Reptiles and amphibians are increasingly popular as pets but have highly specific welfare needs related to temperature, humidity, diet and space that are frequently poorly understood and inadequately met.
Reptile and amphibian welfare in captivity is challenging because these animals have highly specific physiological needs that require active management. Incorrect temperature gradients prevent thermoregulation essential for digestion, immune function and activity. Inadequate UV light causes vitamin D deficiency and metabolic bone disease — a painful and potentially fatal condition. Many species also have complex social needs or require enriched environments to express natural behaviours. The welfare failure rate in reptile keeping is high — a significant proportion of commonly kept species do not survive their first year in captivity. Better education, regulated sales and mandatory welfare information would address many of these preventable harms.