Reptiles

Reptiles are animals with tough, scaly skin, and they come in various shapes and sizes. You might have seen lizards, turtles, or even snakes in books, zoos, or the wild. Unlike mammals, reptiles are cold-blooded. This means they can't regulate their body temperature like we can, so they often need to sunbathe to warm up. Reptiles have some incredible features. Snakes can slither and swallow prey whole, while chameleons can change colours to blend into their surroundings. Reptiles have been around for a very, very long time. Some of their ancestors lived when dinosaurs roamed the Earth. You can find reptiles in all sorts of habitats in the UK, from the speedy common lizard on heathlands to the smooth grass snake near water. Some reptiles, like the slow-worm, need our help to protect their habitats. People in the UK work hard to ensure these fantastic creatures have a safe place to live. Reptiles are like living dinosaurs, and they're a fascinating part of our natural world. So, whether you're spotting a turtle basking by a pond or admiring a gecko's sticky toes, there's always a reptilian adventure waiting for you.