Keeping a turtle as a pet has come a long way from the plastic palm tree set-ups of old. From the common box turtle to the less-common Ornate Wood Turtle to the extremely rare albino soft shell, there's a turtle for every lifestyle, budget, and personality. Turtles make fascinating, peaceful pets, but their penchant for longevity means you must be prepared to devote as many as thirty or forty years of care and attention to your new reptilian friend. If you're ready to share your heart and home with one of nature's most ancient and mysterious creatures, then read on for some great pet turtle care advice.

The type of care your turtle will require depends, for the most part, on the type of turtle you plan on getting. While you will certainly want to learn as much as you can about the specific breed of turtle you select, there are some basic rules that apply to pet turtle care, and these rules are different for the two main categories of turtles-water turtles and land turtles. To ensure your turtle's long life and happiness, you should strive to give him a comfortable, home-like environment. For water turtles (such as sliders, coots, and map turtles) this means providing at least 20 gallons of tank space complete with a small "island" for basking, a heat lamp for simulating sunlight, and a UVB light to help the turtle absorb maximum nutrients from his food. Water turtles are graceful, speedy swimmers, so the more swimming room they have, the better! Land turtles (such as box turtles) require plenty of room to roam with hollowed logs or flowerpots to hide in, natural vegetation, a basking area with a heat lamp, and a shallow dish of water for soaking. Many people choose to keep their land turtles outside in specially designed pens. This enables the turtles to not only enjoy the great outdoors, but to hibernate in the winter just as they would in the wild.

While the housing needs of water and land turtles differ dramatically, their diets are actually quite similar. As you learn to take care of a pet turtle, you'll discover that turtles, like most people, are omnivores. This means you'll probably be adding some groceries to your list! There are several varieties of pre-made "turtle chow" available at pet stores, but it's best to use those products sparingly and offer your turtle a wide range of foods. Most land and water turtles alike will happily devour crickets, earthworms, and snails. Water turtles love chasing feeder fish such as minnows and goldfish around their tank and many will also eat cooked chicken, shrimp, and tuna Never feed your turtle hamburger meat, as it's far too high in fat for your turtle to digest properly. Turtles also enjoy a nice salad or fruit plate from time to time. They're particularly fond of Romaine lettuces (never feed iceberg or spinach), dandelion greens, carrots, cantaloupe, strawberries, blackberries, tomatoes, and apples. Who knows! Having a turtle might just help you on your way to healthier eating habits (though we probably can't say the same for exercise).

While you may not feel like a pet turtle care expert right now, you'll hopefully have many happy years to become one! Caring for a pet turtle can be an experience that is both unique and rewarding in a pet-keeping culture dominated by dog and cat owners. While a turtle may not greet you at the door or curl up purring on your feet, it provides a lower maintenance option for busy people who don't have time for a dog or cat. At the end of a long, hard day, a turtle's gentle, peaceful, low-stress personality will surely be a calming influence and inspiring refuge in a speed-driven society. Take some time to relax, munch on a piece of fruit, and enjoy time well spent in the company of your new turtle!

About The Author: Barry S. Mcgee is a pet enthusiast. His site at: http://www.squidoo.com/petcareonline provides advice and information on all aspects of pet care for all types of pets including dogs, cats, ferrets and others and makes it easier for pet owners to choose the best solution for their companion's care.

For answers to all your pet care questions, please visit: http://www.squidoo.com/petcareonline

¶ 9:20 PM 0 comments

In the year 2004, American President, George W. Bush, outlined goals for NASA after the completion of the International Space Station in 2010. Bush stated that " our... goal is to develop and test a new spacecraft, the Crew Exploration Vehicle, by 2008, and to conduct the first manned mission no later than 2014. The Crew Exploration Vehicle will be capable of ferrying astronauts and scientists to the Space Station after the shuttle is retired. But the main purpose of this spacecraft will be to carry astronauts beyond our orbit to other worlds. This will be the first spacecraft of its kind since the Apollo Command Module".

Bush continued: "Our next goal is to return to the Moon by 2020, as the launching point for missions beyond. Beginning no later than 2008, we will send a series of robotic missions to the lunar surface to research and prepare for future human exploration. Using the Crew Exploration Vehicle, we will undertake extended human missions to the Moon as early as 2015, with the goal of living and working there for increasingly extended periods".

