Early 2026 Update, Molco Photo, and More!

Hey everyone! I hope you are all having a productive and engaging

Interesting to note that winter in Colorado has been sufficiently warm that I have been able to sun soak the Tortoises during most days....in February! Wild...

Along with the calm weather, the 2026 breeding season has kicked off with gusto. Several clutches of Xenagama are on the ground, a few hatched, some Uromastyx eggs are laid, more pairs are breeding, and even the San Esteban Iguanas appear to be feeling the change in the season. It's a uniquely exciting and somewhat spooky time! There's the anticipation of what might produce, coupled with the worry that things might not go well. 

Notice the above image! A stunning male U. ornata in the wild snacking on a plant, how brilliant! Danny Molco is the photographer; he has uploaded many interesting photos and videos to various social media pages of wild U. ornata over the years in Israel. 

Some of what I think is interesting about this photo:
1. How far is this food source from the nearest shelter? 
2.  Notice how few plants are present. Do they eat all kinds or just some? 
3. How long are the conditions this good? 
4. Does it eat that whole plant or just the flower?
5. Notice how many stones! Such a variety of surfaces! 

This weekend was the annual COPARC (Colorado Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation) meeting. This was my first time in attendance, I had the pleasure of learning from a variety of interesting people, and this will not be my last time going! What fun! I even was able to pick up some great books, notably a copy of "Lizard Ecology" by Laurie J. Vitt and Eric R. Pianka. 

Thanks for reading yall! More to come soon!