National Reptile Awareness Day
Observed annually on October 21st, National Reptile Awareness Day is celebrated in an effort to educate the public about our cold-blooded friends and the habitats in which they reside. Thanks to the passing of the Endangered Species Act in the 1960s, many reptiles that were on the brink of extinction exist today. Owning a pet reptile can be an exciting and educational experience. Some would even argue that they make the best pets! Minimal space requirements and easy maintenance make them great for all kinds of families.
Here are a few ways you can get involved with conservation efforts:
The beautiful pet tortoise, Sahara.
Elegant pet tortoise Sahara modeling her sapphire blue jewelry.
Donate to a reptile conservation program
There are many local, national and international organizations that are dedicated specifically to reptile research. Donate to your favorite organization to help them continue being the voice for reptiles. A few options include: International Reptile Conservation Foundation, Amphibian and Reptile Conservation, and Southwestern Herpetologists Society.
Visit the San Diego Zoo or Safari Park
Aside from enjoying an amazing day at our world famous zoo, by visiting one of these two parks, your admission helps fund an organization that is dedicated to preserving the natural habitats for all animals, reptiles included.
Identify a reptile in your neighborhood
Next time you go on a walk or hike, take a photo of any lizards and/or snakes you encounter! There are now a handful of amazing apps that you can download to help identify reptiles in your neighborhood. Your data helps local scientists understand how reptile populations live and adapt locally. The Audubon Reptiles & Amphibians app is a great place to start.
Fun facts about reptiles:
There are more than 9,300 known species.
The heaviest is the saltwater crocodile, weighing up to 2,000 pounds.
The smallest is the dwarf gecko, measuring only three-quarters of an inch.
The longest snake is the reticulated python, at up to 33 feet long.
The largest lizard is the Komodo dragon, weighing up to 175 pounds and measuring up to 10 feet long.
Tortoises have the longest life span in the reptile order; some can live more than 150 years.