The planning by NASA for the lunar mission outlined in that 2004 speech by President Bush is well underway. In fact, the plan encourages participation by other nations of the world. In addition, NASA also envisions participation by non-governmental organizations and commercial groups. NASA is interested in international participation in the project similar to the International Space Station mission.

The name of the program to return astronauts to the Moon is "Constellation". Constellation is developing new spacecraft and is expected to be fully operational by 2016. The Constellation program requires the development of launchers called Ares rockets. These Ares launchers are named for the Greek god associated with Mars. These launchers will return humans to the Moon and later take them to Mars and other destinations.

NASA's Orion spacecraft (now in development) is America's first new manned spacecraft since the space shuttle 30 years ago. Orion will be capable of carrying crew and cargo to the International Space Station after 2010. Orion will be the Earth entry vehicle for lunar and Mars returns. Orion's design will borrow its shape from the capsules of the past, but it will take advantage of modern technology in computers, electronics, life support, propulsion, and heat protection systems.

The U.S. Space Agency plans to create a solar powered, manned outpost on the Moon. The final decision concerning the location of that outpost will be made after NASA's robotic Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) begins to survey the Moon in 2008. In fact, the scheduled launch event in October of 2008 of this robotic probe (with its laser altimeter and other instruments) is a mission designed to produce an accurate global map of the Moon for all upcoming expeditions there.

However, it may be that NASA scientists already have a potential spot for a manned outpost in mind. An area that is already receiving attention by NASA's lunar architecture team is at the South Pole in a spot on the rim of Shackleton Crater. The area is almost always sunlit, but it is also adjacent to a permanently dark location. Wherever it is located, the outpost on the Moon would be built in incremental steps, starting with four person crews making several seven day visits.

It is projected that the first mission to develop the lunar outpost would begin by 2020. The base would grow over time into a lunar town, beefed up with more power, mobility rovers, and living quarters. The Moon base would eventually support 180 day lunar stays. This stretch of time is seen as the best way to establish a permanent presence there. By going to the Moon for extended periods of time, astronauts will search for resources and learn how to work safely in a harsh environment to prepare for a future human exploration of Mars.

Thirty-five years ago this week, Astronauts Gene Cernan, Ron Evans, and Jack Schmitt were early explorers on the surface of the Moon. Today, NASA is planning not only for a visit, but also for a permanent base on the surface of the Moon by astronauts in the year 2020.

The long term goal of future space exploration for NASA was outlined by President George Bush in his speech in 2004. Several years later, the planning, development and logistics of this mission are on schedule. The Constellation program has taken the initial steps to make a manned lunar outpost for a journey to Mars a future reality.

James William Smith has worked in Senior management positions for some of the largest Financial Services firms in the United States for the last twenty five years. He has also provided business consulting support for insurance organizations and start up businesses. He has always been interested in writing and listening to different viewpoints on interesting topics.

Visit his website at http://www.eworldvu.com

¶ 2:51 PM 0 comments

God gave us the beautiful mountains, large meadows, and great seas, all for which I am truly thankful. We have proof in the many natural settings serving as the backdrop for scripture-based posters. Some love what He has created and all are charged with caring for His creation. However, merely recognizing this magnificence is not stewardship. Putting thought into ecology, the environment, and how we affect it is.

How far does this stewardship go? Deuteronomy 25:4 tells us "Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain." We have guidance from the Bible showing how to care for the land and wildlife inhabiting the earth. However there are others working to give deeper meaning to the word stewardship. They have devoted their lives to studying animals, their environment, and how we affect it.

For example, biologists have documented mysterious disappearance and mutations of frog species, leaving authorities baffled. Some consider it to be a direct reflection of our influence. Factory residue, fertilizer, and construction are some factors contributing to such drastic changes. The scientists I had the fortune of spending a few adventurous evenings with, study such patterns of changes in reptiles and amphibians. Thus, they have carried the definition of stewardship a little further.

