How many of you look at reptiles and go “ewww” and how many of you go “wow”? This year, let’s all try and say “WOW” as we you get to know their role and importance to our ecosystem.
While snakes help to keep bugs and rodents under control, lizards help in keeping a check on insects.
Importance of reptiles
The role of reptiles in the functioning of the world’s ecosystem is vital. Most reptiles are natural carnivores and so eliminate many creatures that humans consider undesirable. Snakes and lizards are a farmer’s best friend as they eat pests that pose a threat to their crops. Larger snakes help in the reduction of rodents. As a part of the greater food chain, they prevent overpopulation and in turn they become food for predators.
Protect the reps
Don’t buy products made from reptile skins (handbags, boots made from snake or crocodile skin, jewellery made from tortoise shell).
Don’t buy pets if you don’t know where they are from — ongoing trade in reptile products has an effect on the numbers of valuable species in the wild.
Did you know?
Reptiles are a class of vertebrates that are scaly and cold-blooded and that, with a few exception, lay eggs. They include turtles, terrapins, and tortoises; lizards, snakes, and legless worm lizards; the tuatara of New Zealand; and crocodiles, alligators, gharials, and caimans. There are 6,500-10,000 species of reptiles, which live on every continent except Antarctica.
Slytherin day
Reptile Awareness Day (RAD) was created by a group of reptile enthusiasts to change the public image of their scaly friends. Zoos and animal shelters too promote awareness with help from alligator and crocodile and other reptile exhibits. Reptile Awareness Day is a great opportunity to help educate people on how to protect them.
Celebrate RAD
Organise a trip to the local zoo to see the reptiles.
Educate people and children about their importance in the ecosystem.
You could also visit any animal museum in your city and discover their ancestors like the other extinct reptiles and dinosaurs.
Join reptile conservation groups and programmes to conserve threatened species and habitats.
Write about your favourite herp and what you could do to save it and send it to youngword@thehindu.co.in
