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Reptiles are one of the fastest growing markets in the exotic pet trade. Ever year at least a million baby green iguanas are imported into the U.S. from Central and South America . Unfortunately, approximately 2/3 of these adorable little green iguanas die within their first year of life.

In addition, as green iguanas become popular with hobbyists and breeders, more and more domestically bred iguanas are flooding the market compounding the problem.

Unfortunately, this increased popularity has made reptiles, such as the green iguana, one of the most popular “throw away” pets in the United States .

They are called “throw away" pets since they are often either bought on an impulse or given away as prizes at carnivals and other types of fairs. Their new owners know little or nothing about their care and the immense commitment of time and money it takes to properly raise their new baby green iguana. Subsequently, the baby iguana dies or their owners soon seek to give them away, turn them in to a reptile-rescue or let them go in the wild believing they can survive there. If you would like more information on releasing captive reptiles read Melissa Kaplan's article Releasing Captive Reptiles and Amphibians.

This issue of the Reptile-Treasures.com Newsletter will explore various issues related to this phenomenon, as well as suggest alternatives to the green iguana as a pet.

The first two featured articles, Carnival Igs by Cindy Hiddeman and Carnival Igs and How You can Help by Linda Pickens discuss the growing popularity of baby iguanas as prizes for carnivals and gives suggestions on how YOU can help.

Oh Mr. Iguana What Big Teeth You Have! by James Kramer discusses one of the reasons you should think twice about owning an iguana. He explores the different types and reasons for iguana bites. Ten Reasons NOT to Buy an Iguana highlights the top ten reasons why an iguana is a difficult reptile to keep as a pet.

Reptiles are not just popular with adults. Children are more and more becoming aware of reptiles as pets. However, not all reptiles make good pets for children. Tracy Jennings-Bouye discusses how to go about choosing a pet reptile suitable for a child in her article, So, Your Child Wants a Reptile.

Iguana's are most definitely not a proper pet for children (or for most adults). However, the bearded dragon makes an excellent pet for children and first time lizard owners. It usually only grows to about two feet in length, can live in a 150 gallon aquarium its entire life and is sturdy enough to be handled by a child under supervision.

The Bearded Dragon as Ambassador by Pam Tengredi tells the tale of how a bearded dragon managed to capture one woman's heart. Kathryn W. Tosney in her article, Taming a Bearded Dragon, Part I: The Skittish Baby, gives a detailed account on how to go about making your bearded dragon sociable and loveable.

Be sure to check out out columns.

There, you will find out how to win a Canon Printer, about the adventures of Iggum the Ig, announcements about reptile happenings, and so much more!

Be sure to read What's Coming in the Next Issue to find out what the next newsletter will be about and how you can help contribute to its success.

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