Lizards, Turtles, Tortoises & Crocodiles – Oh, My!

Renee A. Thomaier Retired New Jersey State Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator

What is a reptile? Cold-blooded, air-breathing vertebrates (animals having a backbone/ spinal column). The environmental temperature influences their metabolism. While mammals and birds can maintain their body temperature, reptiles rely upon the environment. This reference is known as ectothermic. To cool off or warm up, these creatures need to find shaded areas, for instance, or sunny, warm areas. Unlike birds and mammals, including humans, with feathers for insulation, possessing sweat glands, or the ability to pant, all are contributing to the regulation of body temperature. The term for this is endothermic.

Some differences between reptiles and other animals – possessing tough, hard scales as another layer of their skin, aids in the prevention of water loss. At the same time this protects them from predators and heat generated from the sun. Snakes and lizards get their sense of smell by using their tongue. The most dangerous reptiles are venomous snakes – and are responsible for the most reptile-related deaths in the world. The existence of reptiles goes as far back as approximately 350 million years. Tortoises are the longest living species in the world, with the oldest land animal alive today, an Aldabra tortoise, Jonathan, who is 189 years of age. Chameleons will change color for a variety of reasons, for example, stress, camouflage, and communication. Their usual color is green or brown, but their color can change quickly to patterns of red, yellow, purple, black, orange, and blue. There is little known about how they can change color, but this trait can be the reason for their success in evading predators while their color blends with the environment, making them difficult to spot. As reptiles grow, they will shed their scales. During that process, a temporary loss of appetite, sluggishness, or shyness, might occur. Reptiles eat different foods, some are pure carnivores, as is true of snakes and crocodilians. Whereas turtles and tortoises are omnivores and herbivores. Lizards prefer insects and vegetation.

I gathered the information for this article from multiple sources so statistics may vary slightly. To reach me please call 732244-2768.

It’s illegal to possess, relocate, or cause harm to wildlife for any reason. Managing wildlife without the proper state/federal permits is illegal. Violating laws protecting wildlife, are punishable by law.

Hanging Flowering Plant Baskets Sale

WHITING – Join on May 13 at 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. Just in time to get your Mother’s Day flowers. Beautiful 15 inch hanging baskets. Geraniums and New Guinea Impatiens. Lots of colors choose from; including red, orange, pink, and magenta. Sale starts promptly at 9 a.m. See you at the Whiting United Methodist Church, 55 Lacey Road Whiting.