Schönbrunn Zoo was the first zoo in the world to successfully breed crocodile-tailed tegu. Two young animals came out, the “effort” was worth it.
The parents of the South American lizard species were originally confiscated in the Netherlands and then housed in a Belgian zoo. After the closure, they came to Schönbrunn in 2021.
“It was worth it”
“There is no reliable information about the reproduction of this species. However, we were able to draw on our years of experience with another, closely related species, the crocodile tegu. During the five months that the eggs were hatched, we repeatedly adjusted the conditions. It was worth it and two young animals emerged: a great success,” says Anton Weissenbacher, zoological curator.
With the successful breeding of offspring at Schönbrunn Zoo, “an important foundation was laid for a better understanding of this species.”
Animals attractive to smugglers
Crocodile-tailed tegus are extremely rarely kept and are therefore very expensive. This makes them attractive to smugglers. Little is known about their exact distribution. What we know about them: The animals are mainly found in the Amazon region along water bodies, where they like to sunbathe on high branches above the water.
Source: Krone
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