KEPTILE LIFE IX CAPTIVITY. 3 



most economical method is by using a small copper boiler 

 witli copper pipes, in which hot water can circulate in 

 a tray under the case. 



Unfortunately, lizards require a considerable amount 

 of sunshine before they will feed or do well, and are 

 thus the most difficult group to deal with. Some of the 

 desert species are particularly difficult to keep. 



The Crocodilia are probably the easiest to manage. 

 Their cases should contain a tank sufficiently large to 

 enable them to move about with freedom, and deep 

 enough for them to remain completely submerged if they 

 so wish. In addition it is advisable to have a dry part 

 for them to come out of the water and bask in the sun. 

 They will feed freely on raw meat, fish, small frogs or 

 even insects. There is a marked difference in the 

 temperaments of these creatures. The long-snouted 

 W. African crocodile (C. cataphractus) is a timid animal, 

 not much given to biting, while its all}^ the common 

 crocodile (C. nilotlcns) is alwaj's vicious and treacherous ; 

 C. aviericd/nis is very pretty when small and docile; 

 C. porosus, an Indian species, is usually vicious. 

 Osteolaemus tetraspis, from the W. Coast of Africa, is 

 an interesting species to keep ; it is short and heavily built 

 and nicely mottled and marked. 



Of all the Crocodilia, the Mississippi Alligator is 

 the most suitable for captivit}^ as it is especially docile 

 and quickly recognises its feeder. The natural cry of 

 this group is something between a grunt and a bark, and 

 they are remarkabl}^ sensitive to the lightest touch over 

 the shields of their backs and sides, and will get into 

 the strangest positions in their endeavours to remove the 

 source of annoyance. Swimming is usually performed 

 by vigorous strokes of the tail with the limbs pressed 

 close to the sides of the body. 



