Celebrating World Lizard Day at Molesey Vets with some fun facts
August 14, 2023
In celebration of World Lizard Day 2023, take a look at this guide created by our team at Molesey Vets. Our Vet Darren Partridge and Nurse Heather chatted to their experienced teams of vets and nurses to pull together their favourite lizards and some fun facts on them.
Share this article with other lizard owners in preparation of World Lizard Day and we would love to see photos of your own lizards celebrating.
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Bearded dragons
Our vets love all lizards, but a beardie just had the edge at our East Molesey practice:
- The clue is in the name – these lizards are unique in their appearance and have a beard-like projection under their chin!
- They are native to Australia but are regularly kept as pets due to their relatively long lifespan, easy care and friendly personalities.
- They can be a range of different colours – with elements of orange, yellow, white, red, brown, grey and even purple!
Leopard gecko
- These lizards have distinctive, leopard-like spots but can also come in a variety of colours – including albino and pattern-less. They also shed their skin.
- Leopard geckos have vocal cords which allow them to make a chirping sound.
- In the wild, they are ground-dwelling in rocky areas – native to India, Iran, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Nepal.
Chameleon
A firm favourite with some of our nurses is the chameleon, able to do a full outfit change in a no time at all!
- Chameleons can change colour on demand and blend in with their surroundings – however, this is not just for camouflage. It is also for temperature control! They will turn darker if they need to absorb more heat and lighter to reflect the sun’s heat if they are too warm.
- They are native to tropical regions, such as Africa and Madagascar – meaning that their captive environment will need to reflect their exotic natural habitats.
- They can move their eyes independently of each other and have a vast range of vision – much stronger and wider than ours!
Crested gecko
- These lizards live in trees and are native to New Caledonia.
- They have a unique appearance, including webbed feet and a fringed crest on their head. They also come in a large variety of patterns – making them a popular choice for pets.
- Crested geckos were thought to be extinct until they were rediscovered in the 1990s following a tropical storm – before then they were first found in 1866.
Green Iguana
- These lizards can reach up to 6 foot in length!
- They require a lot of space because of their size as well as specialised care – we don’t recommend green iguanas as pets for inexperienced reptile owners.
- Green iguanas are native to Central and South America and if they get their tails caught, they can detach it and grow a new one!
Overall, lizards make fascinating and unique pets that can provide endless entertainment and companionship. As with any pet, it’s important to research their specific needs and requirements before bringing them into your home. We’re here if you need any advice – get in touch.
Share this fun article with other lizard owners and don’t hesitate to to register your own lizard with us here at Molesey Vets.
