The most dangerous turtles and lizards on the planet. Unusual poisonous animals

The iguana has become quite a popular pet in last years, and this giant, prehistoric reptile is now acting as an alternative to the dog. Although the iguana is a herbivore, it can be unpredictable and has razor-sharp teeth. In a number of cases, severe injuries were sustained when the “tame” but powerful iguanas became agitated and rushed into the owners’ faces or tore their hands with their teeth and claws. An iguana can weigh up to 18 kg and reach 2 meters in length, making an attack by this giant lizard an event not to be joked about.

2. Leathery sea ​​turtle

The leatherback sea turtle is the largest of all turtles, sometimes reaching 2.5 meters in length. These 900-pound omnivorous creatures are perhaps the most widespread vertebrates on Earth, but they are becoming rare and endangered due to development, pollution and overfishing. Turtles are usually quite gentle giants, but if disturbed they can break bones with a crushing bite and can be very strong and powerful. In one strange case, a huge leatherback weighing more than 680 kg, showed aggression towards the small boat and sank it. The turtle barely escaped being chased by sharks, so it perceived the boat as a threat.

3. Mata Mata Turtle

The South American Amazon is famous for its incredible and sometimes disturbing creatures. Unearthly Mata Mata turtles share the river with piranhas and river dolphins. The fate of the man who stepped on the Mata Mata is unknown, but the strange river reptile has an elongated, snake-like neck with a strange mouth filled with two sharp plates that resemble fused human teeth. These unusually creepy carnivores prey on waterbirds, fish and other reptiles. We can only imagine what they will do to a boatman who approaches the water...

4. Big-headed turtle

Big Headed Turtle Presents strange looking with a long, snake-like tail almost as long as her body. This turtle lives in South-East Asia, where she hunts for various prey in the rivers. Big head cannot be pulled into the shell and is equipped with very powerful jaws. The turtle won't hesitate to use its crushing bone beak if it perceives a threat, so it's best to keep your distance. They are able to climb trees, where they perch as if on a perch. Unfortunately this amazing creature is under threat due to poaching, which must be combated with increased diligence.

5. Softshell turtles

Looking like flattened human-reptile hybrids from a horror movie, soft-shelled turtles make up for what they lack in their shells. strong bite. Among the many species of soft-shelled turtles around the world, Cantor's Giant Soft-shelled turtles, common in China, are the most feared. They hide in the sand, waiting for prey before striking it with their sharp teeth. The sheer size and force of the bite can cause horrific injuries. However, this species is unfortunately currently endangered, but more mass species soft-shelled turtles, such as Florida soft-shell turtles, can attack an unwary fisherman.

6. Nile monitor

The Nile monitor shares the Nile and others African rivers with crocodiles and reaches 3 meters in length. This fearsome lizard often preys on young crocodiles, in addition to its diet of mammals and birds, and has extremely powerful poisonous bite. When threatened by humans or other potential enemies, Nile monitors can seize in a vice-like grip with a crushing grip and then reluctantly release their prey. Giant reptiles are sold as pets, but owners should be careful due to reports of serious injuries and the fact that these lizards can "break a cat's neck in an instant and then swallow it whole." Children should stay out of the reach of these lizards, as the possibility of an attack is not excluded with these predators.

7. Venomtooth

The Venomtooth is the largest lizard in North America, it reaches more than 0.6 meters in length and is the only poisonous lizard. Venomtooths are endangered and protected by law, but people who interfere with them can also face death. If disturbed, the Venomtooth can grab the legs or arms of an enemy, where it sinks its teeth, quickly releasing a dose of extremely potent neurotoxic venom. Several deaths occurred before awareness of the dangers and development of a known treatment. Having no fangs, the venomtooth uses great force to slowly chew through a human hand, leaving behind venom-laced flesh. Submerging a monster in water can cause it to release its prey.

