Gerrhosaurus major

Horizontal terrestrial terrarium, sturdy and secure

Indicative minimum for a single adult; larger is always better (150 x 60 cm appreciated). A powerful burrowing species: provide a deep substrate (15-20 cm minimum) and solid hides. Firmly secure the décor, as the animal digs and moves objects around. Avoid housing several males together.

An overall dry savanna ambience, but provide a humid hide (moss/sphagnum) that facilitates shedding and rest. Background humidity that is too high and permanent promotes respiratory infections.

Loose substrate deep enough (15-20 cm) to allow natural burrowing behaviour. It must hold tunnels without collapsing. Avoid substrates that are too coarse or non-digestible (large gravel, pure sand) which increase the risk of impaction.

Essential. A diurnal, heliophilic species: install a good-quality UVB tube (T5 5-6 % / Ferguson zone 3, UVI ~3-4 at the basking spot), replaced every 6-12 months depending on the model. The absence of UVB causes metabolic bone disease.

A bowl of fresh, clean water available at all times; the animal drinks and may occasionally soak in it. Clean and renew regularly.

East and Central Africa (Sudan, Ethiopia, Somalia, Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique and neighbouring regions). Dry savannas, semi-arid zones and rocky outcrops (kopjes). Taxonomic note: the species is today often classified under the name Broadleysaurus major.

Omnivore — Insects (crickets, roaches, earthworms, mealworms), supplemented with fruit, edible flowers and soft vegetables

Very food-motivated and prone to obesity: ration portions and monitor weight. Dust prey with calcium (with D3 depending on the UVB) and provide a regular vitamin/mineral supplement. Vary plants and proteins; avoid excess sugary fruit.

Clutch 2–6 eggs/young. A clutch of 2 to 6 eggs after a period of winter rest/cooling that stimulates reproduction. Incubation of about 80-95 days at around 28-30 °C. Provide a humid, loose egg-laying site deep enough for the female.

• Internal parasitism (very common in wild-caught individuals) - quarantine and veterinary faecal examination recommended
• Obesity linked to overfeeding
• Metabolic bone disease (MBD) from UVB/calcium deficiency
• Respiratory infections in an environment that is too cold and/or too humid
• Digestive obstruction (impaction) and retained shed (dysecdysis)