When the Conservation of Nature is not enough
RHF brings together serious reptile and amphibian keepers, field researchers, and conservationists from around the world, joined by one conviction: that the animals we study and keep deserve better than guesswork.
Responsible Herpetoculture Journal – the Premium Publication where Herping, Herpetology and Herpetoculture converge
One publication. Three disciplines. A community that refuses to compromise on any of them.
Every issue of the RH Journal draws on all three – connecting field research, science, and responsible practice in a single publication. Learn more about our Education, Community, and the Herpetoculture Journal itself.
Herping
is the search for amphibians and reptiles in their natural habitats – the source of firsthand data and field insight.
Herpetology
Is the scientific study of the species, from taxonomy to conservation biology.
Responsible Herpetoculture Foundation
Protecting and supporting
responsible reptile keepers worldwide
Herpetoculture
is the responsible keeping and breeding of amphibians and reptiles under human care, ensuring their welfare and supporting endangered lineages.
Responsible Herpetoculture Journal: Issue #27
Issue #27 May-June 2026
Open any reptile journal, and you will find care advice written without references, taxonomy without citations, and husbandry guidance without accountability. The RH Journal launched in March 2022 to offer something different: every claim is answerable to science, and every author is selected for their expertise.
It is supported by an Editorial Board spanning eight countries. Embraced by readers and subscribers in 50+ countries! It is the only Herpetoculture Journal where everything you read has been verified by experts worldwide.
Ethnoherpetology in Australia / Herping in Cuba / exclusive articles on Husbandry & Keeping / Interview with Joshua Willard
- Full access to all articles – current and archived issues
- PDF download of every issue from Volume 1 (2022) to present
- Early access to new issues before public release
- Member pricing on RHF publications and events
Recent Articles
RH Journal #27 (May-June 2026). Contents
If imports stopped tomorrow, how many captive species would still exist in ten years? Philippe de Vosjoli, co-founder of the American Federation of Herpetoculture and creator of the Vivarium magazine, argues that the color morph market and the…
RH Journal #26 (March-April 2026). Contents
CONTENTS: – Editorial by Dmitri Tkachev – Cathedral of scales: a manifesto for Herping, Herpetology, and Herpetoculture – by Petr Neсas – Saving the Northern river terrapin(Batagur baska): the story of the unique in situ and ex situ…
RH Journal #25 (January-Fabruary 2026). Contents
CONTENTS: – EDITORIAL by Dmitri Tkachev – ENDEMISM AND BIODIVERSITY IN AUSTRALIAN HERPETOFAUNA, WITH EMPHASIS ON VENOMOUSSNAKES by Scott Eipper– LIVE AMONG THE LEAF LITTER: UNDERSTANDING MEXICO’S SALAMANDERS by Mike Loranca – THE PHILIPPINE CROCODILE AND COLOGNE ZOO:…
Member Testimonials
The Responsible Herpetoculture Foundation is founded by very knowledgeable and passionate people working hard on animal conservation. Their journals have priceless information and I would recommend them to anyone who's trying to learn about awesome species. Very professional, hard working people who make this happen
Responsible Herpetoculture stands as an answer to a need that has long gone unmet: a journal that pushes the boundaries of Herpetoculture, advances our knowledge, and expands our understanding beyond the pet-grade writing found in most standard reptile magazines. Like Vivarium before it, RHJ stands as the current titan in the Herpetoculture space, unmatched and always improving.
The Responsible Herpetoculture Journal is crucial for the educational networking around the world. Where science and hobby meet in a way that is beneficial to the overall wellbeing of reptiles and amphibians.
The journal is high quality and unmatched in this regard. The diversity of subject matter is also one of the strengths of the journal, where other magazines focus more on one group of animals this is the only true comprehensive journal out there.
My first impression of the Responsible Herpetoculture Journal was the stunning photography. Every issue is filled with beautiful images that immediately draw you in. But what makes this journal truly special is the content behind those photographs. It brings together articles written by some of the world’s leading herpetologists and herpetoculturists, many of whom have dedicated their lives to studying and working with these animals. Their knowledge and experience make every issue both fascinating and inspiring.
My first impression of the Responsible Herpetoculture Journal was the stunning photography. Every issue is filled with beautiful images that immediately draw you in. But what makes this journal truly special is the content behind those photographs. It brings together articles written by some of the world’s leading herpetologists and herpetoculturists, many of whom have dedicated their lives to studying and working with these animals. Their knowledge and experience make every issue both fascinating and inspiring.
I also appreciate the wide variety of topics covered. Whether your interest is captive breeding, field herping, conservation, or reptile events, there is always something new to learn. Responsible Herpetoculture is a journal that I would recommend to anyone who wants to deepen their understanding of reptiles and amphibians, regardless of their level of experience.
Write and participate in the RH Journal. I think this journal promotes everything that has to be herpetoculture, science, passion, conservation, culture, art, education. The authors that participate in the magazine are global recognized experts in their field. No doubts, Responsible Herpetoculture its a great way to learn and enjoy what every great herpetologist and herpetoculturist would be in their way to become in a professional. To me is a great honor to participate in the magazine, and im very proud to be included there.
