Batuecan rock lizard (Iberolacerta martinezricai)
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
- Aran rock lizard (Iberolacerta aranica) – Expert
- Aurelio's rock lizard (Iberolacerta aurelioi) – Expert
- Pyrenean rock lizard (Iberolacerta bonnali) – Beginner with some knowledge
- Iberian rock lizard (Iberolacerta monticola) – Expert
- Horvath's rock lizard (Iberolacerta horvathi) – Expert
- Leon rock lizard (Iberolacerta galani) – Beginner with some knowledge
- Cyren's rock lizard (Iberolacerta cyreni) – Beginner with some knowledge
- Aeolian wall lizard (Podarcis raffonei) – Expert
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).