Three Things Reptiles Need to Live on Land

Reptiles are designed to live on land. According to NASA, the two characteristics of a reptile that allow it to live on land are "scaly skins that keep them from drying out" and that they "lay eggs protected by a shell." Although these features allow reptiles to live on land, they do require other things in order to survive.

  1. Water

    • All reptiles require a water source. The type of reptile will determine how much water is necessary to prevent dehydration and as a means for cooling. Small lizards can survive off of the dew that is captured on leaves and other hard surfaces. Turtles, most frogs and alligators require bodies of water as a means for cooling off in the heat of the day. Though most snakes remain on land, the Cooperative Extension of North Carolina University reports that all snakes can swim by gliding along the water's surface tension. Water also provides an environment rich in food for all reptiles, even for lizards who may only hunt at the water's edge or on tree limbs over the water.

    Heat

    • As cold-blooded animals, reptiles are not able to generate their own body heat. They are dependent on outside sources such as the sun. Though reptiles are found in most of North America, the southern regions contain the most species variety due to the warmer climates. At night, some reptiles burrow under or between rocks the for stored heat that is released at night. RV-CoachOnline cautions visitors in desert areas to remain alert when they are around rocks and paved areas at night, since reptiles, including snakes, seek out warmer surfaces.

    Shade

    • As much as reptiles need the sun for warmth, they also need shelter from the sun. Cold-blooded animals take on the temperature of their environment. Direct sun all day would cause dehydration and even death. Shade from vegetation provides both protection and a location for food sources, as insects and smaller animals seek relief from the sun. According to the U.S. Forestry Service, temperatures can be up to 20 degrees cooler in the shade. This is a significant change in temperature to protect the life of a reptile that lives on land.