Characteristics of Reptile Animals

Reptiles are a type of animal that has specific different characteristics as compared to other animals that give them this name. Most reptile species are cold-blooded.

Some commonly found reptiles in India are lizards, turtles, snakes, crocodiles, chameleons, Bengal monitor, Indian gecko, garden lizard (it is a colourful and beautiful lizard), Indian skink, and other such animals.

Here are some essential characteristics of reptiles:

•  Most reptiles lay eggs to reproduce more of their kind.
•  Usually, reptiles have scales on their bodies, and some reptiles like snakes shed their scaly skin after regular intervals of time.
•  Unlike humans, such animals are cold-blooded, which means that they change their body temperature according to the temperature of their surroundings.
•  All reptiles, including a few types which live in water, lay their eggs on land.
•  Sometimes in cold climatic conditions, reptiles undergo brumation which is similar to hibernation in which they become weak and stays without eating for extended periods.
• Brumation differs from hibernation as unlike hibernation, in this process the animal is not asleep but less active because of slow metabolism.
• Other species of reptiles can be found all around the world, except Antarctica because of harsh-climatic conditions.

Several reptile species are at a very high risk of extinction. Their homes have been converted into our homes now, and hunters are not leaving them! We should always remember that reptiles are also a part of wildlife and even an essential part of the food chain. So let's help the authorities and let's educate the people who don't know the importance of wildlife.

Toshani Mehra

Delhi Public School, Greater Noida