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All in Herpetology
The Common Lizard (Zootoca (formerly Lacerta) Vivapara) is one of the most adaptable and widespread reptiles in Central and Northern Europe. In fact, unlike any other species, it can be found as far north as the Arctic Circle in Norway. With reptiles being almost exclusively ectothermic, seeing a lizard thrive in mostly cold climates is truly amazing.
Nature is full of creatures with amazing ways to defend themselves. Aside from loss and contamination of natural habitat, predation is one of the greatest causes of death in amphibians. In fact, studies show that the vast majority of frogs and toads will not survive long enough to produce offspring.
Few creatures are so unusual looking as the Australian Thorny Lizard. In fact, its appearance is so unusual that it received a demonised name twice - it is more commonly known as the Thorny Devil and has the scientific name Moloch horridus. Talk about a bad rep...
As humans, we tend to anthropomorphise animals. An animal's level of 'cuteness' will often be directly linked to a standard we created for ourselves and are able to project onto other creatures. Frogs have never had an easy time in human history. Due to folklore and an old fantasy book - much like the snake - frogs are seen as evil creatures. However, some frogs find it harder to captivate humans than others. The Surinam Toad is one of them.
