Herpetological Highlights
In Herpetological Highlights we will explore the recent scientific discoveries in the field of Herpetology. We'll cover everything from lizards to frogs, snakes, and toads. Every episode we'll be digging into the biology and ecology of these reptiles and amphibians in an attempt to disentangle the science. Hosted by Tom Major and Ben Marshall. Like us on facebook: www.facebook.com/herphighlights
- Update frequency
- every 7 days
- Average duration
- 49 minutes
- Episodes
- 238
- Years Active
- 2017 - 2025
175 Herding Turtles
An exciting new study suggests turtles might be social creatures.
Main Paper References:
McKnight DT, Serano JC, Thompson DM, Ligon DB. 2023. They really do move in herds: evidence of group living i…
174 Rotting Salamanders
Fire salamanders are the focus of this episode. Like humans, they have been facing a pandemic recently, and new research delves into how populations have been coping. We top it off with a brand new s…
173 Never Smile at a Crocodile
Crocodiles leave their mouths open for long periods of time, and we don’t really know why. We also take a long tangent on the swiftlet nest business and what wee reptiles are cashing in themselves.
172 Super Hybrid Salamanders
Tracking and understanding invasive species is difficult, but even more so when the invasive can interbreed with the endangered native species creating a more powerful hybrid. This episode we look at…
171 Weaponised Chameleons
Chameleons have evolved a diversity of weaponry. New research determines what these weapons are, and which chameleon groups are the most heavily-armed.
170 Meals for Mamushi
They call them mamushi, or the Japanese pitviper. New research determines whether these snakes operate in chilly weather, or if their prey are safe to relax.
169 Gecko Screams in the Night
Vocal plasticity is the topic for this episode. Can tokay geckos modify their call? Do young turtle vocalisations help them coordinate their movements?
168 Similar Snacks for Sympatric Snakes
Snake diets are difficult to study, but are deeply interesting. This episode we look at a paper that has gathered together records (paper and digital) to examine whether rat snakes and cobras compete…
167 Resistant Caecilians
Caecilians are well adapted to a life underground, but a serious threat lives under there with them. All over the world, they have evolved the same means to fight this subterranean threat.
166 Emotional Support Rattlesnakes
We chat about some new research on the social behaviour of rattlesnakes. Plus a brand new snake species just described from Australia.
165 Toad vs Toad
Two toad species are wreaking havoc as invaders, but which is worse - and why?
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164 Isolated Indigo Snakes
Humans get in the way of snakes finding love over long distances, and then we talk about a cool new gecko that glides, or does it paraglide?
163 Geckos Understand the Smell of Trouble
When surviving in the wilds, maximising all your senses is wise. When you can’t see a threat, maybe you’ll hear one… or smell one? We look at a wonderfully smart gecko looking to dodge snakes using t…
162 My squeak is as bad as my strike
Animals make all sorts of noises for all sorts of reasons. Working out what they mean is difficult, especially if the animal is less than honest. This episode is all about the truthfulness of the scr…
161 Do colourful lizards make better battlers?
Colour morphs exist in many species, but are those colours linked to differences in behaviour or success? We look at a polymorphic lizard and whether combat success is linked to three different colou…
160 Glowing Salamanders
This episode we explore the weird world of glowing salamanders and speculate about the possible reasons behind this adaptation. Species of the Bi-week returns with a small seepage specialist.
159 When Loggerheads come to blows
Everyone thinks turtles are chill, but they aren't always. They can be competitive when they need to be.
158 Colossal Crocs are Big River Chillers
New research on crocodiles sheds light on how these massive beasts interact with each other.
157 The Bushmasters of Brazil
Bushmasters are massive vipers that remain somewhat of a mystery. This episode we look at a paper investigating their spatial ecology and habitat preferences.
156 Comfort Eating Lizards
Stress can come from many places, loud noises are one example. So how do lizards react when their home is constantly bombarded by loud noises? We also have a new gecko for Species of the Bi-week.