8. Malayan water monitor

The Malayan water monitor is the second heaviest lizard in the world and lurks in deep rivers and swamps of Southeast Asia. The lizard has curved teeth and is known to feed on... corpses. If a living human falls into water where several monitor lizards are feeding, it is very likely that the reptile's hunting instinct will be activated by the human's vulnerability, provoking an attack. Aquatic monitor lizards are able to feed on a wide variety of animals, having little trouble only with large prey. They reach a weight of about 70 kg, and their length can be up to 3 meters.

9. Vulture turtle

The snapping turtle is the largest freshwater turtle in the world, and by far the most dangerous. The strange-looking reptile, weighing over 90kg, has a spine-covered, dinosaur-like shell and a massive beak that can quickly bite off any part of the body and is capable of tearing apart a broom handle at lightning speed. A swimmer who accidentally steps nearby can easily lose part of his leg. Although no deaths have been confirmed, drownings may have gone unnoticed. The hypothetical report of 180 kg turtles is supported by the continued growth of individuals of this species throughout their lifespan, which can reach 200 years.

10. Komodo Dragon

The Komodo dragon is found in the woodlands, beaches and plateaus of Indonesia, posing a threat to almost every living thing, as prehistoric predator. Animals weighing 136 kg and 3 meters long are largest lizards on Earth, forming a microcosm of the prehistoric reptile world where they rule. Komodos feed on prey as large as buffalo and will also attack and eat humans. Komodos knock down such large prey, and then brutally attack and tear off big pieces flesh. Toxic saliva and bacteria weaken the animal, which does not die immediately. Scientists have suggested Komodo evolved to feed on the island's now-extinct pygmy elephants.

The red-eared slider is one of the most popular species aquarium turtles, which can be kept in aquariums and paludariums at home. Thanks to bright color and easy care, they are very popular among amphibian lovers. The name of the turtle comes from the red spots that are found behind its eyes.

These turtles grow very quickly. Over the course of 5 years, the red-eared turtle's shell increases to 30 centimeters in diameter. The small turtle initially has a greenish tint, and as it ages, its shell becomes olive or brown in color with streaks running across it. yellow stripes. With proper care, turtles can live more than 30 years. Beginning turtle owners very often make a large number of errors, which ultimately leads to the rapid death of their pets. To avoid this, you should read in detail general rules keeping the red-eared turtle.

Setting up a turtle shelter.

Red-eared turtles are kept in aquariums or turtle houses.

If there are several inhabitants in the aquarium, they need to be provided with space to avoid crowding. For one small pet, almost any aquarium is suitable, even one populated with fish. Red-eared turtles love space, so the volume of the artificial reservoir should be at least 200 liters. To ensure its comfort, it is necessary to build a small island in the aquarium, onto which the turtle can climb quite easily and without obstacles.

For adult turtles, an aquarium is usually made to order.

The surface of the island should be warmed up, as they love warmth. To do this, you need to fix a lamp over the island and warm it up from 28 °C to 30 °C. The water temperature is between 20°C and 26°C and should not be less than 20°C. It is also necessary to monitor the purity of the water. The water in the aquarium should be changed at least once a week, as it becomes dirty, unless a filter is used. To change the water less often, it is recommended to install a filter to clean it, especially in large aquariums.

For normal development and growth of a turtle, ultraviolet light is also necessary. A low-power ultraviolet lamp is installed at a distance of about half a meter above the aquarium or turtle cage.

Don't turn it on right away for a long time. You need to accustom your turtle to ultraviolet rays gradually, turning on the lamp for 5 minutes 1 - 2 times a week, subsequently increasing the time to 30 minutes.

To prevent the turtle from escaping from the aquarium, it must be covered with a lid.

We recommend the following heaters and filters for liter sized aquariums. You can take the simplest heater, a filter - a head with a washcloth. Turtles are quite dirty animals. Because to keep the water clean, you need fairly powerful filtration. And on the other hand, the turtle is an amphibian animal. Therefore, the requirements for filtration are not so critical.

A turtle can live in a complete swamp, and therefore the filter is more likely for people, so that there is no smell and the water is clean.
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Diet of red-eared turtles

The diet of the red-eared slider is quite varied.