Recently, some of the herpetologists at the University of Georgia's Savannah River Ecology Laboratory Near Aiken, South Carolina, invited me along for a nighttime snake hunt. I met the party at sunset and found in the midst of the experts two undergraduate students, four research herpetologists, and a medical student. The group's collect experience helped to settle my apprehension of purposely seeking out one of man's most feared creatures.

I pondered what we would discover as the headlights led us into the dark woods making up the 300-square-mile preserve owned by the U.S. government. I had been on two previous day trips to turn over logs, strategically placed shelters, and look in swamps for wildlife native to or introduced to the area, and had yet to see a snake. I doubted this trip would be any different.
As we navigated the primitive roads a series of questions interrupted my thoughts.
"Has anyone caught a fasciata recently?" Dr. Gibbons asked.

"A what?"

"A banded water snake."

"Oh, not yet."

"How about a guttata?"

"Huh?"

"A corn snake."

"Oh, that."

"Ok, we'll take road five. I've caught a few up there and I want to check again," Dr. Gibbons instructed.

We made a few stops and looked in the old barns, under boards, and in the vegetation. Even though we did not find snakes, we found many species of frogs and toads. I had a lot of fun scurrying about trying to catch anything that moved. The brave adventurers earned their living reaching into dark shadows for what might lurk. One student pulled her hand out of a hole and revealed a small toad. I wondered how she could know what was in the dark before grabbing it, maybe she just knew.

Not all the work turned out to be fun. The arduous documentation of evidence and amphibious and reptile specimen movements is one of the less glamorous duties in field studies. Yet, without these records, we would not know impact the local industry has had on the ecology.

The winding road brought us to a creek bed, where we scrambled from the van. I was nearly trampled because this wild bunch had a game they liked to play. Basically, when the vehicle made a stop, we tried not to be the last out, or worse yet, just ahead of him or her. Once recovered, I realized that we must be in the right place. Everyone had their flashlight, either hand held or helmet mounted, trained on an area the size of a beach ball. They poised in awe of their spectacular find.

However, I struggled to see whatever had caused the fuss. Even though I strained for what seemed minutes, I could not discern what they discovered. Finally the source of wonder revealed itself. Growing impatient with its audience, a huge serpent uncoiled to slither away. Sinbad or Hercules would have had trouble fighting this large cottonmouth in the old adventure movies.
Later, when I asked why I had such a hard time seeing the snake, Dr. Gibbons explained that I suffered from a lack of what is called "search image". It's something both scientists and laymen often experience. To explain, imagine walking along and your friend jumps at seeing a green snake. You focus all your energy in finding the green menace, but while searching you may inadvertently overlook any brown ones resting nearby. It's like not being able to see the trees for the forest.
Later, we drove to a pond. Since it had rained, Dr. Gibbons thought we would have luck with frogs. I have been in the woods many times at night and have heard many frog calls. This night was different-it was like Christmas for these people. Dreams came true as excited scientists identified species after species. Some proved to be hybrids, having adapted to environmental changes.

I was greeted by such a brilliant display of different frog sounds that I found myself hoping each caller would find their mate. To experience such emotion and excitement as each scientist attributed a frog name to each voice was inspiring. I listened long into the night as each versicolor, ocularis, gratuosa, or any other variation of tree frog called out. I couldn't help feeling as if I were eavesdropping on something special.

Many scientific names are hard for the untrained to remember, so more common ones are necessary. The Morse code frog ditted and datted the lyrics, the cowbell frog provided acoustics, and the banjo frog plucked in an accompaniment to one of the most heartfelt love songs most of the world never hears.

Once finished, we all left satisfied for different own reasons. I gave Dr. Gibbons a ride home that night and we talked as the rain picked up momentum. Flooding had forced many small animals onto the road, so I kept the adventure alive as I inquired of Dr. Gibbons as to their names. We identified some copperhead snakes and leopard frogs.

I had so much fun learning about a new world that I did not want it to end. The next day as I sat on Dr. Gibbons back porch being entertained by his frog imitations, I realized the adventure didn't have to end. There is very much yet to discover in backyards, playgrounds, woods, ponds or wherever your adventure takes you.

