The fundamental role that reptiles play in our ecosystem is often under-valued, with reptiles such as snakes often being feared and killed, rather than being seen as beneficial environmental service providers.

As a part of the food chain, reptiles prevent overpopulation of insects and disease-carrying rodents, which is an essential part of any healthy ecosystem.

Many reptiles, such as monitor lizards are pretty lazy, and when confronted with a rotting carcass, will pick this ‘easy meal’ over hunting and striking down live prey. This clean-up service ensures that our environment stays clean and healthy.

On the other end of the spectrum, reptiles provide food for other hungry predators, especially when they are young. Young snakes and lizards often become food for birds of prey.

The Crocodile River Reserve is home to a rich diversity of lizards, snakes, tortoises, chameleons and turtles, who enjoy the sun and open grasslands.