The Day of the Lizard?
According to the Earth Calendar, August 14, 2008, will be World Lizard Day. So, how shall we celebrate the lizard? Let's start with learning a little more about them, looking at some cool lizard pictures, and buying a book about them.
Start with the basics...
...what the heck is a lizard??
According to the Encyclopdia Brittanica online, a lizard is defined as: "Any of about 3,000 species of reptiles constituting the suborder Sauria. They are most diverse and abundant in the tropics but are found from the Arctic Circle (one species) to southern Africa, South America, and Australia. Like snakes, lizards have scales, paired male copulatory organs, and a flexible skull. Typical lizards have a moderately cylindrical body, four well-developed legs (although some lizards are legless), a tail slightly longer than the head and body combined, and movable lower eyelids. They range in size from 1-in. (3-cm) geckos to the 10-ft (3-m) Komodo dragon, but most are about 12 in. (30 cm) long. Ornamentation includes crests on the head, back, or tail; spines; brightly coloured throat fans; and throat frills. Most species feed on insects and rodents, but some, such as the iguana, eat plants." Great Lizard Photos from Flickr
Some of these shots are unbelievable, and the lizards are just terrific.
Western Fence Lizard
Bearded Dragon
Collared Lizard
Crested Tree Lizard
Water Dragon
Horned Lizard
Chalaradon Lizard
California Alligator Lizard
Common Side-blotched Lizard
Gecko (baby)
House Gecko
Gecko
![Leaf Tail Gecko 1 by [ CK ]](http://static.flickr.com/24/57077631_6f2fc1be71_s.jpg)
Leaf Tailed Gecko
Lizard Guides and History's
Lizards: Windows to the Evolution of Diversity (Organisms and Environments)
Amazon Price: $24.28 (as of 10/11/2008)
Varanoid Lizards of the World
Amazon Price: $64.76 (as of 10/11/2008)
Lizards Weird and Wonderful
Amazon Price: (as of 10/11/2008)
Lizards: A Natural History of Some Uncommon Creatures:Extraordinary Chameleons, Iguanas, Geckos, & More
Amazon Price: $16.46 (as of 10/11/2008)
Snakes, Salamanders & Lizards (Take-Along Guides)
Amazon Price: $7.95 (as of 10/11/2008)
So, now you want to own a lizard...
---'cause they are just so cool.
As with any pet, you must do a fair amount of research before diving into lizard ownership. You must be prepared for what you are getting yourself into. The lizard you choose may be inexpensive, but what will it take to keep him happy and thriving? The necessary equipment may not be inexpensive, it may not even be easy. (For instance- some lizard's toenails can get quite sharp and require regular clipping. Lizards also have some very specific needs for their housing, lighting, temperature, and feeding. Such as:- Housing: for some, a 15-20 gallon tank will suffice; others must have a 40 or 55 gallon one
- Substrate & Cage Furnishings: sand is not as good a choice as it would seem (it can actually be quite harmful to a number of species if they eat it) some better choices, depending on breed are wood shavings, mulch, newspaper, peat moss and soil with or without a layer of bark, indoor outdoor carpet; sturdy rocks, half logs, and branches, commercial reptile caves and simple cardboard boxes are all options for different breeds to keep them interested.
- Lighting: some require special fluorescent bulbs that run the length of the tank, for some ambient daylight will suffice; also, there are some special needs that will require specialty UVA or UVB lighting set ups; day and night temperature needs can also be fairly specific by species and most all will require a source of gradient heat to use as they choose
- Feeding: a variety of crickets, waxworms, mealworms, pinkie mice, green leafy vegetables, squash, carrots, beans, peas, peppers, apples, grapes, and some other fruits can also be okay
Since I think it is important, I am going to repeat that you need to do research before selecting a lizard for a pet. Your local pet store can give you some information, but please do not rely on them as your sole source. I'm not saying that they will mislead you intentionally, just that they may not be an expert. You also must understand how big it is possible for your chosen lizard to get: chameleons will stay small; iguanas can get up to five or more feet long. Use one of the books I have highlighted in this lens, or check out some of the information links as good starting resources. That being said (twice), if you are still sure you are prepared to have a lizard for a pet, then go for it. And, enjoy your very cool new pet!! (And, don't forget to celebrate his day...)
Available Lizard "Owner's Manuals"
The Bearded Dragon: An Owner's Guide to a Happy Healthy Pet
Amazon Price: (as of 10/11/2008)
Care & Breeding of Chameleons (The Herpetocultural Library)
Amazon Price: (as of 10/11/2008)
277 Secrets Your Snake and Lizard Wants you to Know Unusual and useful Information for Snake Owners & Snake Lovers
Amazon Price: (as of 10/11/2008)
Lizard Care from A to Z
Amazon Price: $10.19 (as of 10/11/2008)
Lizard Keeper's Handbook (Herpetocultural Library)
Amazon Price: $10.20 (as of 10/11/2008)
Other Holidays Sharing August 14th
So, what else is celebrated today?
- Honey Spas Day in Russia
- Independence Day in Pakistan
- Oued Ed-Dahab Day in Morocco
- Montserrat Annual Pilgrimage in Montserrat
- O - Bon / Festival of Souls (solar date) Shinto
About this lens...
This lens was chosen for Cool Lizard Items for FUN!!
Before You Own A Lizard:
Check out these websites for some lizard information --
- Iguanas As Pets
- A good informational site from About.com with many related links.
- The Lizard Lounge
- Great pictures, information, and a library.
- The Reptile Stop
- A source for a wide variety of information, research, and anecdotes for all things reptile.
- Herp and Green Iguana Information Collection
- Melissa Kaplan's Herp Care Collection - she covers a broad base of reptile care and keeping, and species specific information.
- The Basking Spot
- The internet spot for herp news and links.
(World Lizard Day 2008 is August 14, 2008)
The Lizard Log:
-- thanks for visiting!
Please stop in and say hello, share a story, or ask a question.
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Joan4
Our granddaughter will love hearing about this! As a 6 y/o, she does love lizards - and we all love to watch the alligators at Seabrook Island, SC! Great lens! Hats off to the Lizards (and all fascinating reptiles)! Posted July 29, 2008 |
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ElizabethJeanAllen
We have a lot of lizards running around on our back deck. Unlike the snakes, they're kind of neat. Posted July 21, 2008 |
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jasmineann
Wonderful lens! I really like lizards though I don't have one as a pet. I did not know they had a World Lizard day though! Very important you emphasized as with bringing any animal etc into your life, that you do research first and make sure you can meet all its needs. Posted May 24, 2008 |
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SusanVillasLewis
I'd never own a lizard. Not entirely sure what the appeal would be, but I'm more of a cuddly animal person. :-) But I did have a graphic design company once that I called Leaping Lizards. Close as I'll ever get. Just not a cold-blooded animal kind of gal. Posted April 22, 2008 |
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compugraphd
B"H Posted March 13, 2008 |
The Lizard King
Jim Morrison Items Available From Amazon
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