The Top “Vegetarian” Reptiles to Keep as Pets!

*Yum, a Salad! © The Spruce Eats.

There is no doubt by now that reptiles and amphibians are among the most unique, and diverse groups of animals on the planet! They occupy nearly every niche on every continent except Antarctica, and have an innumerable array of daily and seasonal activity levels, feeding, reproductive, defensive, and other habits and natural history, which would be far too numerous to be able to go into further detail in one article! Many different species have their own unique care and husbandry requirements which must be paid attention to closely for them to be able to not only survive, but thrive under our care. These include having different enclosure and housing requirements, lighting and heating elements, moisture and humidity, and of course, different diets and feeding regimes.

But what about if one is interested in a “vegetarian” species of reptile or amphibian? Are there species which do not require any such rodent, or meat based diets, insects, fish, or any other sources of “live” feeders for that matter? Never fear, as it turns out, there are still options for you when it comes to a pet reptile! Although there are generally not nearly as many species, or groups of reptiles, there are still some which we can consider as being “vegetarian” pet reptiles.

Unfortunately, with this designation, we can almost certainly rule out the possibility of many groups of animals altogether, such as all snakes, crocodilians, and amphibians. Just about all of these animals do require some form of insect or meat based diets to be properly maintained and healthy. This also rules out many omnivorous or carnivorous turtle and lizard species as well, which would also likely not make the ideal pet choices for someone with these criteria. So where does this leave us? The answer to one’s possibly remaining choices would predominately be some lizard species, as well as some turtle or tortoise species.

It should also be mentioned here, that for the purposes of this list, a wide range of animals with wider still range of care, husbandry, and difficulty requirements will be considered for the purposes of identifying “vegetarian” species of reptiles which can be maintained as pets. Some of these species mentioned can make suitable and appropriate beginner’s or entry level pets, while others most certainly do not, and require much more long term care and commitment, large or spacious enclosures, or other more advanced knowledge, expertise, and resources to be able to properly house and maintain. While many people might have differing opinions on what makes a suitable pet, this article will provide an objective look into the options that are out there that one can own as a “vegetarian” pet reptile. As with any animal, doing one’s proper research while having the long term means of appropriately housing them, while also understanding the potential longevity are most crucial.

Different species mentioned here can also have differing specific dietary requirements when it comes to the fruits, vegetables, or other greens which are suitable and appropriate for them. Lastly to consider, is the fact that due to these diets, calcium and vitamin D3 supplementation may still be necessary for many of these animals if they are not otherwise able to obtain it through their diets, and/or lighting. In some considerations, there might not “truly” be a “vegetarian” species of reptile when it comes to keeping them in captivity.

We’ve also, for purposes of this article, included those reptile species which can be given plant or fruit-based commercialized diets, such as crested geckos, Madagascan day geckos, and other several other gecko species, as many of their more natural diets still consist, at least in part, of insects, although these can still be possible contenders for someone looking for a “vegetarian” pet in captivity. However, we will be predominately looking at animals with more natural “vegetarian” diets.

With all of this mentioned and out of the way, here are some possible considerations for “vegetarian” reptiles one can own or choose as pets:

Iguanas (All Species, but Mainly Green Iguanas, Rock Iguanas, and Spiny Tailed Iguanas)
*Care Level: Intermediate to Advanced.

*Green Iguana, Left. Rhinoceros Iguana, Right. © WKMG and CB Reptile.

Iguanas are a large and diverse group of terrestrial to arboreal, medium sized to large lizards found in the New World (in Central and South America, the Caribbean, West Indies, and other surrounding areas) which can vary tremendously depending on their species, sizes, appearances, niches, and habitats. Generally, most also have large crests, horns, spines, or sails along their snouts, heads, bodies, and tails, used for sexual and reproductive behavioral displays. There are many different genera, species, and subspecies of iguanas, or “iguanid” lizards, with some being more omnivorous than others. However, for this article, the Green Iguana (Iguana iguana) is predominately herbivorous, and is also perhaps the most widely kept, known, and recognized species of iguana.

While iguanas are certainly a well known group of reptiles which can be herbivorous, they are also generally not a great choice for the new or beginning reptile owner. Green iguanas especially are still, unfortunately, available in large quantities for inexpensive prices at many pet stores or other places. However, iguanas are not to be taken lightly as they can grow quickly and will require sufficient room sized enclosures with the proper heating, lighting, and UVB, as well as proper diets, climbing, foraging, and basking opportunities. As with all of the animals on this list, it is vital to seriously consider the responsibilities and research the species one is potentially interested in before choosing to adopt, purchase, or bring one into your home, particularly should it be an iguana.

