Each year on October 21st, people across the nation observe National Reptile Awareness Day. Created not only for reptile lovers to celebrate, but National Reptile Awareness Day also promotes education, conservation, and appreciation for reptiles. It is a day to learn about their natural habitats and the ecological threats that they are facing.
#ReptileAwarenessDay
A reptile is any amniote that is neither a mammal nor a bird, is cold-blooded, has scales or scutes, and can lay eggs on land. Scutes are the thick bony or horny plates which form the dermal layer of such reptiles like turtles and crocodiles.
There are more than 10,000 species of reptiles. The day promotes the wide varieties, their habitats, and how we benefit from reptiles, too.
HOW TO OBSERVE REPTILE AWARENESS DAY
Take some time to visit the zoo to see some reptiles or do some research on them. Invite someone to join you, too. Celebrations are always best when everyone is learning. Before you go write down how many different species by name you might see, and check them off your list while visiting. Read about the many different kinds around the world. Are there any that live near you? Learn more about reptiles by visiting Reptile Magazine online.
Also, you can use the hashtag #ReptileAwarenessDay to post on social media all about your visit to the zoo.
NATIONAL REPTILE AWARENESS DAY HISTORY
National Day Calendar® continues researching the origins of this cold-blooded animal holiday. However, Reptile Magazine and Channel promote the day each year.
Reptile FAQ
Q. Are turtles reptiles?
A. Yes. Reptiles are four-legged vertebrates that are cold-blooded. Their skin is also covered in scales. Additionally, most reptiles lay eggs, as do turtles.
Q. What are three groups of reptiles?
A. The three groups of reptiles include crocodiles, lepidosaurs (these are lizards and snakes), and turtles.
Q. Are frogs reptiles?
A. No, they are amphibians. See above for more information.
Q. Which reptiles give live birth instead of laying eggs?
A. Some lizards and some snakes give live birth. However, most of them lay eggs.
Q. My lizard escaped. What do I do?
A. Whatever you do, don’t step on him!! You can also try:
- Cordoning off the room and/or house. Keep him contained to prevent him from escaping outdoors.
- Look high for some lizards and low for others. Consider the breed and their natural tendencies. Look in warm, dark places, behind and under things. He may also be sunning himself under a light on a cool day.
- Wait until nighttime when their nocturnal activities kick into high gear. To prepare, dust the floor with some flour so that you can literally track his activity.