The keeping and breeding of reptiles and amphibians in captivity.

The science of keeping herpetofauna in captivity

the captive care and propagation of amphibians and reptiles

breeding/husbandry of reptiles and amphibians.

the keeping and husbandry of reptiles.

Herpetoculture is the keeping of live reptiles and amphibians in captivity, whether as a hobby or as a commercial breeding operation. It is predominantly, but by no means exclusively, an amateur activity conducted by people with little or no formal background in herpetology or other natural sciences. It is slightly different from pet keeping in that a few of its practitioners are somewhat more dispassionate towards their animals; few herpetoculturists give names to their animals, which they might dismiss as sentimental anthropomorphism.