Any animal belonging to the class “Reptilia” is known as reptile. They are cold blooded vertebrates and have their skin covered with scales rather than feathers or fur. For example; snakes, lizards, crocodiles etc. They are generally classified into four different categories i.e. Crocodilia which include crocodiles, alligators etc; Sphenodontia which include tuatara; Squamata which include lizards, snakes etc; and Testudines which include turtles, tortoises etc.

Most of the reptiles reproduce by lying eggs however some reptiles have been found to give live birth. Different species of reptiles live in different environments, some are found in normal inhabited environments while others live in dense forests however most reptiles are found in dense forests and jungles. There are more than 8000 species of Reptiles.

Some people adore reptiles while others find them to be terrifying and dangerous. Some even go to the extent of keeping reptiles such as snakes and lizards as pets. Most reptiles are very dangerous and contain poisonous venoms in their bodies, generally in their mouths which they use for protection. For the same reason many wild reptiles who have not been treated to remove their poison are very dangerous for mankind.

Where there is a dark side to reptiles, there is also a positive side to them. Like all other creatures of nature they are helpful in maintaining a balance in the environment to support life for humans. Reptiles generally eat insects and small animals which checks the population of insects and these small animals. Also the venoms of different snakes can also be used to create different medicines.

According to a research the venom can be used to create anaesthetic medicines because their venom has a paralyzing effect which can cause the pain cells in an area to stop sending pain signals to the brain thus stopping the sensation of pain. Most snakes and lizards are very dangerous and their venom is deadly; however with the development in science and medicine, man has developed antidotes for these venoms.

Some reptiles such as turtles and tortoises are harmless in this regard. They are also kept as pets by many people because they are not harmful to humanity. Never the less some lizards are also kept as pets for the same reason. Crocodiles on the other side have no tameable side to them. They cannot be kept as pets in most cases unless on has a huge facility to keep it in a controlled environment. That is why they are mostly found in zoos other than their natural habitat.