Orthriophis taeniurus friesi - Taiwanese Beauty Snake

Orthriophis taeniurus friesi, the Taiwanese Beauty snake is a large and very powerful constrictor. This snake is one of the largest rat snakes in the world and is native to the island of Taiwan.

 Coelognathus radiatus - Radiated rat snake

Coelognathus radiatus, the Radiated rat snake is a beautiful medium sized snake named because of thre lines that radiate from the eye of the snake to the back of the head. An extremely fast animal with a deserved reputation for being nervous and highly strung.

 Coelognathus helena helena - Trinket snake

Coelognathus helena helena, the Trinket snake is a beautiful little snake named after Helen of Troy. It is slowly growing in popularity because of it's small size and relatively placid and mild demeaonor.

 Testudo sp - Mediterranean Tortoises

Species under review are all of the Testudo group from very similar habitats around the European coastline bordering the Mediterranean. The group consists of the Greek Spur-thighed Tortoise Testudo graeca, Hermann’s Tortoise Testudo hermanni and the Marginated Tortoise Testudo marginata. All are regularly captive bred in the UK and other EU countries, numbers available are limited and the prices high. Currently there’s an EU prohibition on trade in wild-caught specimens of the above. The Russian tortoise Testudo horsfieldii needs the same care as the above.

 Euprepiophis mandarinus - The Mandarin rat snake

Euprepiophis mandarinus formerly Elaphe mandarina.

Once a very rare captive this medium sized snake is undeniably one of the world`s most beautiful Rat snakes. They are now becoming commoner among specialist hobbyists and captive breeding programs are increasing. Wild-caught snakes can be difficult to maintain in captivity, probably due to heavy parasite loads and the poor condition of animals imported from China. They are very easily stressed and very susceptible to disease when stressed, all of which makes them more suited to the specialist keeper. Captive bred specimens are gradually becoming more available and It is recommended that hobbyists attempt to find captive bred stock. These offer a much better proposition for captive maintenance being calmer, hardier and relatively more easy to take care of.