Habitat of Reptiles

Reptiles live in most habitats of the world, except for very cold regions. They can be found in all environmental types, from the deserts to the oceans.

  1. Desert Reptile Habitat

    • There are many reptiles that live in a desert habitat. The desert area is characterized by hot days and cold nights. Because they are cold blooded, they are more easily able to adapt to temperature extremes. Typical desert animals include snakes such as the rattlesnake and king snake. Gila monsters (Heloderma) and other horned lizards are also found in the desert.

    Grassland Habitat

    • Grasslands make up an ideal habitat for reptiles, since the vegetation attracts rodents and insects that make up reptiles' prey. In the grasslands, you may find garter snakes (Thamnophis sp.) and rat snakes such as the fox snake (Elaphe vulpina).

    Reptiles in a Forest Habitat

    • Reptiles also inhabit temperate deciduous forests. Here the temperature is moderate with annual rainfall between 50 and 200 cm per year. Typical species found here are rat snakes (Elaphe sp.) and box turtles (Terrapene sp).

    Wetland Reptile Habitat

    • Some reptiles live in swamps or are found near bodies of water. The American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) is a good example of such an animal. Red-eared turtles and sliders are other examples of reptiles that make their home in and near bodies of water. Certain snakes, such as the mud snake and water snake, also make their homes here.

    Marine Reptiles

    • Reptiles also live in marine habitats. Some reside seaside, and travel in and out of the ocean like the marine iguana (Amblyrhynchus subcristatus) and saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus acutus). Some species of reptiles stay in the ocean, and will only leave when it is time to lay their eggs. These include the sea turtles and sea snakes (Pelamis platurus).