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Australia only allows us to keep native reptiles. Any reptile not native to Australia is referred to as an exotic. There are a few reason's we have exotic reptiles in our country even though we are not allowed to keep them.
1)Before .... we were allowed them. The amnisty ........
2) Smuggling. People always want what they can't have.
3) Escaped zoo animals. (Rarely)
4) Accidental arrival (eg in a shipment of goods - Asian House Geckos are geckos that originate from Asia and the Indo-Pacific Region. These geckos arrived in Australia by stowing away in shipping cargo.)
It is important that any exotic reptiles are handed in to the appropriate authorities. If you are in doubt what to do contact Parks and Wildlife in your state and they will point you in the right direction.
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Flowerpot Snake ().
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Asian House Gecko (Hemidactylus frenatus)
Asian House Geckos are geckos that originate from Asia and the Indo-Pacific Region. The first recording of an Asian House Gecko in Australia was in 1964 in Darwin. These geckos arrived in Australia by stowing away in shipping cargo. Asian House Geckos range from a light pink to a light brown in colour and have a mottled pattern on the top of the body. The underneath is a pale cream colour. They reach approximately 11cms in length. They have small spines/tubercules that go down their lower back and follow onto their tails. Asian House Geckos are prolific breeders. They are capable of laying eggs (two per clutch) several times per year. This has ensured establishment in urban environments.
Corn snake photos kindly supplied by Cory from Reptile Relocation Sydney. These were just two of many he has captured on routine call outs. Phone 0455 570 000 if you are in the Sydney and Illawarra regions and needing a fully licensed, professional Snake Catcher.
Red-eared Slider Turtle (Trachemys scripta elegans) Red-eared Sliders arrived in Australia in the 1960,s - 1970's via the pet trade. Red-eared Sliders have established wild populations. These are through captive escapees and deliberate releases. The World Conservation Union has named Red-eared Sliders as one of the 100 worst invasive pests. Due to prolific breeding an eradication program was started. However, the species is still being found in some Queensland waterways and captive Red-eared Sliders are still being surrendered to authorities. It is a major threat to our native freshwater ecosystem. Exotic animals have the potential to reduce our native animals by food competition thus in turn destroying our aquatic vegetation that native species need for nourishment. The Red-eared Slider originate from North America. They are named for their facial marking. Adults reach an approximate size of 30cms (L). Hatchling Red-eared Sliders are approximately 4.5cms (L). The head of a Red-eared Slider is marked with fine light stripes. The colouration of the shell is green - brown on the carapace with pale streaks and dark marks. Red-eared slider turtles pull their heads directly back into the shell - this differs to our native turtles who put their necks to the side, which is under the edge of the shell giving the head protection.
