By Sudan Plated Lizards are fascinating reptiles that make unique and captivating pets. In this comprehensive care guide and species profile, we will cover everything you need to know about Sudan Plated Lizards, including their diet, habitat, tank setup, and more. By following this guide, you will ensure that your Sudan Plated Lizard thrives in its new home and lives a happy, healthy life.
Table of Contents
Introduction to Sudan Plated Lizards
Sudan Plated Lizards, also known as Western Plated Lizards, Great Plated Lizards, or Broadley’s Rough-Scaled Plated Lizards, are medium-sized reptiles native to eastern and central Africa. They are known for their unique armor-like appearance, with plate-like scales on their body and tail, and head shields fused to their skull. These reptiles can grow up to 24 inches long and have a lifespan of up to 20 years in captivity.
Scientific Classification
- Common name: Sudan Plated Lizard, Western Plated Lizard, Great Plated Lizard, Broadley’s Rough-Scaled Plated Lizard
- Scientific name: Broadleysaurus major
- Natural habitat: African woodlands and savannas
- Adult size: 20-24 inches
- Average lifespan: Up to 20 years (in captivity)
- Diet: Omnivores
- Housing: Terrarium (48″L x 24″W x 24″H)
- Experience level: Intermediate, but easily tamed
Origins and Natural Habitat
Sudan Plated Lizards are endemic to the continent of Africa, primarily found in eastern and central regions, including the countries of Sudan, Tanzania, Kenya, Mozambique, and the island archipelago of Zanzibar. Their preferred habitats include rocky areas in coastal woodlands and both wet and dry savannas. In the wild, they love to hide out in the crevices of rocks, making them a bit shy and elusive.
Physical Appearance and Behavior
Sudan Plated Lizards have a stout body with short limbs and a broad tail. Their unique armor-like appearance sets them apart from other reptile species, making them an interesting and exotic pet choice. These lizards are not naturally social reptiles, but they can easily be tamed and make wonderful pets when given the proper care and attention.
In the wild, Sudan Plated Lizards can often be found in groups, mainly due to necessity. They gather together for breeding purposes, sharing feeding grounds, or accessing a water source. However, it is essential to note that they are not social creatures and should not be housed together in captivity.
Size and Lifespan
Sudan Plated Lizards typically grow between 16-27 inches in length and can live up to 20 years or longer in captivity. With proper care, a captive Sudan Plated Lizard can reasonably be expected to live for at least 10 years, but they may live even longer with optimal care and attention.
Temperament
While Sudan Plated Lizards may initially be shy and reclusive, they are generally docile creatures that can be tamed with patience and gentle handling. They are not usually aggressive and make fantastic pets for those willing to invest the time and effort into building trust with their new scaly companion.
Housing a Sudan Plated Lizard
Creating the ideal living environment for your Sudan Plated Lizard is crucial for its overall health and well-being. In their natural habitat, these reptiles take shelter in rocky crevices in the savanna. To replicate this environment in captivity, you’ll need a suitable terrarium with rocks and hides for your lizard to climb and explore.
Enclosure Size
As the largest species of African-plated lizards, Sudan Plated Lizards require ample space to thrive. A terrarium with dimensions of 48″L x 24″W x 24″H is recommended to provide your lizard with enough room to play and explore. Ensure that there is at least 4-6 inches of substrate for your pet to dig and burrow, with twice this amount required for a taller enclosure.
Lighting
Proper lighting is essential for your Sudan Plated Lizard’s overall health and well-being, especially for their metabolism to function correctly. UV lighting and heat should be provided, with a halogen heat lamp mimicking the sun’s light and heat from above. Keep this light source on for up to 12 hours a day, with a 75-100w halogen floodlight bulb suitable if the substrate surface is 12 inches away.
Temperature and Humidity
To replicate the natural climate of your Sudan Plated Lizard’s habitat, you’ll need to create an artificial basking area with temperatures up to 125°F using a halogen lamp. The rest of the enclosure should maintain temperatures between 85-88°F during the day, with nighttime temperatures dropping to around 75°F.
