible for long-term captives to become obese and such individuals may benefit from more careful rationing of food. Insects can be trapped at night with the aid of a bright light positioned over a plastic funnel leading in to a jar or directly to the frog cage. Termites and other insects may be gathered in suitable numbers and the insect larvae that occasionally Page 22 of 45 220820 Department of Environment and Science Code of Practice Captive reptile and amphibian husbandry infest breakfast cereals are also suitable food for frogs. Some frogs are cannibalistic so, to prevent frogs from eating each other, frogs housed together should be about the same size. Minimum standards: Tree frogs (Family Hylidae): – Small frogs eat small insects, such as fruit fly (Drosophila spp.) and can be successfully raised on such a diet. These flies can be caught en masse without difficulty. – Frogs need a varied diet. Although mealworms and cricket colonies, both of which are readily available through pet shops, are readily eaten, a more varied diet is preferable. Some frogs, including the larger tree frogs, can be trained to eat small mice; however, insects should be the main diet. Termites are a significant part of the diet for some burrowing species. – Food must be introduced into the enclosure when the frogs are active, which is mostly at night. If insects are introduced when the frogs are not active, they may hide under leaf litter where they cannot be found. Alternatively, prey that is active at night should be provided. – During times of the year when frogs are particularly active, food can be introduced to the enclosure every second night. However, the amount of food must be reduced if it is not being eaten to prevent excess food soiling the enclosure. Burrowing and terrestrial frogs (Families Leptodactylidae, Myobatrachidae, Ranidae, and some Hylidae): – Food must be offered to the animal with the same frequency the animal is likely to feed in the wild. Toward the end of summer (wet season), frogs must be offered food until they eat no more and then permitted to burrow deeply to resume the inactive phase of their lifecycle and the cage should be allowed to dry out. – The diet for burrowing and terrestrial frogs is similar to that for tree frogs; however, some arid zone frogs (e.g. the holy cross frog Notaden bennettii) eat large numbers of termites. Captive breeding of frogs General information: Captive reproduction of amphibians or reptiles should not be undertaken without a suitable plan for the disposal of offspring. The Wildlife Management Regulation prohibits the release of captive-bred frogs other than those taken from the wild or under a licence, permit or other authority that specifically authorises the release of frogs to the wild. Frogs from the wild must be returned to the exact location where they were collected. If any doubt exists concerning this, frogs must not be released (refer to section 8, Repatriation of the progeny of wild caught amphibians, of this code). It can be very difficult to breed native frogs in captivity. Some species will only breed if the enclosure has particular environmental characteristics. For example, some species will only breed in running water. Breeding captive frogs requires a good understanding of the biology of each species, as egg laying sites and mating behaviour vary widely. It is generally difficult to breed frogs in captivity so you should exercise restraint in buying equipment with the expectation of breeding frogs from the outset; it is likely that you won’t be successful. Many burrowing species deposit eggs in any temporary pond and may lay in the cage if it is flooded to a shallow depth. Most tree frogs assemble around suitable creeks or ponds during the breeding season to mate and lay eggs. A cage with circulating water, as described by Cogger (2018), provides the stimulus necessary for stream-breeding species of frogs to mate. Page 23 of 45 220820 Department of Environment and Science Code of Practice Captive reptile and amphibian husbandry 16. Reptiles Freshwater turtles Housing General information: Turtles are usually acquired when they are small and it is important to recognise that they can live for extremely long periods and grow to a large size – before accepting the responsibility of captive maintenance of a turtle, the recreational reptile keeper needs to be aware that this can be a very long- term commitment and other reptiles may be more suitable, particularly for children. If a child loses interest in a pet turtle, the animal must be disposed of to a person with a relevant licence. Under no circumstances should it be released to the wild. Large turtles are capable of inflicting serious bites and care is needed in handling them. The freshwater turtles of Australia spend most of their lives in water, where they feed, mate and sleep. All turtles leave the water to lay eggs and to bask in the sun. Some turtles are known to travel long distances over land to colonise new water bodies. Smaller turtles may be kept indoors in aquaria if provided with a good diet and the opportunity to emerge from the water and bask under a heat lamp and an ultraviolet light of the appropriate spectrum for reptiles. Be careful of high temperatures as baby turtles dehydrate easily. A sloping approach from below the water to the dry substrate is required so turtles can easily leave the water, as it is possible for turtles to drown if they cannot easily leave the water. People planning to keep turtles are encouraged to discuss turtle husbandry with experienced herpetologists or obtain information from literature before purchasing the animal. There are many suitable publications that discuss the husbandry of native turtles. Minimum standards: A turtle must not have a hole drilled in its shell or be tethered in any way. Escape-proof fencing should surround turtle enclosures. Wire mesh is not a suitable fencing material, as turtles may become entangled and injured, and are likely to climb over it. Enclosures for freshwater turtles must include areas of water large enough for the animal to fully submerge and move around underwater as well as an area of dry land. An aquarium 60cm by 40cm by 40cm will be required to accommodate a single turtle of 10cm carapace length or less, or two hatchlings. Turtles larger than 10cm carapace length will need larger cages. However, a pond 2m by 2m by 50cm deep, with an equal area of land, will accommodate three turtles with carapace length of 30cm (Cann, 