Reptiles

Israel foils smuggling of 140 exotic reptiles in Ben-Gurion Airport, animals in terrible condition

Custom inspectors discovered the animals, including iguanas, pythons, tegus, and scorpions, in poor condition after enduring freezing temperatures and a lack of food.

140 reptiles and other animals were seized by Israeli authorities.
 An oriental garden lizard.

A new iguana species discovered in China - study

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The medical reason you might not want to share your dessert with an Iguana

Image of a Gecko.

Geckos can distinguish between species by odor, study finds


Uniquely mummified crocodiles discovered in Egypt - study

Although mummified animals such as crocodiles are commonly found at archaeological sites in Egypt, mummified crocodiles are often not examined thoroughly, according to researchers.

Overview of the crocodiles during excavation.

Solving the mystery of an ancient marine reptile mass graveyard

Known as Shonisaurus popularis, the species resembled a chunky dolphin that grew to at least 15.2 meters long and died in large numbers at one particular site some 230 million years ago.

Eilat's Coral Beach Nature Reserve has stunning reefs and an abundance of marine and fish life.

Snakes have two clitorises and they're both important, new study reveals

This female-led study discovered that snake clitorises are important for sex and can be stimulated to cause pleasure, despite years of scientific neglect.

Snake (illustrative)

Did scientists find a reptile that walked with dinosaurs? - study

Archaeologists have uncovered a fossilized skeleton of a small ancient reptile that is long gone, but one direct relative still thrives in New Zealand.

 Tuatara at Zealandia EcoSanctuary. The white dot on the right hand side is a plastic identification band

Alligators in this lake have started to attack people – and it's unclear why

Alligator attacks are highly unusual for the area, according to locals.

American alligator

Snakes on a plane: Youth caught with reptiles at Ben-Gurion

Three suspects, all in their 20's, were carrying hundreds of reptiles, including rare ones, and turtles in their luggage.

 Snakes caught being carried by young adults at Ben-Gurion Airport, August 29, 2022

Climate change caused massive waves of evolution in reptiles - study

Reptiles evolved at an alarming rate to suit themselves to changes in climate, Harvard study finds

 Crocodylus acutus, Mexico

Plesiosaurs inhabited freshwater in Morocco, researchers find - study

Fossils discovered in Morocco indicate that the ancient marine reptiles were adapted to freshwater conditions and may have spent their entire lives there.

 Plesiosaurus dolichodeirus, 2008.

2,000 reptile species under threat of extinction - study

50% of all turtle and crocodile species face the threat of extinction. The new assessment will enable researchers to understand the conservation needs of threatened species.

 Telescopus hoogstraali, Desert tiger snake

Ancient 'Dragon of Death' flying reptile discovered in Argentina

The new specimen of ancient flying reptile, or pterosaur, measured around 30 feet (9 meters) long and lived 86 million years ago alongside dinosaurs.

 Pterosaur (Illustrative).

Squamates were present on Earth for longer than previously thought - study

Although the Squamata is the largest order of reptiles, made up of over 10,000 different species, their evolutionary origins are not yet well understood.

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