Uromastyx, or Spiny Tailed Lizards
*Care Level: Novice/Beginner to Intermediate.

*Mali Uromastyx, Left. Ornate Uromastyx, Right. © Reptiles-Cove. And Arids Only

Uromastyx, which are also known by many other names such as the “dabb” lizards, “mastigures”, or spiny tailed lizards, are a genus of primarily terrestrial, medium sized agamid lizards. These lizards are typically characterized by their short, heavily armored or spiny tails which are used in defense against predators, as well as their short, thick bodies and heads. There are at least twelve or more different species and subspecies of uromastyx with ranges in northern Africa, through southern Europe and the Middle East, and into eastern and southern Asia, depending on the species. Sizes, colors, appearances, and natural behaviors and habits can also vary considerably depending on the species too, and some species such as Ornate uromastyx can be exceptionally beautifully colored and patterned.

In captivity, several species of uromastyx, primarily the Moroccan, Mali, Nigerian, Saharan, and Egyptian Uromastyx species, are commonly and readily available at many pet and reptile specialty stores, shows, expos, and private and hobbyist breeders. Proper enclosure sizes, as well as proper diets, supplementation, lighting, and heating with UVB are absolute musts when it comes to uromastyx. While some species can be somewhat nervous and skittish, at least when not acclimated, others can be much more personable and docile, with none really being truly “aggressive” animals. Most species of uromastyx also do not become overly large, and for the most part, have similar care requirements to those of bearded dragons and other agamid lizards, only with more herbivorous diets.

Most Tortoises (Some can be More Omnivorous)
*Care Level: Novice/Beginner to Advanced (Depending on the Species)

*Russian Tortoise, Left. Leopard Tortoise, Right. © Russian-Tortoise.com and TortoiseCentre.co.uk.

Tortoises are a group of well known, predominately terrestrial group of reptiles falling under the umbrella term of “chelonians”, which include all reptiles with hardened and bony shells including all turtles and tortoises. For purposes of this article, the American definition and usage of the term “tortoise”, to separate them from turtles, shall be used. A tortoise is any chelonian having (generally) larger and more domed shells or carapaces, heavier, blockier, “elephantine” like limbs and feet, and generally more terrestrial, or land-dwelling habits. There are many different species of tortoises found throughout the world, except perhaps Australia and Antarctica, and which may be found in nearly every habitat or environment, from tropical or sub-tropical for some species, to more arid or semi-arid for other species.

Generally, most tortoises are herbivorous grazers, feeding on grasses, downed fruits and vegetables, or other plant or fungal matter, although some species can sometimes be more omnivorous as well. In captivity, there are many different sizes and species of tortoises available, with differing care and special, or housing requirements one should absolutely be aware of prior to obtaining one. Nearly all tortoises are also extremely long-lived animals in addition, living anywhere from at least 40 to 100 years or more! All tortoises also require the proper amounts of lighting, humidity, heating, and UVB, as well as proper diets in order to avoid shell deformities and other health related issues. While tortoises can generally make for great pets for the right people, they do require the right amounts of space and overall care. If a large tortoise is what one may be looking for, an African Spurred Tortoise, or Sulcata, may be a possibility. However, for many more people, a smaller tortoise species such as Greek, Russian, or Hermann’s Tortoises will likely be the more suitable pet choice for them.

Chuckwallas
*Care Level: Generally Intermediate

*Chuckwalla. © Critter-Science.

Chuckwallas are a genera of relatively medium sized, terrestrial “iguanid” lizards related to other iguana species in the same family, which are found in the arid to semi-arid deserts, chaparral, scrublands, and grasslands of the southwestern United States and Mexico. There are several different species, subspecies and locales of chuckwallas as well. These rock-dwelling lizards have a unique defensive strategy, for when they are threatened or pursued, they will retreat or wedge themselves into rock crevices or burrows, and expand or inflate their bodies, making them very difficult to access or remove by any potential predator.

In captivity, chuckwallas can make for very personable and enjoyable pets to maintain, and generally do not attain overly large or unmanageable sizes, and are very rarely aggressive. They are, perhaps however, a somewhat lesser known and available pet reptile species, although one may have success finding these lizards at a more reptile-specialty pet store, expo, or other reptile show. As with most other lizards, proper lighting, heating, diets, and UVB are a must for chuckwallas as well.

