Sudan Plated Lizard

This page is educational reference material for preparing questions. A licensed veterinarian examines the animal, makes the diagnosis, and sets the treatment.

A long lizard in a suit of plates

Sudan plated lizards are Broadleysaurus major, the big plated lizards of East and southern Africa. Adults are about 15 to 24 inches, tail included. They usually last 15 to 20 years or more, and care is beginner to intermediate. They are shy until they decide the room is safe. Then many become the lizard that walks onto a shoe.

An adult cage should be at least 4 by 2 by 2 feet. They dig. Deep soil, a basking rock at about 100 to 110°F on the surface, and a cool side in the mid 70s are the setup. Humidity of 40 to 60 percent is the air. UVB over the bask is necessary. Insects, greens, and occasional fruit are the diet. They will eat more protein than a tortoise should. They still need the plants. One animal, or a carefully watched pair in a much larger pen. Secure the lid. They are strong.

Captive-bred, and a place to vanish

Give a hide the lizard can reach without crossing open floor every time. Confidence comes from that retreat, not from daily handling sessions that drag it into the open. Captive-bred babies tame more reliably than wild adults. Toes shed badly if the moist hide is missing. Check digits when you do handle.

A plated lizard that stops eating and stays buried for a long stretch in the warm season needs the appetite page and possibly a vet from ARAV.

Plated lizard questions

Do plated lizards tame down?

They are shy at first and often tame later. Food from tongs is the usual path. A newly imported adult may never want hands.

How hot is the basking spot?

Air on the warm side can sit in the 80s while the rock surface reaches about 100 to 110°F. Measure the rock, not just the air.

What do they eat?

They are omnivores. Insects are the main item, with greens and a little fruit. Calcium and UVB belong with that menu.