Raptor Reptiles

08/11/2024

We're so happy to play our part promoting this year's Frog ID Week & the Frog ID project. Get out your phones and let's get some ribbiting science going! 🐸

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/15GviBNKqN/

Aussies are being called to count and record the calls, croaks, barks and whistles of frogs to help scientists figure out how our amphibious friends are faring.

Frog-ID lead scientist Dr Jodi Rowley explains why this is so important.

10/09/2024

This story highlights the importance of proper and safe handling techniques. Be snake safe this summer 🐍

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/V8n6ZgYeihN2VkFD/?mibextid=xfxF2i

"Worst-case scenario..."

01/09/2024

Come on down and say g'day at the Penrith Spring Reptile Expo & Family Fun Day 2024

28/08/2024

An important milestone towards the continued protection of reptiles worldwide! 🐍

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/gHhcuF46VYpzoxYz/?mibextid=xfxF2i

🚨 🚨 HUGE NEWS‼️ 🚨 🚨

Memphis Zoo Scientists Achieve World-First in Reptile Conservation

Memphis Zoo scientists have made a groundbreaking achievement in the field of conservation with the first reptile offspring to be successfully produced using frozen semen and artificial insemination. This scientific milestone marks a significant advancement in the zoo’s ongoing efforts to recover the endangered Louisiana pinesnake and underscores the critical role of science in conservation.

The Memphis Zoo’s Science team, led by Dr. Steve Reichling, Beth Roberts, and previous post-doctoral scientist Dr. Mark Sandfoss, has accomplished a world-first by using cryopreserved (frozen) semen to successfully fertilize and produce viable offspring in a Louisiana pinesnake. This success was achieved within the framework of the zoo's Louisiana pinesnake species recovery program, emphasizing the zoo's commitment to species conservation through innovative scientific methods.

A Milestone in Reptile Conservation-
Historically, the concept of the "Frozen Zoo" has primarily focused on mammals, birds, and recently amphibians with reptiles often overlooked. However, this successful production of offspring using artificial insemination and frozen-thawed semen in an endangered snake species demonstrates the potential use of biobanking and assisted reproductive technologies (ART) in reptile conservation worldwide.

“The emergence of these 3 hatchlings summed up 5 years of reproductive research and 30 years of Memphis Zoo's use of cutting-edge science and dedication to save the Louisiana pinesnake from extinction. This achievement brought us one step closer to routinely integrating assisted reproductive technology into reptile conservation to preserve genetics and save species,” said Beth Roberts, Senior Reproductive Scientist at Memphis Zoo.

Pioneering Science for Endangered Species-
This project is a significant proof of concept that semen cryopreservation and reproductive technologies can be applied effectively in reptiles, a taxonomic group often neglected in biobanking efforts. The zoo’s team meticulously collected, froze, and later thawed semen, which was then used to successfully inseminate a female Louisiana pinesnake.

Genetic testing by Dr. Tonia Schwartz and graduate student Alexis Lindsey at Auburn University confirmed that the offspring were indeed sired by the donor male, setting a precedent for future conservation efforts in reptiles. “Auburn University is dedicated to impactful science,” said Dr. Tonia Schwartz, Associate Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences. “The Schwartz Lab at Auburn University is passionate about conservation and using genetics to understand how animal populations are impacted by threats in their environment. We are proud to partner with Memphis Zoo on this project to use our genetic expertise to validate the successful fertilization using cryopreserved s***m. We see this success as a huge step forward to enable future efforts to improve the genetic health of this species and other threatened reptile species.”

“Memphis Zoo is setting an example for the global community,” said Dr. Mark Sandfoss, who spearheaded the research. “We’ve shown that it’s possible to use cryopreserved genetic material to aid in the recovery of an endangered species, paving the way for similar efforts with other reptile species in the future.”

What This Means for the Future of Conservation-
This achievement comes at a crucial time for the Louisiana pinesnake, which is one of the rarest snakes in North America. With habitat loss continuing to threaten their survival, the ability to utilize cryopreserved semen offers new hope for maintaining genetic diversity in the species and ensuring its long-term survival. Memphis Zoo plans to continue its pioneering work in reptile conservation, leveraging this success to build on its research and collaborate with other institutions worldwide. “Today, the future of endangered reptiles got a little brighter.” – Dr. Steve Reichling

19/08/2024

As Science Week 2024 has come to a close, we are happy to see the true impact our work has on all corners of the community. We would like to thank Barker College for their support and passion for Species Survival 🦎

06/08/2024

02/08/2024

08/06/2024

05/06/2024

STAFF POSITIONS AVAILABLE

Raptor Reptiles is looking for passionate team members (paid & unpaid) to assist us in our mission to connect people in the community with wildlife and conservation, whilst providing exemplary care for all our animals. Does this sound like you?

