World Lizard Day and Why reptiles are important to ecosystem?

Every year World lizard day (WLD) falls on 14^th August. They are celebrated mainly by reptile lovers, educators and environment conservationist as WLD has not been taken serious by major international organizations like WWF or IUCN. The lizards are coldblooded reptiles which are insectivorous, omnivorous as well as carnivorous. One of the interesting fact is that horned lizards (one of the lizard species) can squirt blood from their eyes to confuse and foil predators and protect themselves. They are presence of more than 5500 species out of them some are endangered. Habitat loss and predation by other animals has become main reason for this. In many countries they are reared as a pet.

Ecological role of reptiles:

Reptiles are the major part of food webs in most of ecosystem. Removable of any species from its ecosystem drastically alters the population of organism. They are both predators and prey species. Some of the species which are herbivorous are also the important seed dispersers and major factor for pollination in island habitats. blue-tailed day gecko (Phelsuma cepediana) is found to be only one pollinator for the plant Trochetia blackburniana on the island of Mauritius. 

Reptiles like crocodile contribute to food chain as prey when they are young. Some of the species modify habitat. Reptiles have anthropogenic role in ecosystem. In some areas, they help control the numbers of serious agricultural pests by consuming rodent and insect pests.

Summary of importance of reptiles:

Pest Control

Fish Control

Dead Animals and Food Chain Balance

Prey Items

Reptiles and humans

Various species of reptiles are hunted and traded illegally by human beings. They are accepted as source of traditional medicine, food, etc. The skin of crocodiles and snakes are used in the creation of shoes, handbags and belts, and tortoiseshell has become a popular material for jewelry and decoration. Reptiles also make popular pets, with about 3% of households in USA having at least one pet reptile.

Reptiles are mostly used in symbology and myth. Worldwide, snakes have been used as a symbol of power and sometimes evil. Turtles on the other hand usually represent longevity and stability, and are also often associated with creation stories.

Its high time we must protect reptiles. Some of the reptiles are listed critically endangers by IUCN. Let’s unite and protect reptiles.

Green cheers!

Reference: https://www.calendarlabs.com/holidays/international/world-lizard-day.php

https://sciencing.com/reptiles-important-humans-6469520.html