The most important, however, is recognizing God's Creation-His most abounding evidence of His existence. It is up to us to learn of all he has to offer. He created it all to glorify Himself, while somehow being generous enough to provide for our amusement. In my appointment-filled day, I am often thankful for those who, like the scientists at the Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, spend their energy identifying how we affect our environment.

You can hear some of the many frog sounds, or learn of the Savannah River Ecology Lab's mission by visiting their web site at uga.edu

Jeff Bennett is the founder of ISPCert.com and currently serves as the Vice Chair of a local chapter of NCMS (Society of Industrial Security Professionals). He has written a study manual for the NCMS' Industrial Security Professional Certification. For more information on Jeff's articles and ISP Certification, please visit http://www.ispcert.com If you desire to schedule a speaking engagement, please contact Jeff at http://www.ispcert.com

¶ 8:24 AM 0 comments

Electrons are particles spinning and revolving around the nucleus of the atom similar to the earth rotating on its own axis as it also revolves around the sun. This rotation, like that of the planets, is realised ceaselessly and in perfect order on paths we call orbits. Yet, the proportion of the size of the earth and the sun is very different from the atomic scale. To make a comparison between the size of electrons and the size of the earth, if we enlarge an atom as big as the earth, the electron would be in the size of an apple.

Tens of electrons revolving in an area so small as to be invisible even to the most powerful microscopes create a very complex traffic inside the atom. The most remarkable point here is that these electrons surrounding the nucleus like an armor of electrical charge do not have even a small accident. In fact, any small accident inside the atom would cause a disaster for the atom. However, such an accident never takes place. The whole operation runs flawlessly. The electrons revolving around the nucleus at the mind-boggling speed of 1,000 km/second never collide with each other.

It is extremely amazing that these electrons, which are no different from each other, follow separate orbits, and it is obviously the result of a conscious creation. If they had different masses and velocities, it might be natural for them to settle in different orbits around the nucleus. For instance, the order of the planets in our solar system follows this logic. Planets that have totally different masses and velocities are naturally settled in different orbits around the sun. But the case with the electrons in the atom is totally different from that of these planets. The electrons are exactly alike but have different orbits around the nucleus: how do they follow these paths unerringly, how do they not collide though they have incredibly small dimensions and move at incredible speeds? These questions lead us to a single point: the only truth we face in this unique order and delicate equilibrium is the perfect creation of Allah (God).

Electrons are small particles, almost two thousandth the size of neutrons and protons. An atom has the same number of electrons as protons and each electron bears a negative (-) charge equal to the positive (+) charge borne by each proton. The total positive (+) charge in the nucleus and the total negative (-) charge of the electrons cancel each other and the atom becomes neutral.

When electrons were first discovered, they were thought to be particles like the protons and neutrons found in the nucleus. In the experiments that followed, however, it was discovered that they display wave characteristics like light particles, that is, photons. Subsequently, quantum physicists came to the conclusion that every particle is simultaneously a wave form with its own distinct frequency.

The most significant experiment revealing the interesting nature of the sub-atomic particles was the double-slit experiment. This was conducted to see how light and electrons both behave like waves, and how they both manifest this surprising feature to the same extent.

In order to gain a better understanding of the subject, assume that this experiment was conducted with grains of sand rather than electrons.

First, bring a source of sand grains, such as a sand-blower, behind a wall. Let there be two slits in the wall. And let there be on the other side of the wall a screen to detect the particles passing through these slits. Each sand grain impelled by the blower travels through one slit and strikes the screen.

Once a large number of grains have passed through the slits and hit the screen, we see that two clusters of points have appeared on the screen; one made up of grains passing through the first slit, and the other of those passing through the second. Events have transpired as we expected.

Now, imagine that we have conducted a similar experiment in a different way. Let us fill the experimental environment between the source and the screen with a pool of water, and use a vibrating object instead of the source of sand particles. This object sets the water in motion and continuously generates waves, spreading in all directions.

Unlike grains of sand, these waves are not localized in space. They are spread throughout the whole pool. As a result, the waves passing through both slits simultaneously spread out, encounter one another and interfere with each other.

