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Reptiles and Amphibians 4-H 365.01 Companion Animals OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION PROJECT IDEA STARTER Reptiles and Amphibians by Jim Frasure, Educational Consultant and Franklin County 4-H Advisor; and Marianne Riggenbach, Portage County 4-H Reptile Show Chair and Club Advisor There are more than 8,000 species of reptiles in the world, inhabiting every continent except Antarctica. Reptiles are air-breathing, cold-blooded animals with backbones. Scientists group reptiles into four orders: turtles and tortoises (order Testudinata); crocodiles and alligators (order Crocodilia); tuataras (order Rhynchocephalia); and snakes, lizards and amphisbaenians or “worm lizards” (order Squamata). The Squamata order is divided into three suborders: snakes (Serpentes), lizards (Sauria) and amphisbaenians (Amphisbaenia). The name amphibian comes from the Greek word Reptiles and amphibians such as bearded dragons, amphibios, which means “living a double life.” Most leopard geckos, corn snakes, king snakes, african amphibians start out as larvae in water and end up on spur thigh tortoises, russian tortoises, painted turtles land. Amphibians consist of three orders: salamanders and sliders are among those that make good pets for and newts (order Caudata); frogs and toads (order the first-time owner. Anura); and caecilians (order Gymnophiona). Remember to handle your pet properly at all times Herpetology is the branch of zoology that studies and to wash your hands afterward to avoid the both amphibians and reptiles. possible spread of salmonella, a bacterial disease that All reptiles and amphibians are ectothermic, which can be transmitted from reptiles to humans. means they do not produce internal body heat but rely on their surrounding environment to keep warm. AREAS OF INTEREST AND THINGS TO DO Understanding this fact makes caring for your pet Every self-determined 4-H project can be broken both fun and challenging. It is not like caring for a cat down into areas of interest. These are the specific or dog, but it can be equally rewarding. things members want to address during their project Before adopting a reptile or amphibian, it is important adventures. Using 4-H 365 Self-Determined Project to learn all you can about its required care and Guide, identify at least three areas of interest with at feeding, and how to design a habitat that mimics its least three activities per area to explore. Take your natural environment. Other things to consider include ideas from the list below or make up your own. its adult size, temperament and proper handling. PLAN YOUR PROJECT Use this idea starter AND publication 4-H 365 Self-Determined Project Guide as the starting place for your 4-H self-determined project. TheSelf-Determined Project Guide is available from your county OSU Extension office or on the Web atohio4h.org/selfdetermined . You may choose to do a little or a lot depending on your level of interest. Be sure to register your project with your county OSU Extension office. – 2 – Choosing Your Pet amphibian from a reputable ☐ Research and decide which breeder. A local breeder can reptile or amphibian you want show you your pet’s parents as a pet. Consider total cost, and give you specific care space requirements, adult size, information. temperament, lifespan and Proper Habitat daily care needs. ☐ Discuss different types of ☐ List at least five reptiles and enclosures and the proper size amphibians that you would and habitat (with hiding spots) consider and five or more of Identifying Reptiles needed. their traits in your journal. and Amphibians ☐ Determine the heat, lighting, ☐ Identify three reptiles and/or ☐ Attend a local reptile show humidity and water needs for amphibians that typically have a and identify as many reptiles your pet. docile temperament throughout and amphibians as you can. their lifespan, and list three ☐ Set up a habitat suitable for Journal your conversations with or more of their traits in your your new pet’s home. Note: breeders and herpetologists journal. Aquariums are not always the about the animals they keep best home for all reptiles. and why. ☐ Identify three reptiles and/or amphibians that are naturally ☐ Bring the pet home, or if you ☐ Talk with a knowledgeable aggressive when reaching already have the animal, give it person (breeder, herpetologist, maturity, and list three or more a special treat (food or habitat zookeeper, etc.) and list key of their traits in your journal. addition). points in your journal. ☐ Research the pros and cons ☐ Take a photograph of your pet’s ☐ Go on a field trip to discover of owning wild-caught (farm- home. Be prepared to discuss Ohio’s resident reptiles and raised or captive-hatched) what is in the picture and why amphibians and record your reptiles, and make an informed the habitat is right for your pet. findings in your journal. decision before owning one. ☐ Visit your local zoo’s reptile Care and Feeding ☐ Identify a yearly lifespan action house. ☐ Identify how your reptile or plan for the animal that you ☐ Determine at least five or amphibian finds, captures and have chosen for your project. more characteristics that swallows food. ☐ Purchase your reptile or make reptiles and amphibians ☐ Learn what to feed your pet different from each other. and how often. ☐ Learn how reptiles and ☐ Read a reference book on amphibians reproduce in reptile and amphibian care. captivity. ☐ Does your animal shed? If so, ☐ Visit a website to learn more how? about reptiles and amphibians. ☐ Record in your journal the ☐ Visit a website that tells more chores involved with keeping a about what herpetologists do. reptile or amphibian. ☐ Clean your pet’s habitat Leadership Activities regularly and check that all ☐ RAP (Reptile and Amphibian electrical accessories are Project) with Reptiles. Find or working properly. make up a song about reptiles ☐ Record in your journal the or amphibians that encourages amount of money you spend others to sing along. for food, bedding, heat, lighting and so on. – 3 – ☐ Write a poem or short story that RELATED RESOURCES tells others about your pet. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, ☐ Encourage another 4-H colszoo.com member to join you in the Herp and Green Iguana reptile and amphibian self- Information Collection, determined project. anapsid.org ☐ Prepare and exhibit a poster on Ohio Department of Natural reptiles or amphibians. Resources, ohiodnr.gov ☐ Give a demonstration on how NetVet, netvet.co.uk to set up a proper habitat for Reptiles Magazine, your reptile project. reptilesmagazine.com ☐ Serve as an officer for your Kingsnake.com, the online club. community for reptile ☐ Make a motion at a club and amphibian hobbyists, meeting. kingsnake.com Northern Ohio Association of Facts and Superstitions Herpetologists, noahonline.info ☐ Ask family members or school Smithsonian National Zoological friends how they feel about Park, nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/ reptiles and amphibians and ReptilesAmphibians make notes in your journal. How do they differ? ☐ Find out at least five superstitions about reptiles and Check your local, state and federal laws about owning the animal amphibians. you have selected. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources ☐ Find out at least five facts has regulations about the possession, purchase, sale or trade regarding reptiles and of reptiles and amphibians native to our state, and requires amphibians. propagating licensing. ☐ Volunteer at an animal center to help with education of facts and superstitions. ☐ Donate any sum to a conservation group for educating the public about facts and superstitions. ohio4h.org/selfdetermined Copyright © 2014, The Ohio State University CFAES provides research and related educational programs to clientele on a nondiscriminatory basis. For more information, visit cfaesdiversity.osu.edu. For an accessible format of this publication, visit cfaes.osu.edu/accessibility. 10/2020.
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