Raptor Reptiles is a privately owned business, displaying many native Australian animals, including snakes, lizards, frogs, turtles, invertebrates and more! We are based in the Parramatta City Council, primarily servicing the Greater Sydney Region.

To apply, please email your cover letter and resume to Christian Parsa at [email protected]

Team Member Tasks Include:
- Day-to-day care of collection animals. This includes cleaning enclosures, feeding, performing health checks, and assisting in general maintenance.
- Facilitating presentations, and animal experiences with members of the public as scheduled.
- Ensuring policies and procedures are adhered to, and all work is conducted in a safe and appropriate manner.

Position Benefits:
- Hands-on experience with a wide variety of Australian animals
- Expanding connections within the animal and presentation industry
- Improve public speaking and presentation skills
- Developing skills in animal care and behaviour
- Assisting towards completion of TAFE hours

Essential Criteria:
- Public speaking experience
- Customer service skills
- Availability on weekends and school holidays
- Willing to travel within the Greater Sydney Region
- Working with Children Check & COVID-19 Vaccinated, & willing to provide evidence
- Current driver's licence, P1 (Red P’s) or above
- Organisation and time management skills
- Team player

Desirable Criteria:
- Experience working with animals, in particular reptiles
- Certificate II in animal studies or higher
- Willing to travel to the Central Coast and Wollongong for events

24/05/2024

17/04/2024

27/02/2024

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/qHxcYZfK6xYNMxh5/?mibextid=xfxF2i

Who here has seen one of these hopping around? 🐸

Cane Toad Alert! Miranda's got hoppers, but our Invasive Services team is on it. Sutherland Shire, be on the lookout! If you come across one; don't kill it, capture with CARE - protective glasses and gloves are a MUST. Once captured, pop it in a bucket with air holes and REPORT to our Invasive Species team on 02 9710 0333 or via [email protected]

Let's toad-ally manage this responsibly!

EDIT: Some species of native frogs can be confused with cane toads - use this handy factsheet to determine if it's protected, or a pest:https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/1486735/Cane-Toads-Protect-what-we-love-brochure-eMAIL-Version.PDF

20/02/2024

What an amazing milestone! How science has advanced in the last century alone is a sign that anything is possible through eduction 🦖

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/MzNYo1Z2R2dCjbff/?mibextid=xfxF2i

Today marks a major milestone in the dinosaur world. It is officially 200 years since the first dinosaur was formally named by William Buckland – Megalosaurus.

This dinosaur icon is on display at Oxford University Museum of Natural History. In this photo, I'm studying the original jaw and comparing it with the illustrations from Buckland’s 1824 study. In my opinion, the Megalosaurus jaw is the one dinosaur specimen to rule them all – Dinosaur number 1. The GOAT! 🦖

Beautiful artwork by friend and colleague, Dr Mark Witton Palaeoart.

It is also the 10 year anniversary of the publication of my first major book, ‘Dinosaurs of the British Isles’, co-authored with Nobumichi Tamura.

13/02/2024

Happy Phylum Feast, everyone! Today, on February 12th, we raise our forks in honour of the one and only Charles Darwin and his adventurous palate. 🍽️🌿

Darwin, known for his groundbreaking contributions to science, also had a curious appetite for exotic animals from different phyla. On this day, we celebrate his spirit of exploration and curiosity by indulging in unique and diverse cuisines.

Whether it's trying a new dish from an unfamiliar culture or daring to sample an unconventional ingredient, let's channel our inner Darwin and embrace the diversity of flavours that our world has to offer. 👨‍🔬

So let's gather 'round the table, share stories of discovery, and toast to the adventurous spirit of exploration! Bon appétit and happy Phylum Feast! 🥂🍴

06/02/2024

An amazing mielstone from the Aistralian Museums Frog ID app. Heres to 2 million recordings 🐸🥂

Https://www.facebook.com/100064280936137/posts/788975969921760/?sfnsn=mo&mibextid=6aamW6

Amazing News! Thanks to a recording of the Spalding’s Rocket Frog (Litoria spaldingi) by Elliot Leach, FrogID has reached the astonishing milestone of 1 MILLION frog records! 🎉

🐸 Since November 2017, our fantastic community of more than 45,000 and a team of frog call experts have been tirelessly contributing to this incredible achievement. Each FrogID submission helps better understand and conserve Australia’s remarkable amphibians.

👏 A huge THANK YOU to Elliot for recording in a remote part of Australia where we previously lacked FrogID records, and everyone who has played a role in the Australian Museum’s FrogID project! You have all helped shape a powerful biodiversity database like no other.

Keep listening, recording, and submitting to . Together, we continue to make leaps and bounds for frog conservation!