
02/07/2025
🦎 Broadleysaurus (Gerrhosaurus) major – Giant Plated Lizard
📝 Description
Gerrhosaurus major is a robust, ground-dwelling lizard known for its thick, plate-like scales, giving it the name "Plated Lizard." Native to the dry savannas of southern Africa, it has a discreet yet curious nature. Its powerful body, semi-prehensile tail, and calm temperament make it a fascinating species to observe in captivity.
🏞️ Natural Habitat
In the wild, G. major inhabits open, semi-arid sandy areas scattered with bushes and rocks. It spends much of the day basking in the sun or hiding in burrows dug under rocks or roots to escape extreme heat and predators.
💧 Environmental Needs
• Basking spot: 38–42 °C (100–107 °F) 🔥
• Ambient temperature: 28–32 °C (82–90 °F)
• Cool side: 24–26 °C (75–79 °F)
• Low humidity (30–50%)
• Strong UVB lighting required (Ferguson Zone 2–3) ☀️
• Compact, diggable substrate (soil/sand mix)
• Hides and natural decorations: rocks, logs, bark 🪨
🥬 Diet & Feeding
G. major is an opportunistic omnivore. Its diet should consist mainly of plant matter (leafy greens, flowers, fruits) with occasional insects like crickets, roaches, or worms. A varied diet with proper calcium and vitamin supplementation is essential for optimal health.
🤝 Behavior & Handling
This species is generally calm but may be shy at first. With time and gentle handling, it becomes accustomed to human presence. Active during the day, it enjoys exploring, climbing, and digging—behaviors that should be encouraged through an enriched and well-designed habitat.