Giant girdled lizard — Care Sheet & Morphs

Husbandry requirements

Giant girdled lizard — origin: High-altitude Highveld grasslands of South Africa (Free State, Mpumalanga, Gauteng). Temperate climate: hot summers, cold winters with night-time frosts..

Terrarium temperature gradient

Night min15 °C

Cool side22–26 °C

Warm side28–32 °C

Basking spot35–40 °C

A heliophilic species requiring a genuine hot spot for basking. A night-time drop is beneficial (15-18 °C). In winter, observe a brumation with a marked drop in temperatures and photoperiod (about 10-15 °C during the day), reproducing the cold winters of the Highveld.

Enclosure (adult)

120 × 60 × 60 cm

Horizontal terrestrial terrarium for a fossorial species, with a large floor area and deep substrate allowing a stable burrow to be dug.

Minimum dimensions for a single adult; larger is preferable. Individual housing recommended in captivity to limit stress. Substrate at least 30-45 cm deep, packed/moistened to hold a tunnel. Provide a burrow hide and a clear basking spot above.

Humidity

40–60 %

Generally dry grassland-type conditions; the bottom of the burrow stays slightly more humid. Good ventilation is essential to avoid respiratory ailments.

Substrate

Soil/sand/clay mixUntreated topsoilSandClay

A deep burrowing mix (untreated soil + sand + a little clay) able to hold a tunnel without collapsing, at least 30-45 cm deep. Avoid dusty or overly loose substrates that do not retain the burrow's structure.

UVB

Recommended

Essential and high: a diurnal, heliophilic species. Provide strong UVB (T5 HO tube 10-12% or a mercury-vapour lamp), Ferguson zone 3-4, above the basking spot, with direct access without glass or plastic in between.

Water source

Always available

A small, shallow bowl of clean water permanently available; occasional light misting. The animal also drinks dew droplets.

Origin

Cordylidae

High-altitude Highveld grasslands of South Africa (Free State, Mpumalanga, Gauteng). Temperate climate: hot summers, cold winters with night-time frosts.

Feeding & health

Diet

Insectivore — Roaches, crickets, beetles; worms (waxworms, mealworms) in moderation.

In the wild, beetles make up the bulk of the diet. In captivity, vary the prey, dust with calcium (with D3 depending on UVB) and gut-load the insects. Feed an adult 2-3 times a week; beware of obesity, common with fatty prey.

Breeding

Viviparous

Viviparous: generally 1, sometimes 2 (rarely up to 3-6) live young, and only every 2-3 years. Reproduction is very difficult to achieve in captivity, which makes the species all the more vulnerable to collection pressure.

Health watch points

Osteodystrophy / metabolic bone disease (insufficient UVB, calcium or D3)
Respiratory infections (poorly adapted cold or humidity, poor ventilation)
Internal parasitism (very common in wild-caught individuals)
Chronic stress and food refusal (especially freshly imported wild specimens)
Obesity (overfeeding, prey too fatty, lack of activity)

Morphs & genetics

Registry of 0 documented gene for Giant girdled lizard.

Frequently asked questions

Answers to the most common questions about keeping the giant girdled lizard.

Can a Sungazer be acquired freely?▾

No: the Sungazer is a protected species, listed in CITES Appendix II and protected under South African law. It breeds very poorly in captivity, and the vast majority of animals in circulation are unfortunately wild-caught, often stressed and parasitised. Its acquisition should therefore remain reserved for experienced keepers able to prove a legal, documented origin.

What size does an adult Sungazer reach?▾

It is a large lizard for the Cordylidae family, typically measuring 35 to 38 cm, with a maximum of around 40 cm. Its body is heavily armoured with spiny scales, giving it the look of a small dragon.

Why is it called a burrowing species and how should its terrarium be set up?▾

The Sungazer digs and occupies deep burrows, up to 40 cm long, into which it retreats and which it blocks with the spines of its tail. It therefore needs a horizontal terrarium of at least 120x60x60 cm with a loose but compacted substrate, 30 to 45 cm deep, able to hold a stable tunnel, along with an open basking area above.

What is its natural behaviour and where does it come from?▾

It is a shy, reclusive animal that spends much of its time underground, showing itself only to bask at the entrance of its burrow, head raised towards the sun, hence its name Sungazer. It is native to the high-altitude grasslands of the South African Highveld, where hot summers alternate with cold winters and night frosts.

Why is UVB so important for this species?▾

Strong UVB is essential for this heliophilic lizard: aim for a Ferguson zone 3-4, with a T5 HO 10-12% tube or a mercury vapour lamp, placed directly above the basking spot, with no glass or plastic in between.

How should the heating be set and is a winter cool-down needed?▾

It needs a genuine basking hot spot between 35 and 40°C, an ambient warm side of 28-32°C and a cool side of 22-26°C, with a night-time drop down to 15°C. In winter, a resting period reproducing the cold Highveld winters is necessary, with a marked drop in temperatures, around 10-15°C during the day, and in photoperiod.

What humidity level and substrate suit this grassland species?▾

The environment should stay generally dry, grassland-like, with a humidity of 40 to 60%, the bottom of the burrow naturally remaining a little more humid. A burrowing mix of untreated soil, sand and a little clay will hold a tunnel without collapsing, provided good ventilation is ensured to avoid respiratory problems.

What does the Sungazer eat and how often?▾

It is an insectivore whose natural diet relies mainly on beetles; in captivity, offer roaches, crickets and, in moderation, worms such as wax moth larvae. Two to three meals a week are enough for the adult, varying the prey and dusting with calcium, while watching for obesity, which is common with prey that is too fatty.

How many years of commitment does a Sungazer require?▾

The Sungazer is remarkably long-lived, with a life expectancy of 20 to 40 years, sometimes more, and slow growth and sexual maturity spread over several years. It is therefore a commitment that can accompany its keeper for an entire adult lifetime.

What is special about its reproduction?▾

The species is viviparous: the female most often gives birth to 1 to 2 live young, rarely up to 6, and only every 2 to 3 years. This reproduction is very difficult to achieve in captivity, which makes preserving wild populations all the more precious.

What health problems are the most common?▾

A deficiency in UVB, calcium or vitamin D3 can cause metabolic bone disease, while poorly adjusted humidity or ventilation encourage respiratory infections. Wild specimens are often parasitised and prone to chronic stress with food refusal, while obesity threatens overfed or under-active animals.

Should it be housed alone or can a group be kept?▾

Individual housing is recommended in captivity to limit stress, each animal needing its own burrow. Even so, providing a terrarium larger than the minimum is always preferable for its wellbeing.

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