WILD REPTILES & AMPHIBIANS
Reptiles and amphibians are two of the oldest living groups of animals. They are both classified as cold–blooded, which means their body temperatures are determined by their environment.
Unfortunately, reptiles and amphibians are often overlooked when it comes to wildlife tourism. That doesn’t make them any less fascinating. With the right choice of tour, it is possible to admire these animals ethically in their natural habitat with a positive conservation impact.
TOP REPTILE AND AMPHIBIANS-SEEING ETHICAL EXPERIENCES
MEET THE IMPRESSIVE KOMODO DRAGONS
Komodo dragons are the largest living species of lizard, growing up to three metres in length. They are native to the Indonesian islands of Komodo, Rinca, Flores, Gili Motang, and Padar.
WATCH CROCODILES IN THE WILD
Two popular places to see crocodiles in the wild are the Everglades National Park in Florida, and the Northern Territory in Australia, where you can find saltwater crocodiles in the wild.
VISIT A COSTA RICAN FROG SANCTUARY
Costa Rica is home to a variety of species of frogs, including the red-eyed tree frog and the strawberry poison dart frog. The colours of the frogs found there are some of the brightest in the world.
WITNESS TURTLE-HATCHING
Turtle-hatching is a fascinating process to watch as baby turtles emerge from the sand and make their way to the ocean. It is a critical part of the life cycle of many turtle species.
TRY TO SPOT CHAMELEONS
More than half of the 150 chameleon species in the world, including the enormous, vibrant Parson's chameleon and the tiny, one-inch Brookesia micra, are found in Madagascar.
Where to see wild reptiles and amphibians?
ALL REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS BLOG ARTICLES & ETHICAL TOURS RECOMMENDATIONS
TURTLES
Turtles have a unique adaptation to their environment, with their hard shells providing protection from predators and the elements. They are also incredibly long-lived, with some species living up to 100 years. Turtles live in both terrestrial and aquatic habitats, and they can be found on every continent except Antarctica.
SCIENTIFIC NAME
Testudines
IUCN STATUS
Variable depending on the species
RANGE
Worldwide (apart from polar and subpolar poles)
SNAKES
Snakes are an incredibly diverse group of reptiles found on every continent except Antarctica. They come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colours and can be both feared and revered. The majority of snakes are carnivorous, and they prey on small animals like birds, rodents, frogs, and other reptiles. Some species of snakes are venomous, but most are not.
SCIENTIFIC NAME
Serpentes
IUCN STATUS
Variable depending on the species
RANGE
Worldwide (apart from polar and subpolar poles)
CROCODILES
Crocodiles are one of the strongest and most ancient animals on Earth: they have been around for more than 200 million years and have survived multiple mass extinctions. They live in many parts of the world, from the tropical wetlands of Africa to the croc–infested rivers of Australia.
SCIENTIFIC NAME
Crocodylus
IUCN STATUS
Variable depending on the species
RANGE
Africa, Asia, Americas, Australia
IGUANAS
Iguanas are a type of lizard found in parts of the Americas, the Caribbean and the Galapagos Islands. They are omnivores, meaning they eat both plants and animals, and their diet can include leaves, flowers, fruits, and insects.
SCIENTIFIC NAME
Iguana iguana
IUCN STATUS
Least Concern
RANGE
Central America, South America
FROGS
Frogs live in ponds, wetlands, streams, and forests around the world. Their moist skin helps them stay hydrated, their strong legs are for jumping and swimming, and their long tongue is used for catching their prey
SCIENTIFIC NAME
Anura
IUCN STATUS
Variable depending on the species
RANGE
Worldwide
