In Photos: Reptiles

A gallery of that cold-blooded, scaly group of animals: the reptiles. But perhaps there's more to them than first meets the eye?

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Crocodiles

The crocodile is probably one of the best known reptiles. It has a set of ferocious, conical teeth. Crocodiles are often associated with Australia and Africa, but can also be found in Central America and Southern Asia.
Alligators

The alligator is similar to the crocodile, yet are found only in freshwater habitats in the United States and China. There are a number of differences between the species, namely the shape of their jaws, crocs have more of a V shape to their snouts while the alligator's is rounder.
Caiman

Caiman's are crocodilian lizards from South and Central America, and tend to be smaller than their crocodile and alligator relatives, measuring between 1 and 4 metres.
Chameleons

Chameleons are a type of lizard with up to 160 different species, many of which come in a range of exotic colours and sizes. Some chameleons can even change the colour of their skin to adapt to their surroundings or convey their emotions. Chameleons are often found in Africa, Southern Europe and Southern Asia.
Geckos

Geckos are a small lizard usually found in the warmer, tropical regions of the world. Look out for them scuttling along walls or ceilings in hotel rooms!
Iguanas

The iguana is a herbivorous lizard found in Central America, Polynesia and the Carribean in tropical areas. There is even a famous species from the Galapagos that feeds on algae in the sea!
Komodo Dragons

The Komodo dragon is one of the largest species of lizard and can be found on several Indonesian islands, including Komodo, after which it is named. This monitor lizard also has a formidable bite, which has recently been found to contain a venom.
Snakes

Snakes are some of the best known reptiles. With their long body, no legs, no eyelids and lack of protruding ears, they are easily recognised. Many are deadly, using their muscular bodies for constriction or fangs to deliver venom to kill their prey. Snakes are found in every continent in the world apart from Antarctica, and can be found in most terrains.
Turtles

Turtles are reptiles best known for their shell-covered bodies, differing from their land-based relatives, the tortoises, by their adapted flippers.