Reptiles

Reptiles

Reptiles are cold-blooded (body temperature is not internally regulated and therefore is similar to that of the external temperature), usually egg-laying vertebrates having an external covering of scales or horny plates and breath by means of lungs.

Alabama is home to 93 native reptiles, including 12 lizards, 49 snakes 31 turtles and the alligator.  In addition, four exotic lizard species have established populations in south Alabama.  Three native species, the eastern indigo snake, the southern hognose snake and the mimic glass lizard have not been observed in many years and may be extirpated from Alabama.

References Cited:

Mirarchi. Ralph E., ed. 2004. Alabama Wildlife, Volume One.  A Checklist of Vertebrates and Selected Invertebrates: Aquatic Mollusks, Fishes, Amphibians, Reptiles, Birds and Mammals.  The University of Alabama Press, Tuscaloosa, AL. 209 pp.