Reptile welfare in zoological collections depends critically on correct UVB provision and thermal gradient management, with significant deficiencies common in facilities without reptile-specialist expertise.
Reptile welfare in collections is particularly prone to neglect because reptile suffering is poorly recognised by non-specialists and reptiles are not as behaviourally expressive as mammals. Metabolic bone disease from UVB deficiency causes progressive skeletal deformity and pain - entirely preventable with correct lighting. Inadequate thermal gradients prevent normal thermoregulation, affecting immune function, digestion and behaviour. The absence of validated reptile pain assessment tools means welfare problems may go undetected longer than in mammals. Good reptile welfare in collections requires specialist keeper knowledge, rigorous lighting and temperature management protocols, and regular welfare assessment by people who understand reptile-specific behaviour.