Emmanuel Van Heygen
Emmanuel, an individual whose life’s work reflects a unique amalgamation of business acumen and a profound passion for reptiles and amphibians, is a living testament to the pursuit of passion. Holding a business and marketing degree from the prestigious European University in Antwerp, Belgium, Emmanuel managed to merge his business background with his enduring love for herpetology.
His fascination with reptiles began in the early 1980s, but it was in 1984 that his passion truly ignited. Upon purchasing his first pair of Day Geckos (Phelsuma cepediana) from Herman Oostveen’s store in Holland, he was irrevocably hooked. His bedroom at his parent’s house swiftly transformed into a sanctuary for these creatures, ultimately housing over 100 terrariums and boasting one of Europe’s premier collections of day geckos.
But Emmanuel’s contributions to herpetology extend beyond mere collection and breeding. Although he has bred over 100 species of reptiles and amphibians, his main specialty lies in geckos and chameleons. His extensive knowledge and hands-on experience have propelled him to the forefront of reptile and amphibian care, making him a recognized expert in his field.
In later years, Emmanuel’s passion transcended the confines of his home, leading him to the native habitats of the creatures he so admired. A true pioneer, he ventured as one of the first to explore places like the Comoro Islands, Mayotte, Madagascar, Seychelles, Kenya, Réunion Island, and Mauritius in search of day geckos.
His explorations continued to span various regions, including Uganda, Gabon, Tanzania, Cameroon, and Sri Lanka. Yet, he cherishes the yearly expeditions to Madagascar the most, driven by the untapped mysteries and the region’s thrill of discovery. Emmanuel’s numerous reptile expeditions not only enriched his understanding of how reptiles live and thrive in their native environments but also enabled him to contribute significantly to the field.
During these awe-inspiring journeys, Emmanuel discovered four new species of reptiles previously unknown to science. Two of these were named after him in a fitting tribute to his dedication and contributions: the Day Gecko species Phelsuma vanheygeni and the chameleon species Kinyongia vanheygeni.
Emmanuel’s influence doesn’t stop at exploration and discovery. He has also penned numerous articles in various scientific journals reporting his groundbreaking findings and personal experiences. These field studies form the bedrock of his philosophy on reptile keeping, inspiring him in his innovative developments within Exo Terra.
“Emmanuel’s numerous reptile expeditions not only enriched his understanding of how reptiles live and thrive in their native environments but also enabled him to contribute significantly to the field.”
Emmanuel on one of his many expeditions on the African continent, here in the highlands of Cameroon.
Articles
Bioactive
In the terrarium hobby, the bioactive approach focuses on creating a self-sustaining and ecologically balanced environment where animals, plants, microorganisms and substrates interact harmoniously to support one another's needs. The goal is to replicate natural ecological processes and interactions, resulting in a more balanced and stable environment.
Dendrobates auratus
The green-and-black poison dart frog, or Dendrobates auratus, is a captivating amphibian native to southeastern Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, and northwestern Colombia. Recognizable for its long lifespan, the species is also notable for being relatively easy to care for, making it an appealing choice for hobbyists and researchers alike.
Its vivid mint-green base coloration punctuated with black splotches sets it apart visually. However, this species displays a fascinating trait known as color polymorphism. Individuals can exhibit varying shades, with base colors ranging from green to blue, yellow, and even white. The darker splotches, a characteristic signature of the species, vary from bronze to black.
Just like other poison dart frogs, their bright colors serve a crucial evolutionary purpose. They exhibit aposematic coloration, wherein the vibrant hues deter potential predators by signaling the frog's toxic nature, discouraging them from considering the frog as prey.
Primarily terrestrial, green-and-black poison dart frogs are bottom dwellers, spending most of their time navigating through the leaf litter blanketing the forest floor. However, they frequently venture upwards, climbing vines and trees in their tropical habitats.
These frogs are attractive display animals for beginner and advanced amphibian enthusiasts. Their stunning coloration, coupled with their relative ease of care, make them popular choices for terrarium inhabitants. They are best kept as pairs or in groups with most males, as females may exhibit aggressive behavior towards each other when vying for a specific male's attention.
Initially, these creatures may exhibit shy behavior. However, when housed in a well-planted terrarium offering plenty of hiding spots, they quickly become more active, adding a dynamic element to their display. With their intriguing behaviors, rich color variation, and their adaptability, Dendrobates auratus offer a unique glimpse into the vibrant world of amphibians.
Frogs & Co
Frogs are almost everywhere on this planet. From the tropics to subarctic regionsThere are about 7,000 species – with the greatest diversity in the tropical rainforests. Recreating parts of these tropical rainforests is an art! The Exo Terra...
Lighting
The Sun is the Earth's light source, providing visible light, heat, and the essential energy for biological activities. The sun's energy is indispensable, as it fuels all life forms on our planet. In its absence, the Earth would rapidly dissipate its energy, leading to the extinction of all life forms.
Microhabitat Types For Frogs
While the stunning colors and studying the amazing behavior of frogs have always been the motive to keep these amazing animals in a terrarium, with the recent trend towards more natural, bioactive tropical terrariums, we see a steep increase...
The Myth of Nocturnal Creatures and UVB Light
The belief that nocturnal animals don't require UVB exposure has been a long-standing one in the world of reptile and amphibian care. The argument, "It’s nocturnal—it doesn’t need UVB," has been a staple for many enthusiasts and breeders. However, recent scientific studies have begun to challenge this age-old notion, shedding light on the importance of UVB for all creatures, regardless of their diurnal patterns.
Vitamin D3 and Reptiles: A Vital Connection
Vitamin D3 plays a vital role in the health and well-being of reptiles, much like it does in other animals. This hormone is integral to mineral metabolism and bone development in reptiles. One of its most significant roles is to enhance calcium absorption from the intestines. Without sufficient vitamin D3, reptiles couldn’t absorb dietary calcium efficiently, which is crucial for their skeletal health and overall well-being.
What is Light?
Sunlight arrives at the top of the earth's atmosphere at a power level of about one kilowatt per square meter. It is by this energy that all life-processes on earth are ultimately driven. Without the sun's constant energy input our planet would quickly radiate away its own energy in short order, making all life extinct.
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