Maintaining a humidity range of 20-80% is also essential, as these reptiles are native to areas with average ambient humidity levels between 40-60%. A hygrometer will be necessary to measure and monitor the humidity within the enclosure accurately.
Substrate and Decoration
When choosing the substrate for your Sudan Plated Lizard’s terrarium, aim to mimic their natural environment. In the wild, these reptiles navigate sandy soil, so a mixture of play sand and clay at an 80:20 ratio is an inexpensive and suitable option. Alternatively, you can purchase a Sahara-type bio-active substrate mix for your lizard’s enclosure.
To create a naturalistic and engaging environment for your Sudan Plated Lizard, provide hiding places and climbing opportunities using small, smooth rocks to form hideouts and rock crevices.
Cleaning
Maintaining a clean enclosure is crucial for your lizard’s health. Remove old food and waste daily, avoiding the use of harsh detergents within the enclosure. Regularly change the water in the dish, as these reptiles enjoy soaking themselves. Use a shallow dish to prevent the risk of drowning. Replace the substrate every 3-4 months to minimize bacterial buildup.
Sudan Plated Lizard Care
Sudan Plated Lizards are relatively easy to care for, provided their temperature and humidity levels are regulated to mimic their natural habitat. Anyone with intermediate reptile care experience should find success in caring for these unique reptiles.
Food and Water
As omnivores, Sudan Plated Lizards require a varied diet to meet their nutritional needs. Insects, such as crickets, mealworms, darkling beetles, Dubia and Discoid roaches, and silkworms, make excellent sources of nutrition for your lizard. Additionally, vegetables like rocket, bok choy, kale, and watercress should be included in their diet.
Avoid feeding your lizard acidic foods, such as citrus fruits, as these can cause digestive issues and ulcers. When feeding insects, ensure that they are appropriately sized, with the general rule being that the insect should not exceed the space between your lizard’s eyes. While occasional treats like boiled chicken or quail eggs can be offered, limit these to once a month.
It is crucial not to overfeed your Sudan Plated Lizard, as they can become sick from overeating. A shallow bowl or saucer of water should also be provided for drinking, using tap water if it is of good quality, or still spring or mineral water as an alternative. Avoid using distilled water for your lizard.
Handling
Sudan Plated Lizards are active reptiles that can tolerate handling once they become accustomed to it. To acclimate your lizard to being handled, start by introducing your hands slowly and using a towel to pick them up if they are initially nervous. Limit handling to no more than five minutes at a time until your lizard becomes comfortable with the process.
Common Health Issues
Regular monitoring of your Sudan Plated Lizard’s weight is essential, as rapid weight loss can be a sign of stress or illness. Additionally, proper calcium supplementation is crucial for their health. Use a plain reptile calcium powder without phosphorus or vitamin D added, dusting it on all insects before feeding.
Housing Multiple Lizards
It is not recommended to house multiple Sudan Plated Lizards together, as they are solitary animals in the wild. Housing them together in captivity can lead to unnecessary stress and fighting, even in larger enclosures.
Breeding
Breeding Sudan Plated Lizards can be a complex process, as males become highly territorial during the breeding season and will fight with other males in the same enclosure. If you plan to breed a pair of Sudan Plated Lizards, it is essential to separate the female and her young after the eggs have hatched. Females typically lay 2-4 eggs in moist areas under logs, rock crevices, or soil, with an incubation period of 3-4 months.
Choosing and Buying a Sudan Plated Lizard
If you’ve decided that a Sudan Plated Lizard is the right pet for you, it’s essential to ensure that you have all the necessary supplies and equipment to provide a comfortable and healthy home for your new reptile. The initial setup for a Sudan Plated Lizard can cost up to $600 or more, depending on the specific items you purchase.
When choosing a Sudan Plated Lizard, it is crucial to buy from a reputable reptile dealer to ensure that you receive a healthy and well-cared-for pet. With proper care and attention, your Sudan Plated Lizard will make a fascinating and rewarding addition to your family.