It feeds on both animals and plant foods y. Only small and young turtles should be fed daily. Also, do not forget about plant foods and aquatic plants. For her good nutrition products such as shrimp, worms, tadpoles, and freshwater snails are needed. The turtle should consume them regularly; they form the basis of a proper diet.

The amount of food should not exceed the needs of the turtle so that it can eat it within 30 minutes. After two years they need to be fed 2-3 times a week, this will be enough.

Mistakes in caring for red-eared turtles

Under what conditions should a red-eared turtle not be kept?

• Do not place the turtle in cold water
• Do not provide her with an island in the aquarium; without it, the turtle may drown
• Do not wash the aquarium with detergents
• Do not allow the turtle to overheat; for this, it must have constant access to water.

Treatment of diseases

A turtle's comfortable life in an aquarium does not mean that they cannot get sick.

The most common disease is ringworm, so you need to carefully monitor your turtle’s hygiene. You should also pay attention to the turtle's appetite, its appearance and for activity. At the first appearance of symptoms of the disease, the main one of which is the deformation of its shell, you should immediately pay attention to the pet’s living conditions, but it is best to seek help from a veterinarian.

Pet turtles are unhealthy

Did you know that keeping a pet turtle can cause a dangerous disease? Many consider the small, clumsy turtle to be a cute toy and can spend hours admiring the pet or giving it to children.

But as it turned out, a person’s communication with pet turtle may have Negative consequences for good health.

Scientists who investigated the sources of salmonellosis came to the disappointing conclusion that the main cause of the disease in children was pet turtles. As it turned out, turtles are carriers of an acute intestinal infection that enters the human stomach after contact with a turtle. Salmonellosis often leads to long and severe illness and even death.

Children are especially at risk of infection because they often forget to wash their hands after playing with their beloved pet, and sometimes kiss or lick a turtle.

Scientists recommend excluding children from contact with pet turtles or limiting them with mandatory adult supervision and the use of gloves. In addition, you must comply with all requirements for keeping pet turtles, which must live in a special aquarium.

Proper care and maintenance of pet turtles

Turtles by their nature are not domestic animals suited to living with humans.

To eliminate the possibility of human infection and ensure proper care You need to know and follow a few simple rules when looking after your pet.

The first rule is to ensure appropriate living conditions pet. Land turtles must live in a special container; an ordinary dry aquarium will do. The diet of this species should include a variety of vegetables and fruits; lettuce, dandelions or clover can be used for feeding. Sometimes you should give low-fat dairy foods and boiled meat.

The older the pet gets, the more attention should be paid to plant foods, and feeding can be done every other day.

Caring for aquatic turtles is somewhat more complicated, as it requires maintaining cleanliness, temperature and oxygen balance in its reservoir.

The terrarium must be regularly cleaned from contamination, and it is better to feed the turtle by hand or in a specially equipped place. For feeding, special kits sold in pet stores are recommended.

An important aspect that owners often forget about is the presence of ultraviolet light, which turtles simply need.

Interesting articles

Strebkova V.N.,
veterinary clinic “Center”, Moscow

XIII ALL-RUSSIAN VETERINARY CONGRESS

The ability to preserve and efficiently collect reptile blood samples is vital important aspect herpetological medicine. Blood from land and aquatic turtles can be taken from the jugular vein, brachial and femoral veins, ventral and dorsal coccygeal veins, occipital venous sinus and heart.

The choice of method in each specific case often depends on the type of turtle (size, biological characteristics, etc.). Sample volume varies depending on the number of clinical studies, but the maximum volume for a single blood draw is 0.6% of body weight (6 ml per kg).

Less humane methods, such as cutting off claws, are, firstly, not ethical, and secondly, they are not suitable for all types of research. For example, such blood is not suitable for biochemical research because it may be contaminated.

Often, when taking blood, there may be concomitant factors that complicate the procedure.

For example, venipuncture of the coccygeal veins is often complicated by the needle getting into nearby lymphatic ducts and blood contamination with lymphatic fluid.

