Reptiles in Great Britain
Is the United Kingdom a suitable home for reptiles? According to experts, there has been a rising trend of reptiles in Great Britain, creating a unique habitat for the creatures to thrive. Reptiles, as well as amphibians, find foggy and moist climate favourable – a characteristic that Great Britain is known for. Moreover, the presence of varied species of insects from the beetles, flies, to spiders are an ample source of food for reptiles.
Even though the conditions in Great Britain are perfect for reptiles, the cold temperatures pose a challenge. Reptiles are ectothermic – meaning that they rely on external heat sources to regulate their body temperature. As a result, most of these reptiles, such as the common lizards, are not well-suited for temperatures below 10 degree Celsius because of the inability to survive the cold. To overcome this limitation, many species have adopted behavioural mechanisms to prevent hypothermia.
However with rising climatic temperatures, experts are optimistic that the species of reptiles growing in the UK will increase as well. In the last few decades, due to global warming, the climate in the UK has become much warmer and wetter. Reports from experts have shown that the number of reptiles in the area have multiplied many times over the years, and this trend is expected to continue.
Textile manufacturing, globalization and coastal construction disrupt the natural habitat of reptiles by polluting air and water sources. Such unsustainable practices have devastating effects on reptiles in the UK as they slowly push some species to extermination. Nevertheless, conservation efforts from the government have proven helpful in preserving the biodiversity of the area.
Opportunities to observe reptiles in their natural environment are neither impossible. Outdoor activities such as hiking and camping can provide an exciting experience as they discover and learn about the different species of reptiles. Moreover, with increased awareness regarding the creature, the number of people persuading to save the reptile species has also grown.
The unique characteristics of reptiles has made them increasingly popular in the pet trade industry. Snake owners and keepers claim that the experience of keeping a reptile is unique and contributes immensely to their emotional well-being. Although owning a reptile is becoming more commonplace, it is important that owners are responsible for their pet’s welfare and must take proper care of them.
Health Benefits of Keeping Reptiles
The wellness of reptiles can be treasured through proper maintenance and care. By ensuring the necessary checklist of food, habitat, lights and temperatures, owners can become better acquainted with their pets wellbeing. Pet reptiles can be valuable companions that offer relief from depression, stress and anxiety when an owner spends quality time with them.
In addition to mental health benefits, pet reptiles can also influence physical activity. Pet owners often take the initiative to plan activities like outside explorations with their pets. When it comes to diet, reptiles are often obligate carnivores, meaning that they primarily require different kinds of meats and proteins to nourish their body.
Not only this, many pet reptiles can also teach us more about their own history and evolution. Through their intricate designs and uncommon structures, pet keepers are encouraged to research and find out more about their diet, lifestyle and even the species they belong to.
Pet care owners often find themselves in the responsibility to nurture and protect the species they keep. Many take the initiative to donate to conservation organisations or charities that dedicate costly and time-consuming efforts among many other fascinating projects to save reptiles from extinction.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, reptile species have found a pivot for growth and population in the Great Britain. Global warming and other positive changes in the environment have provided more favourable living conditions to the reptiles. Furthermore, raising one’s own pet reptiles can potentially offer emotional and physical relief. Keeping reptiles is still controversial and continues to have its own share of drawbacks and benefits; however, conservation organisations are taking active measures to protect and aid endangered species.
Reptiles in Pop Culture
Reptiles have been quite influential in the entertainment industry – especially in pop culture. Due to their ability to adapt to their habitats, many filmmakers have used them as the protagonists in their movies. Throughout the years, reptiles have been represented in films, television, and art just to name a few.
Famous movies such as ‘Jurassic Park’, ‘Godzilla’ and ‘Finding Nemo’ rely on reptiles as they main characters. These films often revolve around the idea of reptiles as a destructive force, however, it is also reassuring to see reptiles being portrayed as characters with endearing personalities. Even popular cartoons such as ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ cast reptiles as characters.
Reptiles have also become symbols of intrigue in the fashion industry. Many high-end fashion designers have been inspired by reptiles and use them as symbols in their artwork. Popular influencers of the fashion world have also stepped up their game by creating unique reptile-inspired designs. From snake-like shoes to reptile pattern clothes, these designs are increasingly becoming popular in the UK – especially amongst the younger generation.
Not only this, reptiles have also become popular figures in the spiritual world. Many spiritual teachers and gurus have been using reptiles around the world as symbols of rebirth, regeneration, and transformation. Whether real or mythical, reptiles have been used as a symbol of power for centuries and continue to be a source of fascination all over the globe.
Intersectional Campaigns For Reptiles
Due to the disparaging views of reptiles, they are still highly victimised in many parts of the world. From animal testing to being killed for their skin, many reptiles are seen as ‘fair game’ by the public. This is why it is highly essential to protect them from such uncontrolled hunting and trafficking.
In recent times, many racial injustice groups have taken on the cause to fight for the rights of reptiles. Campaigns across the UK have started to bring attention to the insensitive treatment of reptiles. Through active workshops, outreach activities, and ethical conversations, the public are being made aware of their rights without reducing the importance of other animals as well.
A lot of conservation-orientated individuals are investing their resources to create long-term changes. Groups are registering their efforts in legal paperwork to make progress towards stricter conservation rules. Not only this, targeted campaigns have been launched to protect reptiles, such as the ‘Save the Toads’ campaign in the Great Britain.
Education has been a major element in safeguarding reptiles. Many conservation organisations are running interactive courses and seminars to provide ownership and advocacy among the general public. There are a number of organisations dedicated to protecting the habitats of reptiles and raising awareness regarding their wrong exploitation.
Legislations
Legislation is a key source of protection of reptiles in the Great Britain. The Endangered Species Act 1973, the Wildlife and Countryside Act and the Zoo Licensing Act 1981 are some of the laws that have directly helped in preserving reptile species. The government has also taken steps to create a better environment for their protection.
For a long time the international community has emphasised fitting preservation needs into the conservancy plans. In order to prevent further exploitation of reptiles the local governments have imposed stricter bans on hunting, trafficking, and wild collection.
Not only are they taking steps to safeguard the reptiles in the wild, but also to guarantee the welfare of captive reptiles. Regulations have been implanted to impose strict laws on husbandry and housing conditions. Furthermore crackdowns on unethical pet shops and dealers have been enforced to reduce any disputes involving animal mistreatment.
Even though some positive changes are being seen, reptiles still remain a vulnerable species. In the end, local communities have to take full responsibility for their actions in order to make progress in the preservation of reptiles.
