Keeping Lizards and Snakes

Breed: Lizard species
Temperament: skittish, calmer with handling
Costs: dragon types from $55, goannas from $700
Lifespan: 15 years+
Maintenance: high
Recommended for: enthusiasts

Did you know there are probably more people owning Australian native reptiles overseas than there are at home? As wildlife authorities in some states relax their regulations on the keeping of certain reptiles, more Australians can get to know their own wildlife.

What lizards?

Australia has an incredible range of lizards from tiny geckos to huge pythons and goannas. Popular captive species include the dragons, such as the eastern and bearded dragons, and the monitors (or goannas).

Temperament

Lizards are generally quite skittish but regular, gentle handling should see the animal become calmer and more accepting of human interaction. Smaller lizards, such as the bearded dragons, are quite easily calmed and adapt well to regular handling. Larger lizards, such as goannas, also get used to their human owners but should be watched carefully as owners we spoke to say they are occasionally scratched, sometimes requiring stitches!

Health

Recreating the correct habitat is the key to maintaining lizard health. Many popular captive species are from warmer areas of Australia and, as lizards draw their heat from their surroundings, artificial heaters are often necessary to provide a stable environment. Sunlight, or artificial lighting replicating the rays, is essential to assist in the uptake of calcium, without which the animal develops weak bones or rickets. Worming is required each year.

Housing

While some owners of small lizards keep their pets in glass boxes or aquariums, a purpose-built vivarium is best, as the aquariums can overheat. Recommended vivariums are made from timber with a front of wire or perspex. Cross ventilation is important but you must avoid draughts. Dealers sell vivariums from $200. Lighting and heating will cost an additional $100-$150.

Food

A menu of slugs, snails, insects, small mammals, and some fruits depending on the size and species is required. Products on the market to help with feeding reptiles include a t-rex mouse maker scent which costs $25, and a t-rex cricket scent maker - $25. Rep-Cal adult bearded dragon food costs $25 and juvenile bearded dragon food is $20 for a 170g pack. Owners will often breed their own mealworms or even mice for the larger lizards. A shallow bowl of water is necessary at all times.

Breeding

Usually a task for the specialist as strictly-controlled temperatures and humidity are often necessary to succeed with hatching eggs.

Regulations

In South Australia, where licensed enthusiasts can keep designated animals, the pet lizard and snake market is very active and that is where we shot our story. It is very important to check with your state's wildlife authority about the legality of keeping native reptiles BEFORE buying a new pet!

Contacts

We filmed our segment with: Ultimate Reptile Suppliers in SA
Tim Mensforth, phone: (08) 8260 3328
Roland Burrell, phone: (08) 8381 5618
Web address: http://reptile.senet.com.au

Herpetological societies

SA: SA Herpetology Group
Helen Owens, phone: (08) 8204 8772
Membership officer
Gavin Kluske, phone: 0419 806 896

NSW: Hawkesbury Herpetological Society Inc
Jim Stopford, phone: (02) 9628 8060
Central Coast Reptile and Frog Group
Peter Birch, phone: (02) 4362 8558
Orana Herpetological Society
Phill Grono, phone: (02) 6766 7903
North Coast Herpetology Group
Paul Burchill, phone: (02) 6582 5122
South Coast Herpetological Society
Sue & Mick Mather, phone: (02) 4229 5387/ 0412 295 385
Riverina Frog and Reptile Society
Rebecca Seymour, phone: (02) 6931 5065
The Australian Herpetological Society Inc
Phone: (02) 9452 2781
Frog and Tadpole Study Group of NSW
Phone: (02) 9371 9129

WA: Western Australian Society of Amateur Herpetologists
Correspondence to:
169 Egina St
Mt Hawthorn, 6016

ACT: Monaro Amphibian and Reptile Keepers Association
Phone: (02) 6297 2844
ACT Herpetological Association Inc
Scott Thomson
Phone: 0413 845 633

QLD: Queensland Reptile and Amphibian Club Inc
Ted and Alma Searle, phone: (07) 3200 0266
Herpetological Society of Queensland
Stuart, phone: (07)3808 7781

VIC: Victorian Herpetological Society
Brian Barnett, phone: (03) 9363 6841

TAS: Tasmanian Herpetological Society
Ian Norton, phone: 0419 367713

Copyright CTC Productions 1999