21/10/2026
National Reptile Awareness Day
Today we're sharing some facts and celebrating reptiles to help to raise awareness and improve their welfare and their protection.
Reptile facts
A reptile is a cold-blooded animal that breathes air through its lungs. It is covered in scales or bony plates, and it sheds its dry skin sporadically. Most species lay eggs. Common types of reptiles include snakes, lizards, turtles, crocodiles, and alligators.
Reptiles breathe through their lungs and reptiles that spend time underwater have to hold their breath (which some species can do for extended periods) and come up to the surface to breathe.
With the exception of Antarctica, reptiles can be found in all areas of the world although hot, tropical areas will usually have more reptiles than drier, colder ones.
Many species of reptiles are endangered, Border laws vary between countries, which fuels both legal and illegal international trade. According to CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora), which regulates the trade in endangered species, approximately 91% of all reptiles remain unprotected.
Reptiles are sentient animals. They can feel emotions like joy and fear, and they have personal likes and dislikes. Some reptiles care for their offspring and even play.
More than 1 in 5 reptile species are threatened with extinction which is mainly due to human activities and exploitation. A large proportion of reptiles are threatened by habitat loss due to forests and other similar reptile habitats being cleared for agriculture, logging and urban expansion which leaves them with reduced space and less suitable areas to find food, shelter and a mate.
Reptiles are bred for profit and taken from the wild as part of the illegal wildlife trade. Turtles, snakes and lizards are sold as exotic pets and crocodiles are traded for their skins.
Reptiles are also bred in captivity and taken from the wild to be used as part of wildlife tourism attractions where they're kept in unnatural, stressful environments and often forced into cruel interactions with humans where entertainment is prioritised over their welfare.
We can assist in protecting reptiles by not buying reptile products, not contributing to or watching wildlife entertainment involving reptiles, supporting habitat protection and climate action, learning more about the impacts of the exotic pet trade and supporting organisations that work to protect wildlife and end exploitation.
