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Reptiles and Amphibians |
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Really large reptiles such as pythons can only exist in the tropics where optimal temperatures are available throughout the year. All python species, including this Burmese, choose small to medium sized
mammals as prey. They have heat sensitive pits along the sides of the
mouth which enable them to detect, and aim, even in the dark, at warm blooded
animals. In zoos. pythons are trained to take dead animals - though
they still 'constrict' them. |
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Tokay Geckos are a kind of noctural lizard. They are noted for their ability to climb up smooth, vertical surfaces, even glass. An adaptation which enables them to pursue moths and crickets in places other lizards can not reach. |
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Underside of the Tokay shows the folded layers of skin on the toes which, under pressure, present a bigger surface area so enabling it to hold on to the glass. |
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The Giant or Cane Toad is one of many unwise introductions to Australia. Native to Central America, it was introduced to control insect pests on sugar cane. The Cane Toad reproduced so well that no Australian predator is able to control it in turn. Note the glandular sacs of poison behind the eyes. |
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Swamp House |
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Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens is proud to operate the first purpose-built Swamp House, or Crocodilarium, designed using multiwall polycarbonate sheeting. These structures offer the benefit of a solar gain similar to glass but have only a fraction of the heat loss that is a major drawback to glass. Its beneficial effects on the rare crocodiles here are plain to see and it is confidently predicted that efforts to breed rare crocodiles will be much easier because of the permanent availability of natural light and seasonal light cycles. |
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All reptiles need warm temperatures in which to function. They only use food to grow and expend limited energy in movement. Food is not used to maintain a body temperature higher than the immediate environment as do mammals and birds. The reptiles can survive by feeding at spacious intervals. Cool climate reptiles hibernate in the winter to avoid the cold and food shortages - and it may surprise some to know that alligators do so in the wild. Here in the summer they have the choice of being inside or out. |
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Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens, Filby, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR29 3DR Tel: +44 (0)1493 369477 Fax: +44 (0)1493 368256 |
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