Sanzinia madagascariensis

Well-ventilated semi-arboreal terrarium, both tall and offering a good floor area; sturdy horizontal/diagonal branches, vines and hides up high AND on the ground.

Minimum dimensions for an adult of the green form; provide larger (150 x 70 x 120-150 cm) for the Volontany form. This species uses the ground as much as the branches: combine robust perches and ground-level resting areas. Horizontal and vertical thermal gradient, several hides. A well-sealed terrarium (a powerful animal and a good escape artist).

Moderate to high humidity: 60-70% during the day, rising toward 75-85% at night and during sheds. Ensure good ventilation to avoid stagnant air (respiratory risk); misting in the evening and a substrate that holds moisture rather than a permanently waterlogged terrarium.

A substrate that retains moisture but drains well, kept humid without being waterlogged. Avoid fine softwood shavings (cedar/pine), which are irritating. Remove droppings regularly to prevent mould and skin infections.

Not essential as it is a nocturnal species; a low-intensity UVB source (Ferguson zone 1, T5 5% filtered/at a distance) can benefit the metabolism if the animal can take shelter from it. Provide shaded hides. A regular photoperiod (12 h) is important.

A large container of clean water, stable and wide enough to allow a bath and hydration; renew frequently. The animal often drinks the droplets after misting. The water point also contributes to ambient humidity.

Endemic to Madagascar (humid, mid-altitude forests of the East for the green form; drier areas of the West for the mandarin/Volontany form). PROTECTED SPECIES: listed in CITES Appendix I and Annex A of the EU regulation — keeping, import and transfer require CITES documents/intra-EU certificates (CDC/AOE type depending on the country). Acquire only captive-bred animals with traceability; absolutely avoid wild-caught specimens (illegal and fragile).

Carnivore (mammals and birds) — Appropriately sized rodents (mice, then rats/multimammate mice), thawed; occasionally chicks. In the wild: small mammals, including lemurs, and birds.

Prey of a diameter close to the widest part of the body. Lively feeding response: use long tongs and a feeding signal. Indicative schedule: neonates/juveniles every 5-7 days, subadults every 7-10 days, adults every 10-21 days. Do not overfeed (risk of obesity). The heat-sensitive pits are located BETWEEN the labial scales (not inside them), helping to detect warm-blooded prey in the dark.

Reproduction triggered by a seasonal cycle (a drop in temperature and photoperiod in the cool season, ~20-24 °C at night for a few weeks). Gestation of several months. A litter of 4 to 16 neonates. In the Eastern form, a marked ontogenic colour change: born RED/orange, gradually turning green with growth. Breeding a CITES I species entails marking/declaration obligations.

• Respiratory infections (insufficient ventilation, poorly managed humidity or too low a temperature)
• Dysecdysis (difficult/incomplete sheds) linked to too low humidity
• Stomatitis (mouth rot), often secondary to stress or poor conditions
• Internal and external parasites (especially in wild specimens or poorly quarantined ones)
• Obesity and regurgitation due to overfeeding or prey that is too large