When drawing blood from the jugular vein, it is necessary to fully straighten the turtle's neck, which can be difficult in some species of turtles that are capable of closing their shells, such as box turtles. A blood sample from a peripheral vein may be of very small volume.

The diversity of turtles makes it difficult to use one method in all cases. Therefore, knowledge of the different blood collection techniques will help the clinician choose best method based on the morphology of that particular species.

ANATOMY

Occipital venous sinus - located directly behind the nuchal crest, along the midline.
2. The brachial vein runs parallel to the ventral or dorsal triceps tendon.
3.

The ventral caudal vein runs along the midline of the tail on the ventral side
4. The dorsal spinal vein runs along the midline on the dorsal side of the tail.
5. The jugular vein is located in the lateral or dorsolateral region of the neck, caudal to the tympanic membrane.
6. The femoral vein runs directly along the ventral midline of the proximal thigh.
7. Cardiocentesis - the ventricle of the heart is usually located between the ventral midline and the caudal edge of the pectoral scutes.

EQUIPMENT

Depending on the size of the turtle, needles 22-27 G 18-50 mm are used.

The size of the syringe also varies, but 1-10 ml syringes are commonly used. Soft butterfly catheters can also be used even for animals that are not fully restrained. An anticoagulant tube prevents blood from clotting during prolonged aspiration to obtain a sufficient sample volume.

TECHNIQUE

Puncture of the occipital venous sinus. The animal's body must be well fixed by an assistant or with the help of mechanical devices, usually in thoracic position. The neck must be fully extended. Usually the turtle's head is pulled out and bent slightly over the edge of the table to expose the back of the head.

Anesthesia can be used as an adjuvant, since reliable fixation in this case it is absolutely necessary. Next, the nuchal crest is palpated and the needle is inserted at an angle of 30°.

2. Puncture of the brachial vein. The patient should be positioned in the thoracic position and the front leg should be extended as far as possible to access the elbow crease.

For large turtles that do not allow maximum extension of the limb without general anesthesia, a light anesthetic dose is sufficient. Alternatively, you can also use a turtle stand. Typically, turtles, while suspended, extend all four limbs, opening access to the brachial veins. The brachial vein is located dorsal or ventral to the triceps ligament, which may be visible at the flexion.

Puncture of the ventral tail vein. The animal is placed on its back or can be held upright to allow blood to flow to the tail. The needle is inserted distal to the cloaca. The needle rests on the coccygeal vertebra on the ventral side and you can carefully begin to look for the vein, moving the needle slightly to the side.

The vein is usually located immediately ventral to the vertebra.

4. Puncture of the dorsal tail vein. The animal is in a supine position, the angle of needle insertion is 30º. The dorsal midline is often the most accurate location for venipuncture in land turtles, but in aquatic animals a slight lateral displacement from it may be more suitable. The needle is inserted all the way into the vertebra, over which the vein passes, and the vessel is found by aspiration.

Jugular vein puncture. The location of the jugular vein is slightly different from that of mammals. Unlike most mammals, the jugular vein is not usually located in the ventral venous groove. In turtles it usually runs along the lateral side of the neck, slightly dorsal to the midline. It may be visible in well-fed, non-dehydrated animals with light skin. To visualize the vein, clamp it more proximally and turn the turtle's head away.

Secure restraint of the animal is absolutely necessary when using this method for most species so that the neck can be fully extended and flexed. Blood samples from the jugular vein may be significantly contaminated with lymph.

6. Puncture of the femoral veins. The animal is in a supine position. It is necessary to straighten the pelvic limb; in most species this allows access to the base of the femur from the medial side.

The femur is palpated on the ventromedial side of the limb and the vein is located almost directly above the bone next to the plastron. It is usually not visible and is often difficult to detect in most species.

7. Cardiocentesis - used to take blood from small animals. Because this procedure is the most invasive, this technique should not be used in routine practice.

It is most often used to euthanize severely injured and dehydrated animals. Occasionally it can be used for species where other access may be limited, e.g. box turtles(Terrapene carolina), in which the shell is a completely closed structure.

The position of the heart can change depending on the tension and displacement of the neck, so head bracing is also desirable.

