PECULIARITIES OF REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS IN CAPTIVITY

In recent decades, there has been an increasing interest in exotic animals, not only by scientists and industrialists, but also by people wishing to have a pet. However, many of them do not know that keeping spiders, amphibians and reptiles in captivity is not an easy task due to the strict requirements for the conditions of keeping such animals, in particular, the temperature and humidity regime and illumination. Non-compliance with the necessary parameters can lead to delayed molt, various diseases and even death. To create favorable conditions that meet the physiological needs of exotic animals, it is necessary to use special equipment. In this connection the existing equipment is analyzed and recommendations are given on its use and creation of required parameters of microclimate for keeping the most common exotic pets, some metabolic disorders and diseases arising from violation of conditions of their keeping are described. In accordance with the Federal Law “On Responsible Treatment of Animals and Amendments to Certain Legislative Acts of the Russian Federation”, treatment of animals should be based on the following moral principles and principles of humanity: 1) treatment of animals as creatures capable of experiencing emotions and physical suffering; 2) human responsibility for the fate of the animal; 3) education of the public in a moral and humane attitude towards animals; 4) scientifically grounded combination of moral, economic and social interests of an individual, society and the state.