Crested Gecko,One of the most beautiful reptiles in the World (15 Pics)

The crested gecko, New Caledonian crested gecko, Guichenot's giant gecko or eyelash gecko, Correlophus ciliatus, is a species of gecko native to southern New Caledonia. This species was thought extinct until it was rediscovered in 1994. Along with several Rhacodactylus species, it is being considered for protected status by the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna. It is popular in the pet trade.

e crested gecko has hair-like projections found above the eyes, resembling eyelashes. It has a wedge shaped head and a crest that runs from each eye to the tail. Crested geckos do not have eyelids and so they use their long tongues to moisten their eyes and remove debris. The toes and the tip of the semi-prehensile tail are covered in small hairs called setae. Each seta is divided into hundreds of smaller (approximately 200 nanometres in diameter) hairs called spatulae. It is believed these structures exploit the weak van der Waals force to help the gecko climb on most solid surfaces. The toes have small claws which aid in climbing surfaces to which their toes cannot cling. They possess a prehensile tail which they use to assist in climbing. The tail can be shed as a deterent to predators. Unlike some other geckos once they lose their tail it will not grow back, however this is not as harmful to the gecko as it is to others, such as the Leopard gecko.

The crested gecko is endemic to South Province, New Caledonia. There are three disjunct populations, one found on the Isle of Pines and surrounding islets, and there are two populations found on the main island of Grande Terre. One population is around the Blue River, which is a protected provincial park, and the other is further north, just south of Mount Dzumac.

From : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crested_gecko

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Black Mamba the longest venomous snake in Africa and the fastest snake in the world (Dendroaspis polylepis) (24 Pics)

The black mamba (Dendroaspis polylepis), also called the common black mamba or black-mouthed mamba, is the longest venomous snake in Africa and the second longest venomous snake in the world, behind the King Cobra.

It is named for the black colour of the inside of the mouth rather than the colour of its scales which varies from dull yellowish-green to a gun-metal grey. It is also the fastest snake in the world, capable of moving at 4.32 to 5.4 metres per second (16–20 km/h, 10–12 mph).

The black mamba has a reputation for being very aggressive, but it usually attempts to flee from humans like most snakes, unless it is threatened. Without rapid and vigorous antivenom therapy, a bite from a black mamba is almost always fatal

The black mamba faces human persecution because of its negative reputation throughout Africa. With the increasing amount of its territory being inhabited by humans, the black mamba often finds itself cornered with no escape. In this situation, it will stand its ground and display fearsome tenacity and explosive aggression while hissing loudly and striking repeatedly. A group of people is usually required to kill it, as it is very fast and agile, striking in all directions while a third of its body is 3–4 feet (0.91–1.2 m) above the ground. The deep fear of this snake stems not only from its reputation for aggression, speed, and venom toxicity, but from stories and legends that have been passed down from generation to generation.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_mamba

The Mystical Indian cobra or spectacled cobra (Naja naja) (24 Pics)

Indian cobra (Naja naja) also known as Asian cobra or spectacled cobra is a snake's hood are two circular ocelli patterns connected by a curved line, evoking the image of spectacles. Hindus believe them to be the footmarks of Krishna, who danced on Kāliyā, the hundred and ten hooded snake's head.

The spectacled cobra is greatly respected and feared, and even has its own place in Hindu mythology as a powerful deity. The Hindu god Shiva is often depicted with a cobra coiled around his neck, symbolizing his mastery over "maya" or the world-illusion. Vishnu is usually portrayed as reclining on the coiled body of Adishesha, the Preeminent Serpent, a giant snake deity with multiple cobra heads. Cobras are also worshipped during the Hindu festival of Nag Panchami.

There are numerous myths about cobras in India, including the idea that they mate with ratsnakes.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_cobra