Leap into a magical world

SCALY crocodiles, lumbering turtles and slithering snakes link us most closely with the age of the mighty dinosaurs.

But it might be a surprise to learn that amphibians such as toads and frogs, were around even before reptiles.

This and lots more exciting facts can be found in this week's Disney The Wonderful World of Knowledge.

The 11th book in the series, Reptiles and Amphibians, looks in detail at these fascinating and mysterious creatures.

There are chapters devoted to frogs, toads, lizards, chameleons, sea turtles, tortoises and snakes, as well as alligators and crocodiles.

The book has dozens of colourful pictures, diagrams and drawings, accompanied by cartoon characters Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Pluto, Goofy and Donald Duck.

Amazing facts include finding out that crocodiles and alligators can hold their breath and stay submerged underwater for more than an hour.

Jeremy Carter works at Derby College's Broomfield Hall campus, where a variety of reptiles and amphibians reside in their exotic animals section.

He said: "Since the late 1990s, reptile pet ownership has become increasingly popular.

"This initially was kick-started by the Australian wildlife expert, Steve Irwin known to may as the Crocodile Hunter.

"In 1996, he started a new wildlife documentary.

"His whole new approach to filming reptiles had a direct affect on its viewers.

"Reptile ownership went from being only for the select few fanatics and having a stigma of being uncool to now opening up the possibility for anyone to own a reptile."

The British Federation of Herpetologists has research that indicates as many as eight million reptiles and amphibians are being kept as pets in the UK.

This is even more impressive as it is thought there is an estimated dog population of 6.5 million in the UK.

Mr Carter said: "Reptiles, like the ones we have a Broomfield Hall, such as the bearded dragon, gecko, corn snake and iguana, have become favourite pets.

"Once the correct vivarium has been set up and basic husbandry is learned people could consider one as a pet.

"As more and more children are diagnosed with conditions such as asthma the idea of a family pet that has no fur becomes more appealing.

"The luxury of no late-night dog walks in the winter appeals to many, too.

"As a world where families are more and more busy, a reptile soon looks more attractive as a pet. Some like the bearded dragon can even become very tame and give the opportunity to have a cuddle."

Our latest exciting book is available from tomorrow, priced £2.99, accompanied by the coupon that we will be publishing.

The book is one of 24 in the series of amazing factual volumes and builds up into a terrific encyclopaedia.

It's still not too late to start collecting and to get up-to-date with the series. Contact Derby 291111 ext 7200 for more information.