Some Species of Geckos
*Care Level: Novice/Beginner to Intermediate (Depending on the Species)

*Crested Gecko, Left. Madagascar Day Gecko, Right. © Wide On Pets and ExpeditionTravelOnline.com

Geckos are an extremely large and diverse group of lizards found across the world, except Antarctica, and occupying nearly every form of habitat, environment, and niche. Many species of geckos are found in tropical to sub-tropical areas of the world, while others can be found to be well-adapted for drier, more arid to semi-arid environments elsewhere. Most geckos, although not all, lack eyelids, and must lick their eyes to clean them, Most geckos also have enlarged feet or toe-pads with large pads known as lamellae, and millions of microscopic hairs called setae, which allow most species of geckos to climb and grip onto vertical or horizontal surfaces. Some geckos also have some color-changing abilities as well, and many can also vocalize, unlike most other lizards, to signify territory, dominance, or during courtship.

There are easily hundreds of different species of geckos, with their own unique enclosure and housing, temperature, humidity, lighting, heating, and dietary requirements. While most geckos are generally insectivorous, feeding on insects, or other small invertebrates or even sometimes small vertebrates, some species of geckos can also be Frugivorous, feeding on the sap, honey, or nectar of trees, flowers, or other plants, and sometimes ripened fruit and vegetable matter. Some of these species can include the ever-popular crested gecko, and other related species of New Caledonian geckos (such as gargoyle, Chahoua, and Giant Leachianus geckos), and Madagascar Day Geckos, of which are many species and subspecies. While these geckos might not be exclusively frugivorous, or herbivorous, still feeding on insects for at least a portion of their natural diets, commercialized or pre-made gecko diets are widely available.

Solomon Islands Prehensile-Tailed Skink
*Care Level: Intermediate/Moderate to Advanced.


*Solomon Islands, or Monkey Tailed Skink. © Central Florida Zoo.

Also commonly known as the Zebra Skink, or Monkey-Tailed Skink, the Solomon Islands Prehensile-Tailed Skink is a large, arboreal, or tree-dwelling species of skink indigenous only to the Solomon Islands of Northern Australia. A unique species, the Monkey-Tailed skink is one of the largest species of skinks in the world, reaching up to nearly 36 inches in length. They are also unique among reptiles in that they are one of the few known species to raise young and function in small groups known as circulus. As their name implies, the monkey-tailed skink’s long and prehensile tail is used for climbing and gripping onto branches while navigating their environments. They are also a monotypic species, meaning they are the only species, currently, within their genus.

Monkey-tailed skinks are also unusual among skink species in that they can be entirely herbivorous, or frugivorous, feeding on many different fruits and vegetables, and other plants. When it comes to keeping this species in captivity as pets, monkey tailed skinks are perhaps one of the more difficult animals to come by or find available on this list for a few reasons. One reason is that their reproductive and fecundity rates are quite low, along with long gestation rates. Local and international laws and regulations, such as CITES (Convention on the International Trade of Endangered Species), can also limit the availability of this species. They also require large and spacious arboreal enclosures as well, and should be handled carefully, as they still have strong jaws and claws when it comes to their handle ability.

Aquatic to Semi-Aquatic Turtle Species

*Painted Turtle, Left. Red-Eared Slider, Right. © AZ-Reptiles.org and PetMd.com

*Note. Many species of Aquatic to Semi-Aquatic Turtles (such as Pond Sliders, Cooters, Map Turtles, and Painted Turtles) were also considered for this list, but for all intents and purposes, shall be considered omnivorous. While many species of turtles can be predominantly herbivorous as adults, feeding on aquatic algae and other plants, their diets can depend on the species, age and dietary/nutritional needs, and overall food and resource availability. As such, they still may catch and consume small fish, small amphibians, aquatic insects, crayfish and other crustaceans, mollusks, or other aquatic invertebrates.

Many commercialized aquatic turtle diets are also available, but oftentimes still contain some animal or meat-based products such as shrimp, krill, fish, etc. If, however, one is open to a reptile which requires relatively little meat in their diet, aquatic turtles can be yet another option for you.
*Care Level for Semi-Aquatic-Aquatic Turtles: Novice/Beginner to Advanced (Depending on the Species).