Write and participate in the RH Journal. I think this journal promotes everything that has to be herpetoculture, science, passion, conservation, culture, art, education. The authors that participate in the magazine are global recognized experts in their field. No doubts, Responsible Herpetoculture its a great way to learn and enjoy what every great herpetologist and herpetoculturist would be in their way to become in a professional. To me is a great honor to participate in the magazine, and im very proud to be included there.
As an avid naturalist, educator, and animal species photographer, I find Responsible Herpetoculture Foundation's RHJ to be a delightful and priceless gem of a magazine. I immensely enjoy reading it and writing articles for it. The RHF's website is user-friendly and and chock-full of fascinating articles on herpetology, conservation, and terrarium inspirations. It really cultivates a sense of community among reptile and amphibian lovers.
The RHJ is a refreshing and valuable addition to the reptile and amphibian community. What I appreciate most is how it brings together the three core aspects of our community: field herping, herpetology, and herpetoculture. It does so in a balanced, respectful, and thoughtful way, encouraging understanding and appreciation between these closely connected disciplines.
Each issue is filled with informative and well written articles that offer genuine value to readers, whether they are experienced keepers, researchers, or people who are just beginning their journey. I also admire the journal's commitment to showcasing young entrepreneurs and innovators who are helping shape the future of responsible herpetoculture. By giving these individuals a platform, the journal encourages creativity, progress, and high standards throughout the community.
Perhaps most importantly, the journal focuses on the positive aspects of our community by celebrating responsible practices, collaboration, education, and a shared passion for reptiles and amphibians. At a time when negative stories often receive the most attention, this constructive approach is both welcome and important. I highly recommend the RHJ to anyone with an interest in reptiles and amphibians.
More Than a Journal
Education
RHF’s* Educational resources are built for keepers who ask why, not just how – covering everything from thermal regulation and reproductive biology to the legal and ethical frameworks that govern responsible collection and trade
Community
Our membership spans herpetoculturists, herpetologists, herping enthusiasts, zookeepers, conservationists, and herp lovers from more than fifty countries. We are a friendly network organized around a high standard of Responsible Herpetoculture, Popular Science, and Advanced Herping.
Resources
The most rigorously curated information library in the herp community + growing archive with no advertising and no affiliate links
Become a Member.
Access Every Issue of the RH Journal
Behind every issue of the herpetoculture journal is a community that has spent years watching, studying, and advocating for some of the most misunderstood animals on the planet. Your membership gives you access to the full archive (every issue downloadable from Volume 1 onward). It connects you to a network of researchers, veterinarians, and experienced keepers who hold themselves and each other to the same standard.
Hobbyist's Membership
$0.05 / day
- 1-year RH Journal subscription (full-color digital editions with an interactive pageflipping effect)
- Instant digital access to the latest RH Journal issue
- Digital access to the RH Journal archive from 2022−2025 (full-color digital editions with an interactive page-flipping effect)
- Personal digital access to the legendary The Vivarium Magazine
- Professional care sheets on reptile husbandry
Breeder's Membership
$150.00 / year
- 1-year RH Journal subscription (full-color digital editions with an interactive pageflipping effect)
- Instant digital access to the latest RH Journal issue
- Digital access to the RH Journal archive from 2022−2025 (full-color digital editions with an interactive page-flipping effect)
- Personal digital access to the legendary The Vivarium Magazine
- Professional care sheets on reptile husbandry
- Full access to the RHF digital library, featuring original publications on amphibian and reptile husbandry/breeding and special editions
- 20% discount on a printed annual RH Journal set = 6 full-color printed issues of your choice (shipping not included)
- 15% discount on next year’s RHF membership
Expert's Membership
$250.00 / year
- 1-year RH Journal subscription (full-color digital editions with an interactive pageflipping effect)
- Instant digital access to the latest RH Journal issue
- Digital access to the RH Journal archive from 2022−2025 (full-color digital editions with an interactive page-flipping effect)
- Personal digital access to the legendary The Vivarium Magazine
- Professional care sheets on reptile husbandry
- Full access to the RHF digital library, featuring original publications on amphibian and reptile husbandry/breeding, books, and special editions
- 1 complimentary printed RH Journal set = 6 full-color printed issues of your choice (free shipping included)
- 20% discount on next year’s RHF membership
Pet shop's Membership
$300.00 / year
- Discounts on all live animals from BION Terrarium Center (BTC) for orders delivered to Europe, the USA, Japan, Hong Kong, and Taiwan
- Free access to original books and manuals in the RHF library
- Free access to monthly live Zoom seminars on reptile husbandry with experts from the BION Terrarium Center
- Advertising for your shop in the digital version of RHJ and on the RHF website (get direct access to your target customers!)
- Exclusive option to have a dedicated article published about your shop in RHJ
Membership gives you: full digital RH Journal archive from 2022, early access to new issues, discounts on RHF publications and events, member-only community forums, and access to exclusive care sheets. Plans start at $90/year.
About
Founded in 2022, the Responsible Herpetoculture Foundation (RHF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the science and ethics of responsible reptile and amphibian keeping – through structured educational programs and an international community of keepers and scientists who believe the discipline is only as strong as the standards it sets.
Its official publication, the Responsible Herpetoculture Journal (RHJ), reflects that same standard. Where a typical reptile journal simply offers content, the RHJ offers accountability: every claim is answerable to science, and every author is selected for their expertise.
