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Western Hog Nose Snake (Heterodon nacius)

Striped Leopard Snake (Zamenis situla)

Lake Chapala Garter Snake (Thamnophis eques obscurus)

Over and above promising my parents I would eventually do something with all this experience and reading I had done on the subject I wanted to try and address issues that have arisen over the past twenty or so years in the hobby.

Although totally innocent in all of this two species covered have contributed to a severe contraction in recent years of species diversity. Human avarice and the quest to create new morphs meant a lot of attention has been paid initially to the Corn Snake (Pantherophis guttatus) and then the Royal or Ball Python (Python regius). Are these great snakes as pets? Yes, no question. Fantastic animals. Are there other species equally deserving of a beginner snake keepers attention? YES!! Yes there is.

One of the things that is lamented by many keepers of long standing was the diversity of species we had available to choose from when we entered the hobby. I (Charles) first started keeping in 1991 and my first few snakes were Common Water Snake (Nerodia sipedon), Diamond Back Water Snake (Nerodia Rhombifer), Grey Rat Snake (Pantherophis obsoletus spiloides) and Spotted Python (Antaresia maculosa). By ensuring that many species are maintained and coveted in the hobby we safeguard their future production for the next generation of keeper. Without the enthusiasm to promote these species they will simply disappear potentially to be lost from the hobby all together.

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