Why do reptiles shed their skin? Kuya Kim explains

Ever wondered why reptiles shed their skin?

According to Kuya Kim on "24 Oras," Friday, reptiles shed their skin just like humans change clothes when they outgrow their covering.

Because their skin is not flexible, the animals must shed it as they grow in size. This process is called ecdysis.

"Naapektuhan rin 'yung kanilang normal na behavior. May mga reptiles na kailangan muna nilang magtago during the shedding process," said Dr. Arvin Diesmos, a herpetologist.

("Their normal behavior is also affected. Some reptiles need to hide during the shedding process.")

Recently, one woman's pet reptile went viral online when he was shedding his skin. An Argentine red tegu named Baby Luce, he would rub his body on the ground to shed his skin.

The red tegu (Salvator rufescens) is native to Bolivia, Argentina, and Paraguay. They can eat beehives, crocodile eggs, and sometimes even venomous snakes.

Diesmos said those who wish to keep a red tegu and other exotic animals as a pet must apply for a certificate of wildlife registration.

"Kailangan may prior knowledge kayo before kayo kumuha ng pet tegu dahil kapag hindi mo alam 'yung behavior niya may tendency talaga na makagat ka makalmot ka," said Nica Gutierrez, Baby Luce's owner.

("You need prior knowledge before you get a pet tegu because if you don't know their behavior, there's a tendency for you to get bitten or scratched.")

—MGP, GMA News