Reptile Awareness Day is October 21st

Did you know that October 21st is Reptile Awareness Day? That's right, every year we set aside a special day to be aware of the plight of reptiles of all shapes and sizes. This includes the cute little lizards, skinks and geckos as well as the sturdy turtles and tortoises. Don't forget about those beneficial snakes and the large alligators and crocodiles, too. The reason for the day is in hopes that the scaly and cold blooded ones of today won't go the way of that largest of reptiles, the dinosaur.

So let's all make an effort on October 21st, to learn a little more about just one of the reptiles of planet Earth. Come on guys. Do it for the Gecko.

Photo of Female Broad-headed Skink by Y.L. Bordelon, All Rights Reserved

Many of the photos seen here can be purchased in Naturegirl7's Zazzle Shop as print-on-demand products such as posters, cards, apparel, mugs, etc.

Well mostly because Reptiles Rock! Reptile Awareness Day is celebrated to promote awareness of all reptiles. Worldwide habitat loss threatens extinction of some reptile species, so it is important that humans learn more about different reptiles and their natural environments as well as any ecological challenges the reptiles may encounter.

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, the definition of a reptile is:

1: an animal that crawls or moves on its belly (as a snake) or on small short legs (as a lizard)

2: any of a class (Reptilia) of air-breathing vertebrates that include the alligators and crocodiles, lizards, snakes, turtles, and extinct related forms (as dinosaurs and pterosaurs) and are characterized by a completely ossified skeleton with a single occipital condyle, a distinct quadrate bone usually immovably articulated with the skull, ribs attached to the sternum, and a body usually covered with scales or bony plates

Reptiles are also said to be "cold-blooded", which means that they can not regulate their body temperature and are at the mercy of the weather. That's why turtles, lizards and snakes sun themselves to get warm on cool days.

Way down here in south Louisiana there are many reptiles. They come in all shapes and sizes from the tiny skinks to the large alligators. Check out some photos of our scaly friends. I've included links to more information about many of them, too.

Many species of lizards live in Louisiana. Most common in our habitat are Green Anoles, Broad-headed and 5 lined Skinks and the imported, nocturnal Mediterranean Gecko.

Did you know that the smallest reptile is the tiny Leaf Chameleon?

I know you've heard that snakes shed their skin, but did you know that lizards do, too. Check out the picture below.

Did You Know?

Habitat loss poses the greatest threat to most lizards in the Southeast.

This one made it to the ocean. That's cause for celebration.

Alligators abound in the swamps of Louisiana. One of the favorite attractions in the Audubon Zoo are the white alligators in the Swamp Exhibit.

Wormsloe Foundation puts out one of the best series about animals of the southeastern United States. This one is excellent.

1. Take the kids to a local zoo or wildlife park to observe reptiles.

If you can't physically take them there, then visit one virtually.

You can't go wrong with Mercer Mayer's books.

2. Teachers and home-schoolers, do a unit about reptiles. Here are some good ones.

Teachers, let children bring their reptile pets to school and have a reptile show and tell. Here's one of the many anoles in my yard.

4. Print out some fun sheets or crafts to do at home or to be shared with your class.

The library is a good source or you could buy these from Amazon.

Another great Wormsloe Foundation Animal Book with excellent photos and information. This is one of my favorite reference books. I use it regularly.

6. Have a reptile themed party.

7. Donate to a reptile related cause.

8. Improve an area in your habitat (yard) to make it more reptile friendly.

9. Visit 5 hubs about reptiles. Here are a few:

Young 5-lined Skinks, like the one above, have bright electric blue tails. The brilliant blue color fades with age.