Future directions for New Zealand reptile keepers
Reptile keepers are currently poorly catered for by existing organisations in New Zealand. New keepers of native lizards are keen to meet others with the same interest, learn good husbandry processes, and of course to obtain new animals. The opportunities for keepers to meet each other are few and far between (currently once annually), and while there is a guide available for download from the DOC website, there is little else to assist new keepers and allow them the opportunity to discuss issues face to face with those who have more experience.
Similarly, there is little information on the exotic reptile species available in New Zealand. We know that there are more species available now than there were some years ago; tortoises, turtles, various Australian dragons, blue tongue skinks, leopard geckos, and if we are to include the amphibians, we have Chinese and Japanese fire bellied newts, and of course axolotls. Then there are the Australian frog species which exist in the wild in New Zealand. Where do keepers of these animals go to learn, and to upgrade their keeping skills?
It has been suggested that forming a new group would be of benefit to all concerned. But is there the expertise and the will available to make this a reality? To form a new group, there is a need for enthusiastic people who can help with the basic administration needed to establish a group with a focus on contact and the exchange of ideas.
Time will tell if this a realistic expectation. In the meantime, the aim of this website is to provide a vital point of contact so that prospective new keepers are encouraged, and set on the right track.
Contact is invited from keepers of both native and exotic reptiles and amphibians in New Zealand, so that information they may have relating specifically to keeping and breeding these species in local New Zealand conditions can be recorded and made available for posterity.
If you have information to share, please contact us
