Reptile keeping is growing in popularity but many species have complex environmental, thermal, and nutritional needs that are frequently unmet in captivity.
Reptile welfare suffers when keepers lack understanding of thermal biology, lighting requirements, and natural diet. Chronic low-level suffering from metabolic bone disease, parasitism, and stress is widespread in pet reptile collections. Better education, licensing requirements, and species suitability assessments before purchase would significantly improve captive reptile welfare.