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Introduction

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Selected reptile type

Turtles are reptiles of the order Testudines, characterized by a special shell developed mainly from their ribs. Modern turtles are divided into two major groups, the Pleurodira (side necked turtles) and Cryptodira (hidden necked turtles), which differ in the way the head retracts. There are 360 living and recently extinct species of turtles, including land-dwelling tortoises and freshwater terrapins. They are found on most continents, some islands and, in the case of sea turtles, much of the ocean. Like other amniotes (reptiles, birds, and mammals) they breathe air and do not lay eggs underwater, although many species live in or around water.

Turtle shells are made mostly of bone; the upper part is the domed carapace, while the underside is the flatter plastron or belly-plate. Its outer surface is covered in scales made of keratin, the material of hair, horns, and claws. The carapace bones develop from ribs that grow sideways and develop into broad flat plates that join up to cover the body. Turtles are ectotherms or "cold-blooded", meaning that their internal temperature varies with their direct environment. They are generally opportunistic omnivores and mainly feed on plants and animals with limited movements. Many turtles migrate short distances seasonally. Sea turtles are the only reptiles that migrate long distances to lay their eggs on a favored beach.

Turtles have appeared in myths and folktales around the world. Some terrestrial and freshwater species are widely kept as pets. Turtles have been hunted for their meat, for use in traditional medicine, and for their shells. Sea turtles are often killed accidentally as bycatch in fishing nets. Turtle habitats around the world are being destroyed. As a result of these pressures, many species are extinct or threatened with extinction. (Full article...)

Selected Crocodilia article

Orinoco crocodile in Los Llanos, Venezuela

The Orinoco crocodile (Crocodylus intermedius) is a critically endangered crocodile. Its population is very small, and they can only be found in the Orinoco river basin in Venezuela and Colombia. Extensively hunted for their skins in the 19th and 20th centuries, it is one of the most endangered species of crocodiles. It is a very large species of crocodilian; males have been reported up to 6.8 m (22 ft 4 in) in the past, weighing over 900 kg (2,000 lb), but such sizes do not exist today, 5.2 m (17 ft 1 in) being a more widely accepted maximum size. A large male today may attain 4.2 m (13 ft 9 in) in length and can weigh up to 450 kg (1,000 lb), while females are substantially smaller with the largest likely to weigh around 225 kg (496 lb). Sexual dimorphism is not as profound as in other crocodilian species. The coloration is light even in adults.

The biology of the Orinoco crocodile is poorly documented in the wild, mostly due to its small population. It is thought to have a more piscivorous diet with an opportunistic nature, resulting in generalist predatory behaviour. The Orinoco crocodile is an apex predator, and will take the opportunity to prey on a variety of birds, mammals, and reptiles, including caimans on occasion. The prey base is mostly made up of large predatory fish, challenging the general view by locals complaining about crocodiles hunting local fish to very low numbers. Despite its large size, the Orinoco crocodile rarely poses a threat to humans, despite several reports. Reproduction takes place in the dry season when the water level is lower. Orinoco crocodiles are hole nesters, just like the related Nile and freshwater, and they dig holes in the sand to lay their eggs. The females guard the nests and young for several years. (Full article...)

Selected lizard article

Draco taeniopterus, the Thai flying dragon, barred flying dragon, or barred gliding lizard, is a species of agamid lizard. It is found in Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, and Malaysia. (Full article...)

Selected turtle article

Black-bridged leaf turtle may refer to:

Western black-bridged leaf turtle (Cyclemys atripons), an Asian leaf turtle found in Cambodia, East Thailand, and Vietnam
Eastern black-bridged leaf turtle (Cyclemys pulchristiata), an Asian leaf turtle found in Eastern Cambodia and Vietnam (Full article...)

Picture slideshow

Image 1Mexican beaded lizard
Image 2Marine iguana
Image 3Phelsuma grandis
Image 4Jackson's chameleon
Image 5Mwanza flat-headed rock agama
Image 6White-headed dwarf gecko
Image 7Barracudasauroides
Image 8Bothriechis schlegelii
Image 9 Albino alligator
Image 10Common collared lizard
Image 11Trachylepis maculilabris mating
Image 12Common box turtle
Image 13Trachylepis striata
Image 14Sinai agama
Image 15Red-headed Amazon River turtles
Image 16Gold dust day gecko
Image 17Gold dust day gecko
Image 18Italian wall lizard
Image 19Sicilian wall lizard
Image 20Asian vine snake Ahaetulla prasina. This snake has a wide distribution in Asia. It feeds on small reptiles and amphibians, particularly lizards and tree frogs. Adults may attain 1.8 m (6 feet) in total length, with a tail 0.6 m (2 feet) long. Its appearance is very much like those of South American vine snakes. It is a rear-fanged species and is mildly venomous but is not considered a threat to humans.
Image 21Aldabra giant tortoise
Image 22Vipera dinniki
Image 23Leiocephalus personatus
Image 24Green sea turtle
Image 25Gold dust day gecko close-up
Image 26Cape skink - Trachylepis capensis. Close-up on purple Aster flowers.
Image 27Morelia spilota
Image 28Rough chameleon
Image 29Steneosaurus
Image 30Anole at Polychrotinae
Image 31Eastern long-necked turtle
Image 32Carolina anole
Image 33Eastern bearded dragon
Image 34Namaqua chameleon
Image 35Leiocephalus carinatus
Image 36Australian water dragon
Image 37Ladder snake
Image 38Bosc's fringe-toed lizards during courtship
Image 39Indian chameleon
Image 40A green sea turtle swimming above a coral reef.
Image 41Vipera xanthina
Image 42Species of Ceratopsia dinosaurs
Image 43Thamnophis elegans terrestris at Western terrestrial garter snake
Image 44Green sea turtle
Image 45Cerastes cerastes
Image 46Plumed basilisk
Image 47Niveoscincus metallicus
Image 48Green sea turtle
Image 49Marginated tortoise hatchling
Image 50Namaqua chameleon
Image 51Plestiodon fasciatus
Image 52Dwarf yellow-headed gecko
Image 53Yacare caiman

Selected snake article

Morelia bredli is a species of non-venomous snake in the family Pythonidae. The species is endemic to Australia. No subspecies are recognized. Its common names include Bredl's python, the Centralian python, the Centralian carpet python, the central Australian carpet python, Bredl's carpet python, the central Australian Bredl's carpet python, and the central Bredl's carpet python. (Full article...)