Depends on your budget you can spend tons of not too much. If you have a strong interest in taking pictures and have that technical knack that is so common among herp keepers (do you love T-stats and stuff like that) I would look at a Dslr they run around the same price as a good Point and shoot for the entry but offer flexibility of lens options that sadly is where the cost is good lens options are not cheap and you keep wanting different options. If this is not your bag a good point and shoot is likely the way to go.

All purchases you can make a list of things that matter to what you shoot (macro long zoom or maybe wide angle I can't tell you it is a personal list) and then go to a store with lots of gear (camera store usually) and compare your list against the offerings see how the feel are they too big too small too heavy do the menus make sense, this will narrow the options then research price and see if there is something you missed then decide on purchasing. There is no camera that is 'right' for everyone.