The plastron is punctured with an 18-20 G needle directly above the heart. Rapid injection with little force is usually sufficient to penetrate the ventricle of the heart.
Before this, it is necessary to make a preliminary assessment of the position of the heart - it is located at the point of intersection of the ventral midline with the caudal edge of the pectoral scutes.

Bibliography
1.

Lloyd M., Chelonian Venipuncture Techniques, Bulletin of the Association of Reptilian and Amphibian Veterinarians, Vol. 9, No. 1, 1999;
1. Martinez-Silvestre A., Venipuncture Technique of the Occipital Venous Sinus in Freshwater Aquatic Turtles, Journal of Herpetological Medicine and Surgery, Vol.12, No.4, 2002;
2. Hernandez-Divers Sonia M., Hernandez-Divers Stephen J., Angiographic, Anatomic and Clinical Technique Descriptions of A Subcarapacial Venipuncture Site for Chelonians, Journal of Herpetological Medicine and Surgery, Vol.12, No.2, 2002

Summary
Strebkova V.N.: Techniques of blood collection from tortoises and turtles.

“Center” veterinary clinic
The aim of this article is to present different techniques of blood collection from tortoises and turtles. Significant diversity in morphology of different species precludes use of any single technique. Using this article clinicians can choose an adequate blood sampling method for the morphology of individual species.

Aquatic, and especially red-eared turtles, are today one of the most popular exotic animals that live in our apartments.

Let's take a quick look at the red-eared slider.

Name.
Best known to turtle lovers slender red-eared turtle(in Latin - Trachernys scripta elegans- see photo). Although in fact there are 15 subspecies of this reptile in the world.

The most popular of them, besides the already mentioned Trachemys scripta elegans, are Trachemys scripta scripta (yellow belly) and Trachemys scripta troosti (or Cumberland tortoise).

From the history:
The first mention in history of red-eared turtles is found in the books of the Spanish colonialists who captured Peru.

Region and habitat:
The homeland of red-eared turtles is Central America, mainly Mexico, as well as the southern states of the United States and northern South America.

But in recent years, thanks to its ability to withstand low ambient temperatures, it has acclimatized very well in Central and Southern Europe, Israel, Australia, Japan and Southeast Asia.

In the habitats of the red-eared turtle there are Cold winter and hot summer. When active, turtles spend most of their time basking in the sun or hovering near the surface of the water.

When overheated, when the temperature reaches a critical level of 40-43 ° C, animals hide in their shells or, conversely, stick their heads and limbs out of it. A further increase in temperature leads to the death of turtles.

When the temperature drops below 15 °C, turtles become lethargic and at temperatures below 10 °C they hibernate, burying themselves in the bottom silt. In sunny weather, turtles can climb out of the water to bask, and the temperature of the body heated by the sun can reach 28 ° C. After sunbathing, the animals fall asleep again.

Appearance:
A distinctive feature of turtles of this species is the presence of red “ear” spots located on the sides of the head.

Although sometimes these spots can be orange or even yellow.

The maximum length of the shell of such a turtle is 28 cm.

The colors and patterns of turtles are variable.

With age, the color changes, becoming more blurred. Old males often turn black.

Breeding in captivity:
Red-eared turtles are kept in aquariums where there is sufficient space for swimming.

However, since such turtles breathe air through their lungs, they also need to get out of the water to be able to dry off and rest, as well as get some air. Various stones, driftwood and floating plants that need to be installed in the aquarium are suitable for this.

The aquarium for the red-eared slider should be installed in a well-lit place, but long-term placement in direct sunlight should be avoided.

The temperature of the air surrounding the aquarium should be slightly higher than the water temperature. To do this, a low-power incandescent lamp is installed near the exit to land, usually above the aquarium. At night, this lamp must be turned off so that the air temperature drops slightly.

A water temperature of 25-28 degrees Celsius is considered comfortable for a turtle to live in. This one is best temperature regime provide using an aquarium heater with a thermostat (sold in pet stores). It is also necessary to observe the water purification regime. To do this, you should install a special aquarium filter. In addition, the water in the aquarium must be changed as it becomes dirty, but at least once every two weeks.

