WILDLIFE
Rainforest Reptiles
Reptiles are relatively abundant but tough to see as
they often hold perfectly still when aware of our presence,
or silently retreat into the leafy forest floor in
order to avoid a confrontation. They have relatively
dry scaly skin and waterproof eggs that enable them
to utilize many different habitats, and can take in
all the water they need from their food. Their slow
metabolism allows them to reduce water and food requirements.
Distribution and activity is limited because they are
'cold-blooded'; when they need to warm up, they bask
in the sun and to cool down they seek shade (useful
clues on when and where to look for them!). Around
Kapawi you will find land reptiles like snakes, lizards
and tortoises as well as aquatic reptiles like caimans
(a small cousin of the alligator) and river turtles.
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