FEATURED
Don’t Pet Me:
A campaign to ban your pets
In May 2025, Scotland’s largest animal charity backed a proposal for a government ‘permitted list’ of pets — meaning any species not approved could be banned. Experts warn the unintended consequences will be severe.
Articles in your language:
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Responsible Reptile Keeping 2025 in review: What a year!
Every year, RRK has the same goal: for you to enjoy your reptiles. That simple yet important purpose entirely drove our mission in 2025.
20 minutes
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6 ways reptiles can boost your mental wellbeing
As research continues to explore the links between human–animal interaction, reptiles are emerging as an unexpectedly vital presence in people’s lives. So what is it about these understated companions that supports mindfulness, reduces stress, and strengthens social ties?
7 minutes
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The venomous debate
In light of recent events, keeping venomous reptiles clearly isn’t for everyone, and those who do keep potentially dangerous species take on a great responsibility. So what do prospective venomous keepers need to know, and who should be allowed to keep these animals anyway?
18 minutes
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The cottonmouth challenge: Let’s go herpin’ USA
For Tony Wigley, there’s no such thing as a non-herping holiday. Every business trip, holiday and getaway break will inevitably include some time spent in the local undergrowth or visiting a zoo or private collection. A springtime wedding in North Carolina offered the perfect opportunity to look for one of the most elusive snakes on his ‘most wanted’ list – the venomous cottonmouth.
13 minutes
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United by a shared passion We’re speaking your language
No matter where we live or what species we keep, responsible animal keepers around the world are facing the same uphill battle.
Whether it’s reptiles, fish, birds, inverts or mammals, our passion for animals connects us all. And while we may not agree on everything, we need to unite behind a single, global mission to preserve our right to keep our animals responsibly.
4 minutes
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Myth buster: Reptile salmonella
Of course, it is possible to catch salmonella from your pet reptiles, or indeed from many other commonly kept pets. But how significant is the risk, and what can keepers do to manage and prevent infection?
8 minutes
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Fighting the frog fungus
First discovered in the late 1990s, chytrid fungus infections caused the extinction of almost 100 amphibian species. Now there’s a new version of chytrid doing the rounds and it’s already causing worrying amphibian population declines. Here’s what you need to know and what you can do to help.
9 minutes
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Silencing the experts: How extremists are twisting the animal welfare debate
An alarming trend has taken root in today’s animal welfare debates. Despite representing a tiny minority of the population, extremist animal rights activists are dominating discussions – not because they know best – but because they have made campaigning their full-time mission.
8 minutes
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Should I get a… Martinique spotted anole
These small, easily cared for lizards are certainly worth an extra vivarium if you have the time and space to care for them.
7 minutes
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Success in Sweden: How to fight a reptile ban and win!
What would you do if feeding insects became illegal? Or you were forced to increase your animal’s enclosure size by over 1000%? This almost happened in Sweden recently. Here’s how Swedish pet keepers averted a legislative travesty.
10 minutes
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The last reptile keepers? Positive lists don't work
Will your children be allowed to keep reptiles? Animal rights campaigners claim positive lists are the best way to address many different issues. So what is a positive list? How well do they work? And how might such a list affect you?
20 minutes
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Bad science and shady politics
Documents acquired by Dutch animal specialists reveal the Dutch Government ignored experts and manipulated science to push its positive list for pets. Animal welfare group Stichting Animalia exposes the political agenda disguised behind this woeful policy.
6 minutes
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What did RRK achieve in 2024?
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Clifford’s diadem snake
Francis Cosquieri has long been a passionate admirer of Clifford’s diadem snakes (Spalerosophis diadema cliffordii). We catch up with Francis to get the big picture on these little known and often under-appreciated animals.
30 minutes
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The world’s rarest tortoise
The story of the ploughshare tortoise reads like a thriller. We talk to conservation ecologist Owen Griffiths about his work to save this iconic species.
8 minutes
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How to write your own care guides
There’s a lot of information out there on the internet, but how can you tell which reptile care guides are good and which aren’t?
15 minutes
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A beginner’s guide to reptile obesity
Reptile obesity is a common problem so what can we do to keep our animals healthy?
8 minutes
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Terrafile: future-proof your animals
Terrafile is a secure online record-keeping platform that helps keepers stay on the right side of the law, and with other useful features.
8 minutes