World Lizard Day, celebrated on 14th August every year. As with most of the oddities, the origins of this day are unclear, but it is being celebrated across political boundaries by the niche of reptile-lovers, conservationists and educators.

Most celebrations of this holiday occur at the local level, through events organized by schools, natural history or science museums, zoos, national parks, conservation NGOs etc. These can vary depending on the audience involved, but information sessions and fun activities usually remain a constant. Local pet stores may hold events for kids, to acquaint them with the pros and cons of keeping a lizard as a pet. Online communities also take this opportunity to pay homage to the cold-blooded reptiles, and increase the information flow around them. World Lizard Day has not yet been taken up for serious conservation work by international agencies or organizations like the IUCN or WWF, and is focused on creating awareness of the reptiles, apparently mostly as pets.

Lizards are cold-blooded reptiles that live around the world in many different habitats, from the urban sprawl to the Amazonian rainforest. Different species feed differently, and there are insectivorous, omnivorous as well as carnivorous species. Many species are rare and difficult to study, leading to a paucity of scientific research around their biology and habits. It is common knowledge that lizards are able to drop their tails if caught by them, and run away completely unharmed. Their tails do grow back usually, but not as smoothly as the originals. An interesting and more obscure fact is that horned lizards can squirt blood from their eyes to confuse and foil predators and protect themselves.

There are over 5600 species of lizards alive today, and many of them are endangered species, with habitat loss and predation by non-native species like cats and dogs being the primary threats. There are some venomous species, like the largest true lizard, the Komodo Dragon, and the famous Gila Monster. Most common species, including those kept as pets, usually do not venom potent enough to harm humans. Keeping of exotic pets like lizards is a slightly controversial issue, but it does keep interest in these wonderful creatures alive, and as long as they remain in the public eye, conservation efforts can remain hopeful.

World Lizard Day thus provides the opportunity for a fun celebration of a reptilian fascination, and a chance to teach our kids about the world around us. Most of all, World Lizard Day seems geared towards helping those who enjoy reptiles to celebrate them, and those who don't to learn about them.

Facts About Lizards:

-The Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis) is the largest lizard species in the world, also has a bite that is effectively poisonous owing to the bacteria in its saliva. It can grow to 10 feet in length and weigh 300 pounds. These lizards are known to attack humans and have no problem taking down large deer.

-One of the smallest is the Brookesia micra, a chameleon species native to Madagascar. Researchers say that Brookesia micra reaches a length of slightly more than half an inch, not including their prehensile tail. It was discovered in 2012

-The most popular pet lizards are bearded dragons and leopard geckos. Crested geckos and chameleons are also popular but not as popular as the beardies and leopard geckos.

-London Zoo, which has the world’s oldest reptile house, is celebrating Lizard Day with a new puzzle box for their skilful lizards to solve.

-All lizards are reptiles but not all reptiles are lizards. Lizards usually have four legs, external ear openings, scaly skin and movable eyelids.

-There are more than 6,000 species of lizard in the world and are found in all continents except Antarctica.

-Green basilisk lizards can run on water for up to 15 feet. Their feet create air bubbles which keep them from sinking.

-Leviticus is the only book of the King James Bible that mentions lizards.

-It says that ferrets, chameleons, lizards, snails and moles are unclean, even when they are dead.

-Horned lizards can squirt blood from their eyes to confuse predators.

-Lizard’s leg is one of the ingredients in the cauldron brewed by the witches in Macbeth.

-The Gila monster and the beaded lizard are the only poisonous lizards, both found in northwestern Mexico.

Save Lizards, Save Our Species 😊 😊

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