Why Is Keeping Reptiles Important? Posted: May 24, 2023 |
Reptiles are cold-blooded, so they need a static environment in which to live. This means that they need a cage at least two to three times their largest potential growth. Reptiles don’t make messes like dogs, cats or birds. They also won’t chew on furniture legs or track mud around the house. When you need an useful content on reptiles, navigate to this site. They Help Prevent Disease
Reptiles naturally carry and shed Salmonella bacteria, which can contaminate surfaces, food and hands. When these contaminated hands come into contact with a person, especially young children or adults with weak immune systems, they can become sick. Proper hygiene and appropriate husbandry practices reduce the risk of Salmonella infection for most people. Young children, pregnant women and immunosuppressed people should avoid all contact with reptiles. Sadly, many reptiles in the pet trade do not receive adequate care. PETA undercover investigations have revealed abuse and neglect in facilities that breed, sell and transport reptiles for the pet trade. Many of these reptiles are deprived of proper temperature gradients, UVB light, a balanced diet, humidity levels and other basic husbandry needs. They are often denied veterinary treatment and forced to live in cramped enclosures for years before being sold or discarded. This relegates them to lives without joy and meaning. This is not acceptable. Many research studies have shown that reptiles and other vertebrates can experience positive and negative states, feelings and emotions that matter to them. They Help Save the Environment
Reptiles help keep ecosystems healthy by keeping pest and disease-carrying animals under control. This is especially true for aquatic creatures, such as crocodiles and alligators. Their feeding habits prevent overpopulation of fish species in coastal regions and wetlands, which is essential to a thriving aquatic ecosystem. Reptilian predators also help clear dead animals from the environment. Due to their indolent lifestyles, reptiles often strike prey quickly and subdue them without a lot of effort, making them ideal for cleaning up rotting carcasses, known as carrion. Reptiles that are kept as pets can be prone to Salmonella infections, which is why the Centers for Disease Control and Food and Drug Administration warn people against touching them or letting children touch them. However, the majority of reptiles that are kept as pets do well in captivity if owners take care of their needs. Many pet reptiles live for a long time and have specialized diets and heating requirements, so owners who do their research ahead of time can ensure their pet will lead a happy and healthy life. They Are Fun to HaveReptiles can be fascinating to watch and make a great addition to the family. However, not everyone is a good candidate to keep one as their pet. Many reptiles can grow to be quite large and need proper space and care to thrive. Also, reptiles often carry Salmonella bacteria on their skin or in their enclosures which can cause Salmonella infections in humans. These infections can be deadly for young children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems. Unfortunately, reptiles are often sold to people who do not understand their special needs. Undercover investigations at pet stores by PETA have shown animals being mistreated and abused. They are often crowded into dirty cages, with little to no food or water, and denied necessary habitats and lighting. In fact, over 75% of "pet" reptiles die within their first year in a person's home due to neglect and improper care. This is unacceptable for animals that deserve a life worth living. They Are Versatile
Reptiles are interesting and exciting animals that provide a sense of adventure for their owners. They have unique personalities and behaviors that can make them very fun to have around the home. In the wild, many reptiles play important roles in ecosystems as predators or prey species. Venomous reptiles like snakes help to control the populations of disease-carrying rodents, while far less venomous reptiles such as lizards and turtles act as natural pest controllers. Before reptiles end up on pet store shelves, they often endure significant suffering. Undercover investigations by PETA have uncovered widespread abuse and neglect in businesses that transport and sell reptiles to pet stores. Most of the time, these reptiles are wild-caught and have already experienced considerable suffering during their capture and transportation across several states or countries. They are then subjected to stressful physical handling, and may experience considerable rates of mortality during the shipment, storage and processing that follows. They are also deprived of proper habitat, humidity, temperature and nutrition.
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