When the crest of one wave combines with the trough of another, they neutralize each other. The wave effect disappears, leaving nothing. This interference is a basic characteristic of waves.When the experiment was performed with electrons, instead of a cluster of particles striking the screen-as with the sand grains-the electrons were observed to interfere with one another. The expected result failed to occur if the electrons were regarded as particles only. Therefore, since the electrons displayed the wave-like feature of interfering with one another, they cannot be particles. Yet they cannot be waves either-because, just like particles, they struck the screen in discrete groups.

In this instance, the observations suggest that the electrons are localized particles when they leave the source and when they arrive at the screen, but that they act as waves everywhere in between. This is really very counterintuitive.

This experimental evidence did away with materialism, according to which, every particle must possess an objective existence somewhere in space. Again according to materialism, an electron must follow a single course through a space and cannot move through both slits like a wave which is not localized. Yet materialists' expectations did not correspond to experimental reality.

The wave we are referring to here is different from a physical wave that occurs in water. Electron waves do not exist in the three-dimensional space in our physical world.

Fred Alan Wolf describes the wave concept in question:

When quantum physicists determine the probability of an event, they calculate a number. This number arises from the multiplication of two mathematical functions called quantum wave functions-or, as I call them, qwiffs. Qwiffs are imagined to be real waves moving through space and time. However, they are not real waves; they are purely imaginal. They are not fields like magnetic fields or gravitational fields. They cannot be measured. They have neither mass nor energy. They exist in our minds and imaginations. That is, they do not exist as we observe real material things existing. . . . The dynamic laws governing time loops bring a story into being. In other words, when a time loop is created, the world we commonly and uncommonly experience as "out there" arises both in our minds and in what we believe is objectively shared reality. (Fred Alan Wolf, Mind into Matter: A New Alchemy of Science and Spirit, 2001, Moment Point Press, p. 105)

According to Wolf, the definite scientific truth regarding electrons cannot possibly be comprehended in terms of known physical or mathematical concepts. In any case, however, we are never in direct contact with the realities in the outside world. It is impossible for us to step beyond our own perceptions.

The double-slit experiment can be repeated with all sub-atomic particles. The results will always be the same, because quantum mechanics rules the entire universe. True, when billions of atoms combine to give rise to any large object or a human being, the probability of this interference effect ever being observed decrease sharply. But this does not mean that the laws of quantum physics have ceased to apply. This process is now just not observable. Therefore, this fact applies to all of matter.

According to the Washington University mathematician Thomas McFarlane, the large objects we encounter in our daily lives are not objectively existing matter, either. According to him, the appearance of an objectively existing world independent of observation is an illusion.

What quantum mechanics has scientifically proven is that the objective world exists in a concentrated wave form. According to physicists, the main problem that misleads people is that the world observed through our perceptions is high in convincing detail, sharpness and clarity. Yet the outside world never actually reaches us. We can never see the external reality, the original of the material world existing out there.

Our daily lives present an image highly inconsistent with the external realities. Therefore, the question arises of which one-whether the physical reality or what appears to us so sharp and clear-should be regarded as valid.

Thomas J. McFarlane states that the answer can be found by drawing a comparison.According to him, we can imagine modern-day scientists going back 3000 years in the past and meeting with people who imagine the Earth is flat. The scientists politely tell them that they are in error on the subject, and that the Earth is actually spherical.

These people then ask the scientists, how could you have come by such an insane idea? The scientists will be unable to provide a single piece of evidence to prove their thesis, under the conditions and state of knowledge of that time. They, on the other hand, are quite capable of explaining that the Earth is flat, on the basis of all their experiments and the evidence they've gathered. They use the concept of plane geometry to measure out land and chart road maps, and find nothing in this that conflicts with their daily experience. In the same way, when they look at a wide open expanse or the sea, they say that they can see no curvature and so claim that there is no evidence showing that the Earth is round. The idea that The Earth is round thus remains a delusion. The scientists return to their time machine and to the present day, without having proved anything.

According to McFarlane, the reason why these time-travelers were unable to convince anyone the Earth is round is that we humans are so very small in comparison to the Earth. Since our experiment is confined to a geographically very small area, the Earth appears to be flat, even though it is not actually so. In other words, the flatness observed on Earth is not a true flatness at all, because the Earth is not flat. This is only an illusory flatness caused by the immense size of the Earth.

