Behaviour
Reptiles display a huge variation of behaviour which can be influenced by many factors. Changes in behaviour can occur in response to social situations (e.g. displaying signs of aggression or appeasment), time of day (e.g. increase or decrease in activity), heat availibility (e.g. extension of the dewlap and broad side posturing towards a heat source) and so on. Certain behaviours require fairly high temperatures (30-37°C/86-99°F - "activity temperatures") which include foraging and locomotion. In a study involving western garter snakes (Thamnophis elegans) it was found that activities such as swimming, digestion, tongue flicking, crawling and oxygen consumption were at 100% in temperatures of approximately 28-35°C (82-95°F) but most activities were reduced to a 60% activity level when temperatures dropped to approximately 20°C (68°F). A correct environment that is appropraite to the species is vital, not only for the health of the animal but for the facilitation of behaviour as well.
Types of behaviour include:
- Social Behaviour
- Aggressive and Defensive Behaviour
- Reproductive Behaviour
- Abnormal Behaviour
- Hibernation and Aestivation
- Activity Levels in Reptiles
- Social Behaviour
- Aggressive and Defensive Behaviour
- Reproductive Behaviour
- Abnormal Behaviour
- Hibernation and Aestivation
- Activity Levels in Reptiles
© 2014 Cat Read