Salvator merianae
Nandor and Marwa
S merianae are large lizards native to western and central parts of South America, namely Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Bolivia. They fill roughly the same niche as raccoons do in many places. Their versatility and general feistiness has made them a formidable invasive species in the US. We have found that these same qualities make tame S merianaes' intelligence and personalities irresistible.
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ExRe found Nandor and Marwa on Craigslist and seized the opportunity to work with the pair as our first BIG lizards. Nandor tops 4 feet, tail included. Each tegu has their own 6ft x 4ft x 4ft enclosure, connected with a cat door that can be locked. They seem to prefer spending time in the same enclosure, though we keep them separate for their own safety when we are not around to supervise. Obviously, these two are named for our favorite on-again/off-again characters in the TV show "What We Do in the Shadows".
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Nandor is incredibly tame and is a great reptile ambassador to kids or very nervous adults. He tends toward the lazier and clumsier side, but can always be enticed to run to something tasty. We suspect that Nandor had issues with MDB as a juvenile. His left rear leg has mobility issues, and his kinked tail is a classic symptom. These issues apparently do not bother him: he is an expert climber and takes every opportunity to explore outside of his enclosure, often in an effort to find the warmest, softest spot available.
Marwa is tame and trustworthy, but has severely impacted vision due to albinism. We think that this is the reason she "spooks" easily. She is quite active and will "beg" for food by jumping up on anyone holding a suspected treat. Because of her food motivation, general nervousness, and poor vision, Marwa can strike for things that she mistakes for food. This includes fingers. She does not mind being seen but really prefers not to be touched.
Tegus are difficult pets to keep, and ExRe does not recommend having one without extensive preparation and research. It is tempting to want one after seeing social media examples of puppy-dog tame tegus. These reptiles require a LOT of room, environmental stimulation, precise enclosure conditions, and a varied and balanced diet. Their strong limbs and large claws mean that they can get into many places and be rather destructive. Their strong jaws mean that a bite - accidental or purposeful - can cause major damage.
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Interested in keeping a tegu? Below are general parameters for making your tegu minimally comfortable. For more information, Extant Relatives recommends Reptifile's detailed care sheets.
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Life Span: 15+ years
Cage Size: Minimum 6'w x 4'l x 4'h
Day/Night Hours: 12/12
Active times: Most active during the day
Day temps: 75-85 F
Hot Spot: 100 F
Night temps: 75-85 F
Daytime humidity: 70-80%
Nighttime humidity: 70-80%
UVB: High
Substrate: Organic topsoil or coconut fiber (or mix)
Diet: Protein-heavy ominvores. Meats, insects, vegetables, fruits.
Decor: Land dwellers with an affinity for climbing. Perches, platforms, branches, and ladders will be well-utilized for thermoregulation and UVB absorption.
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Our setup: Nandor and Marwa share a 12'-wide, 4'-deep, 4'-high enclosure. They are usually separated, but are allowed to hang out together under close supervision. They each have their own Arcadia 12% UVB T5 bulb, a grown-lamp for plants, and a heat-mat set at 90F, and a heat lamp. The heat lamps are turned off in the winter to allow for brumation. Their cage floor is painted with DryLok masonry sealer (to wear down claws) and covered with a cocofiber substrate. Multi-level basking spots allow for thermoregulation and varied UVB absorption. Cork bark tubes, plastic totes (hides), and plants decorate their enclosure. We are still figuring out what palnts to use, as they have enjoyed destroying plant we have tried. with an isopod clean-up crew. Both tegus love to soak, so they receive electrolyte baths once per week during the active part of their year (March-November) and water bowls large enough to submerge in. Their diet consists of a rotation of vitamin-supplemented proteins 2-3 times per week, including dubia roaches, mice, eggs, Repashy diets, and ground turkey. Greens, vegetables, and sometimes fruits are offered when protein sources are not. Feedings are reduced during inactive times of the year.