The water is getting polluted food waste, excrement, as well as due to the work of microalgae and plankton living in the water. Before changing the water in the aquarium, new water it is necessary to stand for 2-3 days, and only then pour it into the aquarium.

Before changing the water, the turtle should be transferred to a separate container.

In general, algae in the aquarium where the red-eared turtle lives is not an essential component.

Although they are desirable, since the turtle can eat algae and thus receive fresh vitamins and microelements. Algae is especially desirable for young turtles.

So, if you are seriously interested in turtles, you can read the following sections of my website:

All about aquatic turtles

All about land turtles

Tips for caring for your red-eared slider

My blog (i.e. diary)

My photos

And here you can write me a letter

Good luck to everyone in raising and keeping turtles.

The iguana has become quite a popular pet in recent years, with this giant, prehistoric reptile now serving as an alternative to dogs. Although the iguana is a herbivore, it can be unpredictable and has razor-sharp teeth. In a number of cases, severe injuries were sustained when the “tame” but powerful iguanas became agitated and rushed into the owners’ faces or tore their hands with their teeth and claws. An iguana can weigh up to 18 kg and reach 2 meters in length, making an attack by this giant lizard an event not to be joked about.

2. Leatherback sea turtle

The leatherback sea turtle is the largest of all turtles, sometimes reaching 2.5 meters in length. These 900-pound omnivorous creatures are perhaps the most widespread vertebrates on Earth, but they are becoming rare and endangered due to development, pollution and overfishing. Turtles are usually quite gentle giants, but if disturbed they can break bones with a crushing bite and can be very strong and powerful. In one strange case, a huge leatherback weighing more than 680 kg showed aggression towards a small boat and sank it. The turtle barely escaped being chased by sharks, so it perceived the boat as a threat.

3. Mata Mata Turtle

The South American Amazon is famous for its incredible and sometimes disturbing creatures. The unearthly Mata Mata turtles share the river with piranhas and river dolphins. The fate of the man who stepped on the Mata Mata is unknown, but the strange river reptile has an elongated, snake-like neck with a strange mouth filled with two sharp plates that resemble fused human teeth. These unusually creepy carnivores prey on waterbirds, fish and other reptiles. We can only imagine what they will do to a boatman who approaches the water...

4. Big-headed turtle

The big-headed turtle is a strange species with a long, snake-like tail almost as long as its body. This turtle is native to Southeast Asia, where it hunts a variety of prey in rivers. The large head cannot be retracted into the shell and is equipped with very powerful jaws. The turtle won't hesitate to use its crushing bone beak if it perceives a threat, so it's best to keep your distance. They are able to climb trees, where they perch as if on a perch. Unfortunately, this amazing creature is under threat due to poaching, which must be combated with increased diligence.

5. Softshell turtles

Looking like flattened human-reptile hybrids from a horror movie, soft-shelled turtles compensate for their shell deficiencies with a very strong bite. Among the many species of soft-shelled turtles around the world, Cantor's Giant Soft-shelled turtles, common in China, are the most feared. They hide in the sand, waiting for prey before striking it with their sharp teeth. The sheer size and force of the bite can cause horrific injuries. However, the species is unfortunately now endangered, but more abundant softshell species such as the Florida softshell turtle can attack the unwary fisherman.

6. Nile monitor

The Nile monitor shares the Nile and other African rivers with crocodiles and reaches 3 meters in length. This fearsome lizard often preys on young crocodiles, in addition to its diet of mammals and birds, and has an extremely powerful venomous bite. When threatened by humans or other potential enemies, Nile monitors can seize in a vice-like grip with a crushing grip and then reluctantly release their prey. The giant reptiles are sold as pets, but owners should be careful due to reports of serious injuries and the fact that these lizards can "break a cat's neck in an instant and then swallow it whole." Children should stay out of the reach of these lizards, as the possibility of an attack is not excluded with these predators.