In order to prove that the Earth is round, we need to go beyond our day-to-day limitations. For instance, we could fly around the world in a plane, or we could go up into space in a rocket. But when limited to our day-to-day experiences, we have no evidence that the flatness we perceive is an illusion. Similarly, we have no reason not to believe that the Earth is flat.

After citing this example, McFarlane goes on to say:

If people have been so deluded about reality in the past, how can we be so sure that we are not deluded now? As we have seen, just because our present notions of reality are consistent with our ordinary experience, does not make them true. Since our experience certainly has its limits, perhaps our idea of the objective world really is an illusion, just as much an illusion as the idea of a flat Earth.

Allah created every 'where' both that which we are able to see and that which we cannot, with boundless artistry and He gave innumerable favours to be at our service, whether we are aware of them or not. It is undeniable that scientific development and progress ought to cause everyone who uses his wisdom and conscience to believe in the existence of Allah. Nonetheless, people still exist who ignore the superior artistry and wisdom observable at every point in the universe.

As a person learns more about the examples of creation surrounding him, he grasps much better that Allah encompasses him from every direction, He directs all affairs in heaven and Earth, and holds everything under control. He understands that his life will certainly be taken and he will be answerable for everything he has done on Earth. As a believer becomes more acquainted with the innumerable phenomena taking place around him, his admiration for Allah's knowledge increasingly grows. This admiration is a very important step on the way to perceiving the infinite power and might of Allah as much as possible and fearing Him as required. This is stated in the Qur'an:

Do you not see that Allah sends down water from the sky and by it We bring forth fruits of varying colors? And in the mountains there are streaks of white and red, of varying shades, and rocks of deep jet black. And humanity and beasts and livestock are likewise of varying colors. Only those of His slaves with knowledge have fear of Allah. Allah is Almighty, Ever-Forgiving. (Surah Fatir: 27-28)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR, HARUN YAHYA

Born in Ankara in 1956, Adnan Oktar writes his books under the pen name of Harun Yahya. The works of Harun Yahya have been translated into 41 languages. To date, his books have been purchased by 8 million people, and an equal number have been provided free to readers by various newspapers and magazines. You can read, free of charge, 250 books Adnan Oktar has written under the pen name Harun Yahya, watch 180 documentary films and visit 56 web pages on this websites:

http://www.harunyahya.com
http://www.Allahexists.com
http://www.secretbeyondmatter.com

¶ 7:50 AM 0 comments

In the summer of 2005, I was given the opportunity to volunteer with crocodiles at Crocodylus Park, Wildlife Research and Education Centre, Northern Territory, Australia. At the time, I was travelling around Australia and barely had any money left. I really needed to work, but didnt want to miss out on this opportunity. I decided to give it a go until I had no alternative other than to find a job that paid. I was in luck though; a member of staff was soon to take a 6 week trip to England. I jumped at the opportunity to step in for him, the job was mine!

Crocodylus Park is dedicated to crocodile research and conservation. The forefront of the Park houses around 1000 crocodiles, as well as big cats, kangaroos, monkeys, hawksbill turtles and many other animals. Behind the scenes lies another 7000 saltwater crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus) which are either captive bred or captive raised, for use of their skin, skeletal structure and meat. The crocodiles are raised in pens until they reach around 1.6m, at which time they are moved into individual cages. They are left in these for around a year for their belly scales to reach optimum condition. At around 3-5 years old, they are culled.

My feelings about croc farming have always been fairly mixed, but I do agree with the idea. Since croc farming has been in place, and the hunting of wild crocodiles banned, the population has risen to over 100000 wild individuals. It has also given opportunities to hundreds of Australian people, including native Aboriginal people who are paid for the collection of eggs on their land.

It was hard at first to involve myself in the culling of crocodiles, but I was already involved just by working there. Every step taken in the park is to ensure the the crocodiles are healthy and have as near to perfect body condition as possible. Most farms do this for one main purpose; their skin, meat and skeletal pieces. Crocodylus Park is at the forefront of crocodile research, and supports this research by farming. I cannot blame the farmers for doing what they do, for they are simply supplying the huge demand. If farms were not in place, the black market would be enormous and Crocodylus porosus would most probably be extinct. If anyone is to blame, it would be the end consumer, and all the while they buy crocodile in one form or another, crocodiles will be killed for them.

