Mark Richmond (seen here with TCN 9 presenter Clowdagh Crow and a Perentie, (Varanus giganteus), is a professional herpetologist with a particular interest in monitor lizards (goannas) and crocodiles.

His interest in reptiles began at about the age of 9 thanks to his latin teacher at Eagle Preparatory School in Zimbabwe, Mr Hinkley, and at home in Zambia.

His initial interest was in the venomous species of snake found around school and home, such as boomslangs, mambas, cobras, puff adders and gaboon vipers.   However, he soon realised that this was the way to a very short herpetological career, and became more interested by crocodiles and lizards.  Mark's T.V. and Radio credits include "Play School", "Animal   Hospital",   "Totally Wild", Foxkids "Klubhouse","Burke's Backyard", "NRL Footy Show", MTV's "Road Rules", Natural History New Zealand's "Twisted Tales", TVNZ's "What Now?"  and Triple M's "Andrew Denton Breakfast Show" amongst others. He can currently be heard as the visiting reptile expert on   Pet Talk Radio. Mark has worked at a number of wildlife institutions in Australia, including The Australian Reptile Park, Sydney Aquarium, and Cairns Tropical Zoo.

 A Scientific Fellow of the Zoological Society of London; Mark is currently involved with Crocodile Encounters and a number of conservation projects worldwide.