World Lizard Day

World Lizard Day is August 14th! Lizards probably rank pretty low on the list of popular pets, but they are gaining some status. Bearded dragons, for instance, are winning more fans over almost by the day! If you’re considering getting a lizard, read on. In this article from Arapahoe Animal Hospital, your Boulder, CO animal clinic, serving Louisville, CO and surrounding areas, a local discusses these adorable and fascinating tiny dinosaurs.

Basics

Ever wondered how many lizards there are in the world? Well, the number keeps going up! The latest figures, as of March 2022, puts that figure at 7176. Many of them have been found fairly recently: in 2008, there were only 5079 known species. These range from the teeny tiny nano chameleon to the gargantuan Komodo dragon. The newest addition to the list hails from Machu Picchu, and is a rather adorable little guy that has been dubbed Optimus Prime.

Fun Facts

Lizards are truly one of the most fascinating creatures on the planet. Take the North American Horned Lizard, which can shoot blood from its eyes. Then there’s the Basilisk Lizard, which can run on water. Others, such as chameleons and anole lizards, can change color to match their environment, while some, such as certain geckos, can drop their tails to evade predators. And speaking of environments, lizards have adapted to thrive in many different ones. They live on every continent except Antarctica!

Pets

Out of all of those 7176 types of lizards, only a few really make good pets. Some of the most popular ones for beginners include Leopard geckos, Crested geckos, and the lovable Bearded dragon. If you’re experienced with lizards, you may be interested in adopting a chameleon, iguana, or tegu.

Adopting A Lizard

Are you thinking of adopting a lizard? These guys can make very cute and fun pets. Just do plenty of research first. Many reptiles need specific environmental conditions, which means you’ll need to get special equipment and monitor conditions closely. The majority of them also eat live bugs, which can be a dealbreaker for some. Ask your vet for more information. Do you have questions or concerns about caring for a lizard? We can help! Please contact Arapahoe Animal Hospital, your Boulder, CO animal clinic, serving Louisville, CO and surrounding areas.