Unfortunately, you cannot own a tegu in Australia. The Australian government has strict laws regarding the importation and ownership of exotic animals, and tegus are not native to Australia. As such, it is illegal to keep a tegu as a pet in Australia. The only way to legally own a tegu in Australia is to have a permit from the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP). However, permits… Read More »Can you own a tegu in Australia?
Lizards are popular pets for many people, and there are many different species to choose from, from common house geckos to bearded dragons, which can make for exotic yet trusty companions. But while most species of reptiles are rather small in size, there are lizards out there as big as cats and dogs – or even bigger. And yes, some of them you can own. The largest species of lizard… Read More »The Largest Species of Lizards You Can Keep as Pets
On Tuesday October 22nd the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Board voted to restrict future ownership of exotic reptiles in response to the increasing number of invasive species threatening the native ecosystem. The ban was made specifically to tackle the problem of two invasive species of reptiles, Burmese pythons and Argentine Black and White tegu lizards, who are imported from South America and are often released or escape into the… Read More »Some Tegu and Monitor lizard species are no longer allowed as Pets in Georgia
Reptiles are not known to be particularly affectionate as pets, and the same goes for most species of big lizards Tegus may however be the exception, as they are widely known and appreciated for their almost dog-like behavior, some tegus even appear to enjoy “cuddling” with their owners. Tegu cuddles MacGyver the Lizard is probably the most famous pet lizard celebrity, and living proof that Red tegus can be cuddly.… Read More »Are tegus cuddly?
Tegu lizards are curious animals originally from South America which are essentially dog-sized lizards with tongues like those of a snake. They have been introduced to other parts of the world via the exotic pet trade, because they are somewhat docile in captivity and can even become somewhat affectionate under the right circumstances. Yet, not many people know much about them. Below, five curious facts you may not know about… Read More »6 Interesting Facts About Tegu Lizards
Laws regarding possession of exotic animals in the US are different for every state and can change from one day to another. Owning a tegu lizard in Florida was legal up until 2021 but the animals are now banned from the pet trade and all breeding must cease by 2024. Always double check the legality of owning a tegu or exotic animal with your state’s law officials before adopting your… Read More »Can you own a tegu in your state?
Tegu climbing behavior changes drastically with age. All tegus are generally born arboreal (i.e. they climb and live on trees to escape predators) but move to the ground as they grow larger in size. Adult tegus are terrestrial, not arboreal, and burrowing animals that prefer to spend time on land and do not generally like climbing. That said, they are able to, if they want. Climbing behavior in tegu species… Read More »Do tegus climb?
Tegus are some of the largest lizards out there, yet they are relatively harmless to humans. Tegu attacks are rare but getting bitten by a tegu can be a very painful experience that requires medical attention. Regardless, tegus that are raised in captivity develop a tame disposition and rarely show signs of aggression. Despite being harmless to humans, wild tegu lizards pose a threat to other species especially in the… Read More »Are tegu lizards dangerous?
Reptiles are generally known for being somewhat apathetic and not particularly cuddly as pets, but many of them do in fact feel emotions. Reptile owners know that their snakes and lizards react differently when they are around, and some of the more intelligent species like bearded dragons, tegus and monitor lizards, are even considered to be capable of “affection”. Can lizards love Love is an already ill-defined concept when it… Read More »Do lizards have feelings?
Explore the incredible diversity of tegu lizards through their rare and unique morphs and hybrids, and learn about the genetic combinations that make them so fascinating to breeders and collectors alike.