7. Venomtooth

The goattooth is the largest lizard in North America, reaching over 0.6 meters in length and is the only venomous lizard. Venomtooths are endangered and protected by law, but people who interfere with them can also face death. If disturbed, the Venomtooth can grab the legs or arms of an enemy, where it sinks its teeth, quickly releasing a dose of extremely potent neurotoxic venom. Several deaths occurred before awareness of the dangers and development of a known treatment. Having no fangs, the venomtooth uses great force to slowly chew through a human hand, leaving behind venom-laced flesh. Submerging a monster in water can cause it to release its prey.

8. Malayan water monitor

The Malayan water monitor is the second heaviest lizard in the world and lurks in the deep rivers and swamps of Southeast Asia. The lizard has curved teeth and is known to feed on... corpses. If a living human falls into water where several monitor lizards are feeding, it is very likely that the reptile's hunting instinct will be activated by the human's vulnerability, provoking an attack. Aquatic monitor lizards are able to feed on a wide variety of animals, having little trouble only with large prey. They reach a weight of about 70 kg, and their length can be up to 3 meters.

9. Vulture turtle

The snapping turtle is the largest freshwater turtle in the world, and by far the most dangerous. The strange-looking reptile, weighing over 90kg, has a spine-covered, dinosaur-like shell and a massive beak that can quickly bite off any part of the body and is capable of tearing apart a broom handle at lightning speed. A swimmer who accidentally steps nearby can easily lose part of his leg. Although no deaths have been confirmed, drownings may have gone unnoticed. The hypothetical report of 180 kg turtles is supported by the continued growth of individuals of this species throughout their lifespan, which can reach 200 years.

10. Komodo Dragon

The Komodo dragon is found in the woodlands, beaches and plateaus of Indonesia, posing a threat to almost every living creature as a prehistoric predator. Weighing 136kg and measuring 3m long, the beasts are the largest lizards on Earth, forming a microcosm of the prehistoric reptiles of the world where they rule. Komodos feed on prey as large as buffalo and will also attack and eat humans. Komodos knock down such large prey and then savagely attack and tear off large chunks of flesh. Toxic saliva and bacteria weaken the animal, which does not die immediately. Scientists have suggested Komodo evolved to feed on the island's now-extinct pygmy elephants.

Unique in their own way. Those who are famous for their records are found among both humans and animals. Perhaps, reptiles or reptiles stand apart from animals and birds. And among them there are record holders.

The most dangerous reptiles

The most dangerous snake is called dovetail. It lives in the waters off the coast of Australia. Second place rightfully belongs. Yes, yes, it is precisely this that people often need as a pet. The iguana is petted, squeezed and shown all sorts of similar tenderness towards it, not suspecting that the nature of this reptile is unpredictable, and it can seriously damage the face of its owner with razor-sharp teeth and powerful claws.

And finally, third place on the podium takes leatherback turtle. Usually she behaves quite peacefully, but, sensing danger, she can easily break a human bone (even the largest - the femur) with one powerful bite. There are cases where leatherback turtles attacked fishing boats and, naturally, this did not end well for people.

The most ancient reptile

Surely many people know that during prehistoric eras, a variety of lizards lived on Earth - in particular, dinosaurs. But these giant reptiles have long been extinct, and scientists can only get at least some idea about these animals from their remains. But some reptiles from the prehistoric period have survived to this day.

It is considered the oldest. She belongs to the genus Beakheads (all other species became extinct during the Paleocene). Another common name for this reptile is hatteria. The oldest specimen is 111 years old and today lives in the southern part of the island New Zealand. This tuatara was named Henry.

The most large reptile in the world

If we take into account only the mass of the animal, then the undoubted primacy belongs to sea ​​leatherback turtle. She has already received a well-deserved medal in the “Most Dangerous” category, and this is not surprising. After all, the height of a sea leatherback turtle can reach 2.5 meters and weight – 900 kg. This reptile is omnivorous, but is also suitable for human consumption. Turtle soup is a favorite delicacy among most gourmets. Also highly valued strong shell this reptile. If not for all this, the leatherback sea turtle would now be one of the most common representatives of the animal kingdom on Earth. But dreams are dreams, and dry statistics say the opposite.

