IN ecosystems the world over, lizards play a fundamental role in various ways.
From controlling insect populations to dispersing seeds, these fascinating reptiles have captured the imagination of reptile lovers and enthusiasts.
On August 14, World Lizard Day is celebrated to spread love and awareness for the scaly critters.
Northglen News chatted to South African Association for Marine Biological Research’s (SAAMBR) senior herpetologist Lesley Labuschagne about lizards’ role in the environment.
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Labuschagne said the day gives reptile lovers a chance to shine a light on the more than 4 000 species of lizard found around the world.
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“I’ve been involved in conservation for 14 years, and lizards are my passion. I have such a connection with them, and I see my role in helping foster a love of lizards in other people. I want people to see that you can love a lizard as much as you can love your cat or dog. A big part of the job is helping rehabilitate and rescue stranded reptiles,” she said.
“In South Africa, we are blessed to have a diverse array of species of lizards, and they play an important role in our ecosystems. They eat a lot of invertebrates and keep the fly and mosquito population under control. They fill the role of both predator and prey and can be important seed dispensers,” she said.
