Autotomy or self-amputation is the behaviour whereby an animal sheds or discards one or more of its own appendages, usually as a self-defense mechanism. In many species the detached tail will continue to wriggle distracting the predator's attention from the fleeing prey animal. Depending upon the species, the animal may be able to partially regenerate its tail, typically over a period of weeks or months. Though functional, the new tail section often is shorter and will contain cartilage rather than regenerated vertebrae of bone, and in colour and texture the skin of the regenerated organ generally differs distinctly from its original appearance.

The technical term for this ability to drop the tail is caudal autotomy. In most lizards that sacrifice the tail in this manner, breakage occurs only when the tail is grasped with sufficient force, but some animals, such as some species of geckos, can perform true autotomy, throwing off the tail when sufficiently stressed.

Caudal autotomy in lizards takes two forms. In the first form, called intervertebral autotomy, the tail breaks between the vertebrae. The second form is intravertebral autotomy, in which there are zones of weakness, fracture planes across each vertebra in the mid-part of the tail. In this type of autotomy the lizard contracts a muscle to fracture a vertebra, rather than break the tail between two vertebrae. Sphincter muscles in the tail then contract around the caudal artery to minimize bleeding. Caudal autotomy is prevalent among lizards; it has been recorded in 13 of approximately 20 families. Despite this mechanism’s effectiveness, it is also very costly and is employed only after other defenses have failed. Since the tail plays a significant role in locomotion and energy storage of fat deposits, it is too valuable to be dropped easily. Many species have evolved specific behaviors after autotomy, such as decreased activity, in order to compensate for negative consequences such as depleted energy resources. Some such lizards, in which the tail is a major storage organ for accumulating reserves, will return to a dropped tail after the threat has passed, and will eat it to recover part of the sacrificed supplies.

What is the approved status?

The approved status is a tag on your profile indicating you are a reputable source of good care information for a specific species. It is reserved for those who are extremely knowledgeable and have top notch care.

Approved members are just that — staff approved for their amazing care and knowledge.

How do I apply?

To apply, message a staff member that is approved in the species you are seeking approval for. If there isn’t any staff with the species you want to pursue, message any leader and we will interview you.

(List of staff and their specialties)

What are the requirements?

- Must be level 10 or higher

- Must have a good reputation in the community

- Must have had the species for at least 6 months

- Must have a staff approved care guide (check out the Reptile Research section for examples)

Note: These care guides are reviewed by staff for correct info, they do not necessarily have to be added to our Reptile Research section. When it comes to species such as leopard geckos, we already have enough care guides and won’t approve them. As long as your info is correct in your care guide, you’ll be able to apply, so just make a care guide in the same format as the ones in our wiki and send it our way!

- Must be active (send screenshots of your activity)

- Must be polite, professional, and able to remain calm in stressful situations

- Must be willing to help new keepers with questions about the species you are approved for

(Note: Staff can at any time decide to revoke your approved status for issues regarding care, behavior, etc! You must continue to meet these requirements to keep your approved status).

Application questions

(Send answers to staff to begin the application process!)

1. What species do you wanted to be approved for?

2. How long have you kept this species?

3. What are your thoughts on cohabitation?

4. What are your thoughts on enrichment?

5. Describe the basic care of the species you are applying for (temps, humidity, enclosure size, diet, etc).

6. Send pictures of your activity and enclosures.

After you send the answers to a staff member, we will review it with the rest of staff and come to a decision. If you pass, you will move on to the interview portion of the process.

What can I expect during the interview portion?

The interview portion is an interview done by a staff member to further test your knowledge and ability. The questions can range from general care to situations you may face as an approved member. Do your best!

After this stage, staff will once again discuss and come to a decision. And if you do well, you will be approved!

Anything else I should know?

If you want a general approved tag such as ‘Gecko Approved’ or ‘Snake Approved’ you will need to have experience with 3 or more species of that specific kind of reptile.

So, for example, if you were applying for ‘Gecko Approved’ you would need 3 different gecko species in order to qualify.

Otherwise, you will receive a species-specific approved tag based on what you are applying for (ie ‘Leopard Gecko Approved, ‘Ball Python Approved’).

Staff is very picky about who gets an approved tag as they are the face of our community and represent us! We look for the best care, attitude, and information from our applicants.

Thank you and good luck to anyone who applies!