Gerrhosaurus major (Sudanese shield lizard)

Origin: Eastern Africa
Length: Around 50 centimeters
Age: Up to 15 years
This species resembles a skink due to its smooth scales and elongated body with a long tail. The color of this lizard is sky brown. Like all shield lizards, the leg plates are reinforced scales that are clearly visible.

Experience: Novice reptile keeper
Food: Insects
Feeding adult: Feed a number of food animals every other day
Feed young: Small size crickets every day
Water bowl: Yes
Water change: Daily

Power supply
This species mainly eats animal food, such as crickets, curly flies and buffalo worms. This diet can possibly be supplemented with mealworms or wax moths. The food should be smaller than the lizard's head. Alternate the food, so the gecko gets all the nutrients it needs. These animals also need extra calcium and vitamins. You can give this by always dusting the food animals with so-called calcium and vitamin preparations for reptiles. Fresh drinking water should always be available.

Water
Clean drinking water must be available at all times in the terrarium. For this species, a large water bowl is required in which they can lie completely. Always use lukewarm water and change it daily.

Cleaning It is important to clean the terrarium properly. Therefore remove uneaten food animals every day and remove faeces before feeding the animal again. Replace the bottom material once a month or a few times a year and then immediately clean the rest of the terrarium (including the interior). If you use cleaning products, it is important to rinse everything well after the time. Always wash your hands thoroughly after coming into contact with the animals or the terrarium, as reptiles can transmit salmonella.

Handling
This species is quite easy to handle once they get used to it, but this can take a while. They are curious and active, but can also react nervously, which can make it difficult to handle them at first.

Housing
Minimum size stay for a couple: 150x90x90
Day temperature: 30-40C
Night temperature: 18-22C
Hours of light: 12-14 hours of UV light
Humidity Level: 40-55%
Soil cover: Desert sand

Design
The enclosure must offer different temperatures. There should be both warmer and colder areas for the animals to choose from. A UV-b lamp must be present in the terrarium. In this way, the animals can build up sufficient calcium in their bodies. Without this relief, they can become very ill. Use light bulbs, low-energy light bulbs or possibly daylight lamps and leave the light on twelve hours a day. For the decoration you can use flat stones and open stones or open wood to provide a hiding place.

Behaviour
Diet: Carnivore
Lifestyle: Twilight and nocturnal active

Character
This species is curious and very active which makes it attractive to watch.

Points of attention
This species requires a very high temperature.

Cost and Purchase
Legislation:-
One-off costs: This includes the costs for accommodation, lighting, heating, water bowl, plants and other decoration. This can cost a few hundred euros in total. The final amount depends on the quality and size of the products.
Fixed costs: Fixed costs include the costs for the feed, which is a few tens of euros per year.
Unexpected costs: Costs are incurred when your gecko happens to get sick or your equipment breaks down.