We celebrate reptiles each year on October 21 to appreciate their role in the ecosystem and to draw attention to the importance of conserving reptiles and their habitats. Reptiles are a diverse class of animals that includes crocodiles, alligators, snakes, lizards, skinks, turtles, and tortoises.
Reptiles have been around for 300 million years, and during the age of dinosaurs, they ruled the Earth. About 6,500 species of reptiles thrive today and the U.S. is home to roughly 450-500 species, of which 120 are listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act. Florida’s mild climate and abundant rainfall provides an ideal habitat for an assorted range of reptiles. Florida ranks 4th in the nation for reptile diversity with 118 species found in the state. This includes both native and introduced species. A total of 24 Florida species are considered endangered, threatened or species of concern.
Reptiles are cold-blooded vertebrates, or ectotherms, which means they seek or avoid the sun’s heat to regulate internal body temperature and daily stamina. During cooler parts of the year, they become inactive. Most reptiles live on land, and most lay eggs. They are vertebrates that are covered in scales, unlike any other animal.
All reptiles play a crucial function in maintaining the balance of nature. Serving as both predator and prey, they are an essential part of the food chain and help control populations of insects, rodents, and other pests. Snakes use their keen sense of smell and heat-sensing abilities to track down prey. Lizards feed on insects, small mammals, and even other lizards. Reptiles themselves are a source of food for many predators including birds, raccoons, foxes and alligators.
Herbivore (plant eating) species can be important seed dispersers, and some lizards are pollinators. Gopher tortoises aerate soil and move nutrients around when they burrow, vital to healthy plant growth. Their burrows provide food and shelter for more than 350 other animals, making them a keystone species. Ecological threats to reptile species include habitat destruction, pollution, and overexploitation for the pet trade.
Gamble Rogers and North Peninsula State Parks provide protected habitat to a number of reptiles. you are likely to encounter one or more species during a stroll on the park trails!
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