How much does a Chinese japalura cost, and is it a protected animal?
The Chinese japalura (Diploderma splendida) is the most common native lizard species on the pet market, mainly distributed in the Yangtze River basin region of China, such as Yunnan, Sichuan, Guizhou, Hubei and other places, inhabiting forest-edge scrub or beside rubble piles, with strong arboreal habits, so how much does a Chinese japalura cost? Is it a protected animal?
1. How much does a Chinese japalura cost
The market price of the Chinese japalura is relatively low; you can get one for as little as 15 yuan, and in some areas where numbers are fewer, they can sell for 30 to 40 yuan. The Chinese japalura is the lizard species sold in the greatest numbers on markets across the country; because of its small size, large numbers and low price, vendors say it is suitable for beginners, and the massive market demand poses a devastating threat to wild populations. But experienced reptile keepers generally believe that the Chinese japalura is very sensitive and that wild individuals usually carry large numbers of parasites, with an extremely low survival rate in captive keeping, so everyone is advised to think carefully before getting one.
2. Is the Chinese japalura a protected animal
The Chinese japalura is a protected animal. As the most common native lizard species on the pet market, and given that there is currently no batch captive breeding at all, its wild population faces tremendous pressure from illegal collection and the threat of extinction, and it has now been included in China's “List of Terrestrial Wild Animals with Beneficial, Important Economic or Scientific Research Value under State Protection”, belonging to the “three-valuable” wild animals.
3. How to keep the Chinese japalura
1. Keeping environment
The Chinese japalura is relatively small in size; in a standard 60×40×40 cm reptile enclosure, the maximum capacity that can be kept is 1 to 6 individuals, and the enclosure needs adequate ventilation. Place some driftwood or vines inside for it to climb on and decorate with some artificial plants, and the visual effect will be very good.
2. Selection tips
Most Chinese japaluras on the market are wild individuals, so be very careful when selecting one. First observe the head: the eyes should be bright, the eyelids should close quickly, there should be no foreign matter around the nostrils, and the mouth should be tightly closed without deformity. Then observe the limbs: they should be able to strongly support the body, with no missing parts.
3. Heat and humidity retention
The Chinese japalura can be kept in an enclosed space like a fish tank, with a spotlight used for local heating, and some broad-leaved plants grown. If the Chinese japalura adapts to that kind of environment, it will naturally take the initiative to eat small live insects, and there is a chance of keeping it alive; otherwise it will starve to death.
4. Food feeding
The Chinese japalura's food is mainly superworms, fed once every 1 to 2 days, and it can eat 6 worms at a time; if conditions permit, you can catch some crickets and frogs to improve its diet, and occasionally feed some lettuce or apple. The temperature in the tank must be maintained, and stuffiness and direct sun exposure should be avoided.