Steve's Herpetological Blog

An insight into the life of Steve, his research and the many books he reads

Zoology

#StevesLibrary: Dr Tatiana’s Sex Advice to all Creation

Back when completing my Masters Degree, there was an optional afternoon in how to construct arguments for popular science writing. This was held by Olivia Judson (who I hadn’t heard of until that time) but I wish I had. She…

#SciFri: Venomous caecilians

You may have seen this article (or one like it) at the beginning of the month, which caused a stir among the amphibian research community. As a group caecilians are severely understudied due to their fossorial nature which makes surveying…

#SteveReviews: The Tigers of Scotland

One thing we’re very good at doing in the UK, is focussing on conservation of endangered species in foreign countries, particularly those that we perceive as under threat such as pandas and tigers. We neglect our native species, resulting in…

#StevesLibrary: Crow Country

As many as you can probably understand, I am very much missing my fieldsite at the moment, sent on the border between the Norfolk Brecks and Broads – it is an oasis for wildlife. I’ve been wanting to know more…

#StevesLibrary: Dead Zone

If I had to sum up Dead Zone: Where the Wild Things Were by Philip Lymbery in a single sentence it would be this: A truly eye-opening read as to the effects of industrialised farming on the planet. Before we…

#SteveReviews: Beak and Brain

For a long time, as long as I can remember I’ve been fascinated by the unique fauna of New Zealand. Thankfully I was given the opportunity to visit earlier this year and see some it for myself. I wish I…

#SteveReviews: Absurd Planet!

I recently found out about a new wildlife documentary series on Netflix called Absurd Planet! that was released earlier in April this year. The number of nature documentaries coming out at the moment is just what I need to see…

#SciFri: Where should I report any herpetofauna I’ve seen?

Picture this, you’ve been out and about in the woods walking your dog and whilst bending down to pick up the stick your furry friend has become fond of, you spot a frog. What do you do with this casual…

#SteveReviews: Blackfish

After taking a week long break to focus on more pressing matters, I’m back to tackle something a number of people have been asking for over the past 6 months or so. If you hadn’t guessed already, it is my…

#SteveReviews: Blue Planet 2

Due to ongoing events, I’ve been trying to keep to a regular schedule of posts since the lockdown began. This is partly to keep you guys entertained but also to help build a routine for me to follow. With this…