12/03/2025
Gift:
Noun–
1. a notable capacity, talent, or endowment
2. something voluntarily transferred by one person to another without compensation
3. the act, right, or power of giving
–per Merriam-Webster
If you said to a friend “I got you a present; it’s a reptile!” their reaction may not be one of
gratitude or appreciation. It may be a shriek or a look of horror, and perhaps even a step back.
But in this season of traditional gift giving, it seems a perfect time to reflect on what gifts reptiles
provide to the earth–symbolically, ecologically, and personally.
Culturally, humans have an extensive symbolic and religious history with reptiles and reptile-like
creatures, often painting them in a more negative light. This would make the aforementioned
reaction understandable as part of the human collective experience. One of the most famous
representations of symbolic reptiles is that of the snake tempting Eve in the Garden of Eden
from the Christian Bible. This faith also lauds Patrick for driving the snakes out of Ireland every
March 17th. Medusa, with her Gorgon head of serpents, turns men to stone at a glance in
Greek mythology, and ancient Chinese myth tells of Bai Suzhen, a female white snake demon.
The naga are shown as protective figures in Buddhism, and the Norse ouroboros, a snake
encircling the globe and eating its own tail, symbolizes eternity (history.com). This wealth of
stories speaks to early man’s perception of reptiles, and how they have long acted as a source
of inspiration.
In an environmental sense, reptiles are regularly a vital and overlooked source of pest control.
Snakes typically feed on smaller animals, keeping mouse, rat, or other small rodent populations
at bay. Contrastingly, some geckos and skinks act as pollinators, increasing necessary plant life
in specific areas (fs.usda.gov). Not only are these creatures integral components of the food
chain, some alter the environment for the benefit of other animals. Select monitor lizards in
Australia build deep warrens for their eggs, and the excavated paths provide shelter and nesting
spots for other animals. Additionally, alligators in North America build holes for mating and
staying cool in hot weather, which then create watering spots for birds during dry seasons
(eas.org). Finally, some smaller frog and lizard species act as environmental indicators, aiding
naturalists in evaluating the health of a specific habitat.
Now, as a group of h**petological aficionados, the gifts these species bring are likely personal
to each individual. One member might say it is for the education reptiles provide, while another
focuses on the community h**petology forsters. Another could say studying captive animals
gives us more understanding of their role in the wild, while someone else may appreciate the
variety and beauty reptiles bring to their specific habitats. But now, let’s hear from you, our
members. Go to our page at https://www.facebook.com/cincyh**ps and let everyone
know…. What is the biggest gift reptiles have given to you?
Ssssseason’s Tidings and Hoppy Holidays to you all!
Join GCHS and help support our educational and rescue efforts! For more information and to purchase a membership, visit: http://www.cincyh**ps.com/join.php
