WORLD LIZARD DAY
Every year on August 14th, World Lizard Day celebrates a specific type of reptile. The day also encourages us to show appreciation for lizards and to learn more about them.
A lizard is considered a reptile, which is characterized by its scaly skin. Other features all reptiles have include long bodies and tails, four legs, and moveable eyelids. Most lizards lay eggs. However, there are some lizards that give birth to live babies.
Here are some more interesting facts about lizards:
- There are about 6,000 species of lizards.
- Lizards are found on every continent except Antarctica.
- Most kinds of lizards absorb water from their food, which means they don’t need to be near water.
- Lizards are cold-blooded, which means they need sunshine in order to survive.
- A lizard diet consists of a variety of foods including plants, insects, and eggs of small animals.
- Lizards range in size from two inches in length to over eleven feet.
- A lizard has a tail that regenerates, which means it grows another one if it breaks off.
- Some lizards can change colors.
To protect themselves, lizards have many different defense mechanisms. Some of them can run very quickly in order to escape danger. Others can make themselves appear larger when confronted by an enemy. Some lizards, like the Gila monster and Mexican beaded lizards, have venom. The venom of the Komodo dragon is so strong it can kill a human. This makes the Komodo dragon the most dangerous lizard in the world. This large lizard is found on Komodo Island in Indonesia.
There are many people who keep lizards as pets. In fact, over 9 million people in the United States have a lizard as a pet. Some of the most common pets include the African fire skink, chameleon, gecko, green iguana, long-tailed lizard, Chinese water dragon, and the bearded dragon.
HOW TO OBSERVE #WorldLizardDay
Zoos across the world celebrate this day with special lizard exhibits. Science and nature centers also hold events such as live lizard presentations and educational seminars.
To participate:
- Go to your local zoo and check out the lizard exhibit.
- Consider getting a lizard for a pet.
- Read your child a book with lizards in it, such as Lizards, Frogs, and Polliwogs or The Mixed-Up Chameleon Board Book.
- Learn about famous lizards like Godzilla, Puff the Magic Dragon, and Spider-Man’s enemy, The Lizard.
Don’t forget to share pictures and videos of your favorite lizard on social media with #WorldLizardDay
WORLD LIZARD DAY HISTORY
Our team is still researching the origin of this fun animal day.