Scaly friends count too.
Sudan Plated Lizard
Broadleysaurus major
Also called Western Plated Lizard, Great Plated Lizard, Broadley's Rough-Scaled Plated Lizard
From Eastern and central Africa, including Tanzania, Kenya, Mozambique, and Zanzibar. Also found from Ethiopia to South Africa and west to Togo.1
A friendly guide, not veterinary advice. For anything about your pet's health, ask your vet.
At a glance the quick version
Total length including tail; tail is less than half the total length.
Looks how to spot one
scales
This lizard has a stout, armoured body covered in square, plate-like keeled scales arranged in bands across the back and tail. The head shields are fused to the skull, giving it a tough, prehistoric look. The tail is broad and less than half the body length.1
Personality what they are like
Sudan plated lizards are generally docile and not aggressive. They can be shy at first but become tame with gentle, regular handling. They are solitary by nature and do not enjoy company of their own kind.2
Daily activity how busy a day looks
These diurnal lizards are active during the day and need plenty of space to explore, climb and dig. A large terrarium with rocks, hides and deep substrate is essential.2
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Keep the enclosure clean by removing waste and old food daily. Change water regularly as they like to soak. No special grooming is needed, but provide a shallow water dish for drinking and bathing.2
Home where they are happiest
A terrarium at least 48 inches long, 24 inches wide and 24 inches tall is recommended. Use 4-6 inches of substrate for digging. Provide a basking spot up to 125°F with a halogen lamp, daytime temperatures of 85-88°F, and a night-time drop to around 75°F. Include rocks, crevices and hides to mimic their natural rocky savanna home.2
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Omnivorous. Feed a variety of insects such as crickets, mealworms, roaches and silkworms, plus leafy greens like rocket, bok choy, kale and watercress. Avoid citrus fruits. Offer occasional treats like boiled chicken or quail eggs no more than once a month. Prey items should be no wider than the space between the lizard's eyes.2
Company who they like around
Sudan plated lizards are solitary and should be housed alone. In the wild they are not particularly social, though they may share areas with good resources. Do not house multiple individuals together as it causes stress and fighting.2
The story where it all began
The Sudan plated lizard has been known to science since 1851, when it was first described by Duméril. It was originally placed in the genus Gerrhosaurus but later moved to Broadleysaurus. In the pet trade it is considered an intermediate-level reptile, valued for its unique armoured look and calm temperament. Many individuals in captivity are wild-caught, as captive breeding is challenging.12
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Sudan Plated Lizard. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Fresh waterevery day
- Temperature checkCheck the warm and cool endsevery day
- Spot cleanevery day
- FeedingHow often depends on species and agevaries
- SupplementsCalcium and vitamin dusting as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- UVB bulb changeMany UVB bulbs fade before they stop glowing, follow the maker's adviceevery 6 months
- Weigh inevery month
- Full cleanevery month
- Vet check-upFind a vet who sees exotic petsevery year
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Sudan Plated Lizard?
Feeding frequency depends on age and species. Furry Diary's starting plan is to feed daily, but you should adjust based on your lizard's size and activity. Always follow the food label and check with your vet for a schedule that suits your pet.2 Furry Diary plan
What does a Sudan Plated Lizard eat, and what should it never eat?
They are omnivores and enjoy insects like crickets, mealworms, roaches, and silkworms, plus leafy greens such as rocket, bok choy, kale, and watercress. Avoid citrus fruits and never feed prey wider than the space between their eyes. Offer treats like boiled chicken or quail eggs no more than once a month.2
How much space does a Sudan Plated Lizard need?
A terrarium at least 48 inches long, 24 inches wide, and 24 inches tall is recommended. They need plenty of space to explore, climb, and dig, with 4-6 inches of substrate for burrowing.2
What temperature, light or water does a Sudan Plated Lizard need?
Provide a basking spot up to 125°F with a halogen lamp, daytime temperatures of 85-88°F, and a night-time drop to around 75°F. Use UVB lighting and change the bulb every 6 months as per the maker's advice. Offer a shallow water dish for drinking and bathing, and change water regularly.2 Furry Diary plan
How often should I clean a Sudan Plated Lizard's home?
Remove waste and old food daily, and change water regularly. Furry Diary's plan suggests a full clean once a month, but spot clean daily to keep the enclosure fresh.2 Furry Diary plan
Can a Sudan Plated Lizard live with others?
No, they are solitary and should be housed alone. Housing multiple individuals together causes stress and fighting, as they do not enjoy company of their own kind.2
How long does a Sudan Plated Lizard live?
They can live between 10 and 23 years with proper care, so be prepared for a long-term commitment.32
Can I handle a Sudan Plated Lizard?
Yes, they are generally docile and can become tame with gentle, regular handling. They may be shy at first, so be patient and handle them calmly to build trust.2
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- en.wikipedia.org: Sudan plated lizard en.wikipedia.orgused for origin, length cm, coat or body, colours, history, fun fact
- reptilecare.info: sudan plated lizard care guide species profile including diet habitat reptilecare.infoused for length cm, lifespan years, best traits, temperament, activity needs, grooming or care, habitat needs, diet basics, social needs, history
- academy.herpeton.net: broadleysaurus major academy.herpeton.netused for lifespan years
- allanglescreatures.com: broadleysaurus major allanglescreatures.com
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-10-01. Text is written in our own words from these sources.