Important  Husbandry  Requirements  for  Selected  Reptiles

Species

Habitat/Vivarium Type

POTZ, °C (°F)a

Humidity, %

Lightingb

Hibernation

Dietc

Corn/rat snake

Terrestrial, scrubland

25–30 (77–86)

30–70d

NS

Yes

C

Boa constrictor

Terrestrial, rainforest (semi-arboreal/aquatic)

28–31 (82–88)

70–95

NS

No

C

Ball python

Terrestrial, scrubland

25–30 (77–86)

50–80

NS

No

C

Leopard gecko

Terrestrial, arid scrub

25–30 (77–86)

20–30d

NS

No

I, c

Green iguana

Arboreal, rainforest

29–33 (84–91)

60–85

BS

No

H

Bearded dragon

Terrestrial, desert

25–32 (77–90)

20–30d

BS

No

I, c, h

Water dragon

Arboreal, rainforest

24–30 (75–86)

80–90

BS

No

I, c, h

Savannah monitor

Terrestrial, arid scrub

25–32 (77–90)

20–40d

BS

No

C, i

Greek tortoise

Terrestrial, temperate to subtropical

20–28 (68–82)

30–50

BS

Yes

H, c

Box tortoise

Terrestrial, temperate to subtropical

22–28 (72–82)

50–80

BS

Yes

H, I, c

Leopard tortoise

Terrestrial, tropical

25–30 (77–86)

30–50

BS

No

H, c

Red-footed tortoise

Terrestrial, tropical

25–30 (77–86)

50–90

BS

No

H, c

Red-eared slider

Temperate to subtropical, gravel bottom or bare, water depth 30 cm (12 inches) minimum, land area ⅓ of tank

22–27 (72–81)

Aquatic

BS

Possible

H, I, c

Abbreviations: BS, broad-spectrum lighting; NS, no special lighting requirements; POTZ, preferred optimal temperature zone.

a Temperature requirements shown are air temperature gradients. In general, basking temperatures should be 5°C warmer, whereas at night these temperatures should fall by 5°C.

b BS, broad-spectrum lighting (UVB 290–300 nm) essential; NS, no special lighting requirements, although broad-spectrum lighting is still recommended because it is likely to have health benefits.

c I or i = insectivorous, H or h = herbivorous, C or c = carnivorous; uppercase indicates major food preference; lowercase, minor food preference.

d Humidity requirements are substantially greater during ecdysis.