Author
2,954
edits
Changes
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
no edit summary
Reptiles are ectothermic vertebrates that regulate body temperature by behavioural and physiological processes. Most species operate within a [[Preferred optimum temperature zone|'''preferred optimum temperature zone''']] (or POTZ) that, in the wild, shows seasonal variation. Knowing the POTZ is imperative for long-term captive maintenance since supplemental heating is necessary for captive lizards. Reaching their POTZ is necessary for optimum metabolic processes including digestion, growth, healing, reproduction and immune system function.
Reptiles are ectothermic vertebrates that regulate body temperature by behavioural and physiological processes. Most species operate within a [[Preferred optimum temperature zone|'''preferred optimum temperature zone''']] (or POTZ) that, in the wild, shows seasonal variation. Knowing the POTZ is imperative for long-term captive maintenance since supplemental heating is necessary for captive lizards. Reaching their POTZ is necessary for optimum metabolic processes including digestion, growth, healing, reproduction and immune system function.
* Reptiles kept in an environment that is too cold may begin to regurgitate undigested food or will abstain from eating, eventually becoming ill and dying.
* If kept in humidity that is too high or too low, they may refuse to eat, have difficulties shedding, and may develop respiratory infections or skin lesions.
* Failure to duplicate appropriate photoperiods and temperature in captivity may result in compromising the reproductive cycles and reproduction could become sporadic or stop alltogether.
Most lizard species, such as iguanas, derive external heat from basking in the sun, not from laying on rocks heated by the sun. Exposure to temperatures above the POTZ can result in localised burns, systemic effects and death. The most popular heat source, the hot rock, is therefore INAPPROPRIATE for many species and may be dangerous.
Most lizard species, such as iguanas, derive external heat from basking in the sun, not from laying on rocks heated by the sun. Exposure to temperatures above the POTZ can result in localised burns, systemic effects and death. The most popular heat source, the hot rock, is therefore INAPPROPRIATE for many species and may be dangerous.