Due to hunting, the leatherback turtle is listed in the International Red Book as a rare and endangered species. Of the snakes, the leader in size is the South American anaconda (length - about 12 meters, weight - 227 kg). And the largest representative among crocodiles is the combed one. Its weight reaches 1500 kg, and its height is 7 meters (although previously there were specimens more than 10 m long). Saltwater crocodile also mentioned in the Red Book.

The most poisonous reptile

Many will immediately say that this is King Cobra . In fact, this snake is not even in the top three. The championship belongs to the swallowtail. The situation here is the same as with the leatherback turtle: it is dangerous because of its physiological characteristics, in this case its poison. The bite of a swallowtail is painless, a person will not even feel it, but then write letters to the next world(. The second and third places are occupied by tiger python And rattlesnake respectively.

And the last question: who deserves the title “ the smartest reptiles"? But there is no answer to it. Every animal has a certain level of intelligence, and reptiles are no exception. Tamed individuals, of course, perform more deliberate actions than wild ones, but they can also “break the bank.” It all depends on the person’s attitude towards them. If you tease even the most affectionate snake, it is possible that in a few moments it will attack you. So draw your own conclusions!

The aquatic reptiles most familiar to humans are not snakes or crocodiles, but turtles. Some of the turtles found in North American ponds, lakes and rivers are notorious. This is primarily a snapping turtle ( Chelydra serpentina) and the giant vulture turtle ( Macroclemys temmincki). The giant snapping turtle is the largest of the freshwater turtles, which is found from Florida to the southern regions of the Midwest of the United States, usually weighing about 45 kilograms, but specimens twice as large can be found; she has a very large head and curved, scary-looking jaws. This turtle has growths on its shell that make it look like a saw with large teeth. In a word, it seems to be created in order to scare small children with it. However, for all its terrifying appearance - and despite the fact that it is capable of snatching a hefty portion from a piece of meat with its jaws - the vulture turtle is not distinguished by a pugnacious disposition and does not hunt large animals. She prefers to spend her time lying at the bottom of the reservoir and waiting for unwary fish. Thanks to the uneven, jagged surface of the shell, the turtle in the water resembles a fragment of a rock or some piece of debris that has fallen into the water. When hunting fish, it uses a bait that is unlike any other invention of bipedal fishermen: in its mouth on the lower jaw there is a pink tongue that not only resembles a worm in shape, but is even capable of imitating its movements. Noticing this tongue, the fish goes for prey - and falls straight into the turtle's mouth. Freed from the need to look for prey and pursue it, the turtle calmly lies on the bottom, playing with its tongue and waiting for someone for lunch - or rather, for lunch.

The snapping turtle behaves very differently. She constantly swims in search of ducklings, fish, frogs - any available prey. However, the majority of the snapping turtle's diet is carrion: this turtle helps maintain cleanliness and biological balance in the bodies of water in which it lives. It is found within a vast region - from Canada to South America - and feels equally good in fresh water, and in brackish estuaries and estuaries. The snapping turtle is not as large as the vulture turtle, and yet its weight sometimes reaches 22 kilograms, and yet even a specimen half that size is a rather large animal. The largest snapping turtle I have ever seen weighed over 13 kilograms.

Is the snapping turtle dangerous? Not very much - especially in the water, where she usually runs away as soon as she smells a person. However, on the shore, when the turtle cannot escape, it sometimes bites and hisses angrily. I have dealt with snapping turtles of all sizes - from hatchlings no more than 5 centimeters long to adult turtles that would not fit into a barrel - and only a few times they tried to bite me. The ferocity of the snapping turtle is greatly exaggerated, as is the strength of its jaws. It is unlikely that even an adult turtle is capable - as rumor ascribes to it - of biting off a person’s finger, much less (I’ve heard this before) of biting a broom handle in half. Many reptiles that live in water pose an undoubted danger to humans, but the snapping turtle is not one of them.