Reptoria

Batuecan rock lizard (Iberolacerta martinezricai)

Batuecan rock lizard (Iberolacerta martinezricai), typical appearance of the species

Lizards · Difficulty: Expert

Key facts and care guidance for Batuecan rock lizard (Iberolacerta martinezricai) (origin: Sierra de Francia, Las Batuecas and Las Mestas in the south of Salamanca province, with a small portion in northern Cáceres (Spain), 840–1735 m). Adult size around 16–20 cm. Life expectancy 5–10 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.

Short answers

Batuecan rock lizard: How big does the enclosure need to be?

100×50×60 cm for a group.

Batuecan rock lizard: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 18–25 °C in the room, with a small basking spot above that, basking spot Basking spot 38–45 °C, at night 12–18 °C.

Batuecan rock lizard: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Essential (UVB 10.0 — these species bask for hours).

Batuecan rock lizard: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 5–10 years.

Batuecan rock lizard: Is it suitable for beginners?

No – better suited to experienced keepers (difficulty: Expert).

Climate

Daytime temperature
18–25 °C in the room, with a small basking spot above that
Night temperature
12–18 °C
Basking spot
Basking spot 38–45 °C
Humidity
40–60 %
UVB
Essential (UVB 10.0 — these species bask for hours)

Enclosure

Minimum size
100×50×60 cm for a group
Substrate
A sand-loam mix with stone slabs, a dry-stone wall and a few plants

Feeding

Food
Crickets, house crickets, roaches, wax moths and the occasional fruit, dusted regularly with calcium and vitamins
Feeding interval
adults 3–4×/week

Key facts

Adult size
16–20 cm
Life expectancy
5–10 years
Origin
Sierra de Francia, Las Batuecas and Las Mestas in the south of Salamanca province, with a small portion in northern Cáceres (Spain), 840–1735 m
Protection status
Bern Convention, IUCN "Critically Endangered" — only documented captive breeding
Brumation
A winter rest of 10–14 weeks at 5–10 °C — without it there is no breeding and a markedly shorter life
Cohabitation
Harem of 1.2 or 1.3; never keep males together. The reason: several males fight over territory and the basking spot until one is injured or permanently sits in a corner. Females usually get along, but each needs her own basking and hiding spot; feed separately if sizes differ.

Notes

An extremely small remnant population.

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Related species

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Batuecan rock lizard (Iberolacerta martinezricai) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (100×50×60 cm for a group), substrate (A sand-loam mix with stone slabs, a dry-stone wall and a few plants), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.

The complete, interactive care database is in the Reptoria app.

Last updated: 2 November 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: vertebradosibericos.org, reptile-database.reptarium.cz, miteco.gob.es (Dictamen CC 23/2016), Wikipedia EN, eu_annex.txt (lokal, VO (EU) 2026/1383)

All values are non-binding guidance and do not replace expert advice. Research thoroughly from several sources before acquiring and keeping an animal, and observe the applicable law (species and animal protection in particular).