Berber skink (Eumeces schneideri)

Short answers

Berber skink: How big does the enclosure need to be?

120 × 70 × 60 cm for a single animal, at least 150 × 100 × 60 cm for a pair.

Berber skink: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 28–32 °C, basking spot 40–45 °C at the basking spot, at night 20–24 °C.

Berber skink: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Essential (desert-grade UVB, 10–12 %).

Berber skink: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 12–20 years.

Berber skink: Is it suitable for beginners?

Partly – manageable with some prior knowledge (difficulty: Beginner to intermediate).

Climate

Daytime temperature

28–32 °C

Night temperature

20–24 °C

Basking spot

40–45 °C at the basking spot

Humidity

30–40 % (dry)

UVB

Essential (desert-grade UVB, 10–12 %)

Enclosure

Minimum size

120 × 70 × 60 cm for a single animal, at least 150 × 100 × 60 cm for a pair

Substrate

A deep layer of sand (they like to dig), rock structures

Feeding

Food

Mostly insects, a little fruit and vegetables (omnivorous)

Feeding interval

2–3×/week

Key facts

Adult size

32–47 cm total length, depending on subspecies

Life expectancy

12–20 years

Origin

North Africa to the Near East and Central Asia (arid regions)

Protection status

—

Brumation

A winter rest of ~8–10 weeks at ~12–15 °C is recommended

Cohabitation

Singly or as a compatible pair; the males do not get on. The reason: several males fight over territory and the warm spot until one is injured or spends its life in a corner. Females usually get on, but each needs its own warm spot and hide; feed them separately once they differ in size.

Notes

Fond of dryness and active at digging – deep sandy substrate plus a high UVB and warmth requirement. A winter rest promotes health and breeding.

Do you keep this species?

Add your animal to Reptoria – Reptoria reminds you about feeding and shedding. Add your animal for free →

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Related species

• Algerian skink (Eumeces algeriensis) – Intermediate
• African five-lined skink (Trachylepis quinquetaeniata) – Intermediate
• Berdmore's water skink (Tropidophorus berdmorei) – Beginner with some knowledge
• Mountain skink (Plestiodon callicephalus) – Beginner with some knowledge
• Pacific blue-tailed skink (Emoia caeruleocauda) – Beginner with some knowledge
• Blue-tongued water skink (Tropidophorus cocincinensis) – Beginner with some knowledge
• Bouton's snake-eyed skink (Cryptoblepharus boutonii) – Beginner with some knowledge
• Bowring's supple skink (Lygosoma bowringii) – Beginner with some knowledge

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Berber skink (Eumeces schneideri) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (120 × 70 × 60 cm for a single animal, at least 150 × 100 × 60 cm for a pair), substrate (A deep layer of sand (they like to dig), rock structures), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.