FAQ's

  1. Q: What are reptiles? A: Reptiles are a class of vertebrate animals characterised by scales, dry skin, and the ability to lay shelled eggs. They include snakes, lizards, turtles, and crocodiles.
  2. Q: What makes reptiles different from other animals? A: Reptiles are cold-blooded (ectothermic) and have scales, unlike mammals or birds. 
  3. Q: How do reptiles regulate their body temperature? A: Reptiles rely on external sources of heat to regulate their body temperature, such as basking in the sun or seeking shade to cool down.
  4. Q: Are all reptiles venomous? A: No, not all reptiles are venomous. Only a minority of species, like some snakes and lizards, possess venom for hunting or self-defense.
  5. Q: Can reptiles live in various habitats? A: Yes, reptiles can adapt to diverse habitats, including deserts, rainforests, grasslands, and aquatic environments.
  6. Q: How do reptiles reproduce? A: Reptiles typically lay eggs, although some species give birth to live young. The method of reproduction varies among reptile groups.
  7. Q: Do reptiles make good pets? A: Reptiles make excellent pets, but their care requirements, including habitat, temperature, and diet, should be well understood before keeping them.
  8. Q: What do reptiles eat? A: Reptile diets vary by species, but common foods include insects, rodents, and vegetation.
  9. Q: How long do reptiles live? A: Lifespan varies greatly depending on the species. Some reptiles can live just a few years, while others, like turtles, can live for several decades.
  10. Q: Can reptiles change their skin colour? A: Some reptiles, like chameleons, can change their skin colour to blend in with their surroundings or communicate with other members of their species. In Australia, we have species of reptiles that can darken or lighten their scale colour to assist with thermal absorption, we also have reptiles that have evolved to mimic the colour of their surrounds such as leaf tail geckos.
  11. Q: Are reptiles endangered or threatened species? A: Many reptile species are endangered or threatened due to habitat loss, poaching, and other factors. Conservation efforts are in place to protect them. Reptile ownership does require a valid reptile license, this will change from state to state.
  12. Q: Do reptiles hibernate or go dormant in the winter? A: Some reptiles Brumate (hibernate) during the colder months, this process allows them to prepare for the upcoming breeding season.
  13. Q: Can reptiles be kept as educational animals? A: Yes, reptiles can be used for educational purposes in schools, nature centres, and zoos to teach about biodiversity and conservation. Animals kept for educational purposes require a special permit to exhibit animals. Pet reptiles cannot be used for exhibition or education as part of the reptile license conditions, this will vary from state to state.
  14. Q: Can reptiles be trained or tamed? A: Some reptiles can be trained to respond to basic commands using a form of training called target training, but they are not domesticated like dogs or cats.
  15. Q: Are there any health risks associated with keeping reptiles as pets? A: There are potential health risks of zoonotic diseases such as salmonella transmission associated with handling reptiles. Proper hygiene and responsible ownership can mitigate these risks.