Zagros ocellated lizard (Timon princeps)

Short answers

Zagros ocellated lizard: How big does the enclosure need to be?

150×80×80 cm.

Zagros ocellated lizard: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 26–32 °C, basking spot 40–45 °C, at night 16–20 °C.

Zagros ocellated lizard: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Essential (UVB 10.0).

Zagros ocellated lizard: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 10–15 years.

Zagros ocellated lizard: Is it suitable for beginners?

Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).

Climate

Daytime temperature

26–32 °C

Night temperature

16–20 °C

Basking spot

40–45 °C

Humidity

35–50 %

UVB

Essential (UVB 10.0)

Enclosure

Minimum size

150×80×80 cm

Substrate

Sand-loam with stable rock structures and crevices

Feeding

Food

Insects, nestlings, a little fruit

Feeding interval

adults 3–4×/week

Key facts

Adult size

40–60 cm

Life expectancy

10–15 years

Origin

The Zagros Mountains (Iran, Iraq, Turkey)

Protection status

Not listed under CITES

Brumation

A winter rest of 10–14 weeks at 8–12 °C (important)

Cohabitation

Keep as a pair, never house males together. Fierce dominance fights between males over territory and the basking spot are documented in the closely related T. lepidus, continuing until one is injured or permanently driven off; females usually get along but need their own warm spots and hides.

Notes

A large, powerful rock lizard with brilliant blue-green markings. It needs plenty of space, strong warmth and a genuinely cold winter rest.

Do you keep this species?

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Look for Zagros ocellated lizard (Timon princeps) in the marketplace →

Related species

• Nevada ocellated lizard (Timon nevadensis) – Intermediate
• Moroccan ocellated lizard (Timon pater) – Intermediate
• Ocellated lizard (Timon lepidus) – Intermediate
• Atlas ocellated lizard (Timon tangitanus) – Intermediate
• Erhard's wall lizard (Podarcis erhardii) – Beginner to intermediate
• Large psammodromus (Psammodromus algirus) – Intermediate
• Pamphylian green lizard (Lacerta pamphylica) – Intermediate
• Lilford's wall lizard (Podarcis lilfordi) – Expert

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Zagros ocellated lizard (Timon princeps) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (150×80×80 cm), substrate (Sand-loam with stable rock structures and crevices), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.