armadillo lizard

[MoyaChan]

Hey!

I'm looking for information on keeping armadillo lizards but so far I haven't come across any sites that would cover it thoroughly.
If any of you could recommend me a place where I can find correct info on them, or if there's anyone on here who has experience with these creatures, I'd really appreciate their help!

Thanks in advance!

 

[leedragon]

smaug giganteus?

 

[MissLissa]

More likely a Cordylus species, I'd think, since Smaug giganteus is more commonly known as a Sungazer or Giant Girdled Lizard. Either way, S. giganteus are basically not available anymore for the casual herplover, unless you are possibly a zoo. I don't believe they were terribly successful in captivity, in any case, and collection really took a toll on their wild population. They are now on the IUCN list as "Vulnerable"- though I think this warrants more investigation as there are several anecdotal reports that they have been entirely extirpated from parts of their natural range.

Ouroborus cataphractus (Armadillo Girdled Lizard; used to be Cordylus cataphractus) are also hard to find, though not as hard to find as Smaug giganteus. You might find a group someone is willing to part with if you spend the time and money. I don't consider them to be particularly difficult to keep or breed in captivity, actually (compared to a chameleon!), but initial imports suffered from stress pretty badly and did not acclimatize well. Captive bred specimens would be very much encouraged, as the pet trade basically decimated their wild population similar to S. giganteus, and they are now also listed as "Vulnerable" on the IUCN list. Wild caught imports are likely to be older animals or illegally obtained, as most/all of their natural range does not allow their export any more as far as I am aware (though my info is a few years old). Captive bred critters I've seen listed on occasion for $1500 or more a piece, and they are fairly social, so a 1:3 or 1:4 group would be preferable.

Cordylus tropidosternum (Forest Armadillo Lizard), or Cordylus jonesii (Jones Armadillo Lizard) are more likely to be found nowadays. I've seen both being captive bred, they are reasonably priced, and are pretty neat little critters.

I've worked passingly with all these beasts, except for Smaug giganteous. I should be so lucky!