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[[Image:Green_iguana.jpg|300px|thumb|right|Green iguana (Iguana iguana)]]

[[Image:Green_iguana.jpg|300px|thumb|right|Green iguana (Iguana iguana)]]

[[Image:Lizard_taxa.JPG|350px|thumb|right]]

[[Image:Lizard_taxa.JPG|350px|thumb|right]]

With their growth in popularity as domestics pets, lizards are being presented to veterinary surgeons in increasing numbers. They are a diverse group of animals and can often pose problems for vets who have seldom, or perhaps never, handled them.  

With their growth in popularity as domestics pets, lizards are being presented to veterinary surgeons in increasing numbers. They are a diverse group of animals and can often pose problems for vets who have seldom, or perhaps never, handled them.  

Lizards can be found on all continents, except Antarctica, and on most tropical and subtropical oceanic islands. This widespread distribution suggests broad ecological, physiological, and behavioural adaptations to extreme climates, habitats and regions. Their highest species diversity appears to be in semiarid habitats.

Lizards can be found on all continents, except Antarctica, and on most tropical and subtropical oceanic islands. This widespread distribution suggests broad ecological, physiological, and behavioural adaptations to extreme climates, habitats and regions. Their highest species diversity appears to be in semiarid habitats.

There are 22 families of lizards, comprising approximately 3,800 species. About 20 species are commonly kept in captivity. The green iguana is the most popular. There are two poisonous species, the Gila monster and the Mexican beaded lizard; their venom is not usually deadly but they can inflict extremely painful bites due to powerful jaws. However, it is unlikely to see them often in practice.

There are 22 families of lizards, comprising approximately 3,800 species. About 20 species are commonly kept in captivity. The green iguana is the most popular. There are two poisonous species, the Gila monster and the Mexican beaded lizard; their venom is not usually deadly but they can inflict extremely painful bites due to powerful jaws. However, it is unlikely to see them often in practice.

Given the range of species, identification can be difficult. However, the most common lizards you are likely to see in practice can be viewed here.

Given the range of species, identification can be difficult. However, the most common lizards you are likely to see in practice can be viewed here.