Fun Tortoise video



 

I saw this video on the Smithsonian channel on Facebook and had to share it.

 

Source

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iWYCoBiTnA0

10,000 Reptiles!

Credit: http://phys.org/news/2014-08-reptile-database-surpasses-species.html

2014 was a  big year for those keep up with reptiles as the 10,000th reptile was described for the first time a small lizard named Cyrtodactylus Vilaphogi. This lizard was found in the nation of Laos. Now with over 10,000 species this means that reptiles out number mammals who only have about 7,000 species.

Break down of the order Reptilia
Crocodilians: 24 Species
Lizards: over 6,000 Species
Snakes: over 3,400 species
Turtles: over 300 species
Worm Lizards: over 180 species
Tuatara: 2 species

Source
http://phys.org/news/2014-08-reptile-database-surpasses-species.html

Crocs enjoy the occasional salad

Credit: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/08/130821124333.htm

In a study looking at the dietary habits of 18 species of Crocodilians, it was found that 13 species of crocodilians d consume fruits on a regular basis. Although there isn't lot of data on how crocodilians process carbohydrates to get nutritional value out of the meal, they study assumes that the do or they wound not consume the fruit.

This study shows us how amazingly adaptive crocodilians are to their environment!

Source
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/08/130821124333.htm

Gomek

Credit: Wikimedia

As a follow up to my last post on Maximo, I wanted to post some info on Gomek. Gomek was the saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) kept at St Augustine Alligator Farm before they got Maximo.

At nearly 18 feet long and one ton in weight Gomek was one of the largest crocodiles to ever be exhibited in a zoo in the world, let alone America. Gomek was a saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) caught by George Craig. Mr. Craig is the same man who caught Cassius.

Gomek lived at St Augustine Alligator Farm until 1997 when de died of a heart attack at the age of 60 to 80 years old. After his death he was stuffed and placed on display for the world to see!!

Next time your in the area go see what remains of this amazing animal.

Wikipedia article on Gomek
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gomek

St Augustine Alligator Farm website
http://www.alligatorfarm.com/
http://www.alligatorfarm.com/gomekforever.html