August 14
World Lizard Day
World Lizard Day is celebrated on August 14 every year. The main groups celebrating this holiday are schools, zoos, parks and reptile enthusiasts. The day has not been adopted by higher-level conservation organizations such as the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), so it mainly focuses on raising awareness of reptiles as pets.
Lizards are reptiles characterized by scaly skin, long bodies, four legs, and movable eyelids. Most lizards lay eggs, but some give birth to live young. There are about 6,000 species of lizards, found on every continent except Antarctica. They are cold-blooded and rely on sunlight for survival. Lizards have a varied diet, including plants, insects, and small animal eggs. They come in various sizes, from two centimeters to over eleven feet long. Lizards have the ability to regenerate their tails if they are broken. Some lizards can change colors. They have various defense mechanisms, such as running away quickly or appearing larger. Some lizards, like the Komodo dragon, are venomous and can be dangerous to humans. Many people keep lizards as pets, with popular species including skinks, chameleons, and iguanas. World Lizard Day is celebrated with special exhibitions at zoos and educational events at scientific and nature centers. To participate, visit a local zoo, consider getting a lizard as a pet, read a book about lizards, or share photos and videos of lizards on social media with the hashtag #WorldLizardDay.
