Cyclura cornuta

A very large custom-built terrestrial enclosure, a dedicated heated room, or a large secured outdoor enclosure in a warm climate. Commercial terrariums are unsuitable for an adult.

Minimum dimensions for ONE adult; aim for larger and enriched (solid platforms, large branches, hides, large stone slabs for thermoregulation and claw wear, loose substrate for digging). A very robust structure: the animal is powerful and a burrower. PROTECTED SPECIES: listed on CITES Appendix I (Annex A in the EU), classified as Endangered by the IUCN; keeping, sale and transport strictly regulated, CITES/EU documents mandatory. Acquire only captive-bred and documented animals; wild capture is prohibited and to be avoided.

A rather dry to moderate atmosphere reflecting the dry scrubland of Hispaniola. Provide a more humid spot (humid hide, occasional spraying) to aid shedding and hydration; avoid stagnant humidity and poorly ventilated confinement.

Favour a loose substrate that allows digging (especially for a gravid female that needs to lay) while limiting ingestion: avoid loose fine sand or small particles to reduce the risk of obstruction (impaction). Provide stone areas for natural claw wear.

UVB essential and of high intensity (a very heliophilic species): a T5 HO 10-12% tube or equivalent, with a UV index (UVI) of about 4 to 6 at the basking spot, replaced according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Ideally, exposure to unfiltered natural sunlight in an outdoor enclosure in warm weather.

Clean water available at all times in a large, stable container (the animal may bathe and defecate in it: frequent cleaning). Good hydration is essential to kidney function.

Endemic to the island of Hispaniola (Haiti and the Dominican Republic), Caribbean. It occupies arid, rocky areas, dry scrubland and coastal dry forests.

Herbivore (opportunistic omnivore) — Occasional insects/invertebrates, rarely small crabs in the wild; not essential in captivity.

A predominantly plant-based diet: calcium-rich leafy greens (dandelion, endive, watercress, turnip greens, hibiscus), varied vegetables, prickly pear/cactus, fruit in small amounts. Strongly limit animal protein in the adult (risk of gout and kidney damage). Calcium/D3 supplementation adjusted to UVB exposure.

Clutch 5–20 eggs/young. Annual clutch after mating in spring; the female digs a nesting burrow (provide a deep, loose substrate). Artificial incubation of about 75 to 90 days at around 30-31 °C. Breeding should be left to experienced keepers, all the more so as the species is protected (CITES I).

• Metabolic bone disease (MBD) from calcium/D3 deficiency or insufficient UVB
• Gout and kidney failure (excess animal protein, dehydration)
• Obesity (overfeeding, overly rich fruit, insufficient space)
• Thermal burns (unguarded lamps/spot lamps)
• Dystocia (egg retention) in the female without an adequate nesting site