1978), and is preferable. Turtles, especially young turtles, must be placed in an area where they are exposed to sunlight or ultraviolet radiation at least three times each week. Importantly, the enclosure must exhibit a photo gradient so that the animal can move into and out of the hottest part of the enclosure to regulate its body temperature. Ultraviolet radiation can be provided by carefully monitored exposure to direct sunlight (glass filters out UV), but care needs to be taken to ensure that the turtle(s) will not overheat and can move into shade when they need to. UV light globes, when used, should be positioned over part of the tank, preferably over a rock or log basking site. Water in a turtle enclosure must be changed or cleaned at least once a week to prevent fouling, or more frequently if necessary. A filter may be useful to maintain water quality. Page 24 of 45 220820 Department of Environment and Science Code of Practice Captive reptile and amphibian husbandry Water chemistry, including pH, must be closely monitored. A pH of 7 is generally recommended (Cann, 1978). Diet Minimum standards: Young turtles’ diets must be supplemented with a suitable calcium to phosphorous ratio (1.2:1.0) to strengthen the shell and minimise the likelihood that its shell will be deformed. Adult turtles must be fed chopped lean meat with a vitamin and mineral supplement occasionally added, or some of the commercially available turtle pellets, which are nutritionally balanced. Uneaten food should be removed from the enclosure to prevent it from fouling the water. Live fish, water snails, algae and water plants will provide additional food items and must be provided where possible. Lizards General information: The lizard fauna of Queensland includes both the largest and smallest Australian species. It includes lizards that spend most of their lives in water (e.g. Mertens water monitor, Varanus mertensi) and desert species that seldom see water, as well as specialised tree-dwelling and crevice-dwelling species and others which spend most of their lives underground. Housing General information: The interior of cages needs to address the individual requirements of the species in providing shelter sites, perches, feeding areas and access to water. Typical cage designs are depicted in Cogger (2018, p.43) and Bustard (1970, p.143). Common to all good cage design is the recognition that access to all parts of the cage is necessary for cleaning and that good husbandry requires good visibility so that the health of occupants can be regularly assessed and any problems recognised early. Appropriate cage ‘furniture’ is vital to successful captive husbandry of reptiles and amphibians and providing suitable furniture requires the keeper to have a good knowledge of a species’ particular requirements. Correct arrangement of the cage environment is necessary for the occupants to thrive. Lizards need a cage where they can perform a range of natural functions, so aesthetic considerations must take second place to functionality. Several secure shelter sites, perching sites, open areas for foraging and accessible water are necessary. To assist in maintaining a suitable thermal environment and for ease of cleaning, smaller lizards are best housed in terrariums; however, they can be housed in outside enclosures. Larger monitors, skinks and dragon lizards should be housed in outdoor enclosures. Minimum standards: Housing and cage ‘furniture’ must resemble the animals’ natural habitat to the greatest extent possible; and Cages must be escape-proof and exclude predators. The requirements for indoor and outdoor cages vary. However, generally cages or enclosures must have the following characteristics: – any outdoor enclosure must be covered by mesh to protect animals, especially smaller lizards, from predators (for example butcherbirds and kookaburras); – the mesh needs to be strong enough to exclude other animals, and cages must be secured against Page 25 of 45 220820 Department of Environment and Science Code of Practice Captive reptile and amphibian husbandry unauthorised access and locked to minimise the likelihood that the animals will be stolen; – lizards may injure themselves on wire mesh, so enclosure walls need to be made of a material that the lizards cannot climb (e.g. sheet metal, corrugated iron); – monitors and dragon lizards climb very well, so walls for outdoor enclosures for these lizards need to be seamless and slippery. Sheet metal, glass or well-finished fibro-cement can be used, as long as corners and joins do not provide climbable strips. Alternatively, an inward overhang near the top of the cage wall that the lizards cannot climb may be used; – many lizards burrow, so the walls of outdoor enclosures should continue below ground level to prevent escape. The depth to which walls are buried depends on the species to be housed. Weigel (1988) recommends a depth of 60cm below ground level for a cage to house large monitor species and lesser depths are needed for other lizards; – outdoor enclosures need to be located so that lizards have access to the maximum amount of sun available. However, some shade is necessary, particularly during summer. Some species will dig burrows for this purpose while others will need to have stacked rocks, logs or artificial burrows provided; – cage furniture needs to be carefully selected so that lizards cannot injure themselves – jagged or splintery logs and unstable rock stacks are to be avoided, as well as sheer-sided water dishes in which smaller lizards can drown; – indoor cages for smaller lizards are easily made out of aquaria. Metal or wooden cases with a glass front are also suitable and types of moulded plastic enclosures are also available; – lizards kept indoors must be exposed to periods of light and dark, simulating those that an animal would experience in the wild and within the range of temperatures that the animal would ordinarily experience in its natural habitat; and – a suitable temperature range is essential. Keepers must provide this either by the use of incandescent lights, some of which provide radiation of similar wavelength to sunlight, or by the use of heating cables beneath the floor. However, bulbs must be installed carefully so that animals cannot burn themselves on the bulb. Heating cables installed beneath the cage are preferable for species that are nocturnal or crepuscular (active at twilight or dusk). Page 26 of 45 220820

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