My daily tasks involved maintaining around 7000 crocodiles behind the scenes, out of the public eye. Food preparation was hardly a light task with a tonne of food prepared several times a week. This included a mixture of shark, kangaroo, horse, chicken and chicken heads, heart and various supplemental vitamins, minerals and sometimes medication. The different sized crocodiles would have different grades of food minced up, and different percentages of the various foods available to them. Shark is full of protein and is given to the Park for little or no cost, so it is a very good food item to include in their diet. However, juvenile crocodiles do not take to shark very well, and are weaned onto it with age, receiving a higher percentage as time progresses.

The crocodiles have to be counted and sorted on a regular basis. This is to keep track of numbers and allow crocodiles of the same size to be housed together. Within a matter of 6 weeks, a juvenile crocodile could double the size of a less fortunate sibling. By constantly monitoring the sizes of crocodiles kept together, it allows the slower growing individuals a better chance of feeding and less chance of being bullied. Crocodiles are vicious predators, and will not stop for another crocodile if they are in their way.

After a matter of weeks, I had handled literally thousands of juvenile crocodiles, from just 30cm up to 1.8m. Every time I had to get in the pens, my adrenalin began to flow. Not enough though! I would not leave that park without getting a chance with the big guys!

Soon after mentioning this to my boss, I was in the breeder pens defending the grounds-keeper against 16ft aggressive male crocs with a 3metre steel pole in my hands! I can tell you, the last thing on my mind was protecting the bloke with the strimmer, that pole was for me and for me only! I had seen these crocodiles in action all the time at the park and even in the wild, but being a metre away from a big male, launching out the water at amazing speed, was certainly the adrenalin rush I hoped for!

The park had an interesting tactic for protection; we would purposely hit the pole in the water and on the ground, attracting the attention of the crocodiles. There were 2 of us in the pens with poles; one for the male and the other for the female. Once they came out, we would fend them off back into the water and they would unlikely attack again. If we went in quietly and tried to cut the grass, the crocodiles would sneak to the waters edge and lunge without notice. Our method, although it meant we used the pole a lot more, was far safer.

Working in such heat was a serious work out every day. None of the blokes working outside were un-fit, and if they were they hid it very well! The temperature while I was working there was averaging about 30-34˚C every day, and that was in the dry season. In the wet season, the humidity rises and the temperature is still into the mid 30s. This only made it more fun though, after all, I need to work off all that drink I was consuming while in Darwin!

During my time at Crocodylus Park I learnt so many things. I was doing post-mortems on deceased juvenile crocodiles, learning how and why they died. I learnt about the effect man had on wild crocodiles over the centuries, and the impact that crocodile farming has had on the wild population. I learnt about various diseases and treatments associated with water living reptiles. I was taught how to properly catch, handle, examine and transport crocodiles from hatchlings up to 2metres in length. The thing that most interested me however, is how similar crocodiles are to a wide range of lizard species common in the pet trade. These characteristics were far more noticeable in hatchlings and juveniles. Their feeding habits and sheer excitement over food was remarkable. The way they sit and wait, hoping not to be spotted, but when they are they run away into the water at lightning speed. The way they blow themselves up and hiss, much like many lizards. They even send out warning signals when they are caught, crocodiles are believed to do this to attract the attention of their mothers. Many lizards also do this, but perhaps more as a deterrent for the predator rather than a warning call to their parents. Some species of crocodilian can even be tamed; the American Alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) is a prime example.

I have come away from the park with a huge respect for these creatures, and respect for the people who dedicate their lives to keeping and researching them. It is a hard job, and only seriously interested hobbyists will last long in the game.

Published in Reptile Care Magazine, Volume 3, Issue 4.

For more information about Crocodiles and crocodile farming, please visit www.petclubuk.com

By Chris Jones
Director of Pet Club UK Ltd.
http://www.petclubuk.com

¶ 1:29 AM 0 comments