About Herpy
Herpy is a Danish hobby project: a reference of reptile care guides, written for the people who keep them.
What you will find here
Every species has its own guide with the same sections: about the species, distribution and habitat, the enclosure, temperature, humidity, lighting, feeding, behaviour, breeding and health. Alongside the text is a fact box with the figures people look up most: size, enclosure dimensions, temperatures, humidity, UVB and legal status. A map shows where the species lives in the wild.
We are starting with geckos, the most species-rich group of lizards and among the most widely kept. Monitor lizards and other reptiles will follow, and new guides are published regularly.
How the guides are written
The guides are based on the specialist literature, scientific papers, species databases such as The Reptile Database and GBIF, and the documented practice of experienced keepers. The sources are listed at the bottom of every species page, so you can read further and check the figures yourself. CITES appendix, EU annex and IUCN category have been looked up in the official lists.
Danish is the original language. The guides are translated into English, German, Swedish and Norwegian, and where a translation is missing, the Danish text is shown.
Use the figures as a starting point
Reptiles differ as individuals, and no two enclosures are quite the same. Use the figures as a starting point, keep an eye on your own animal, and always ask someone who knows: a breeder, an experienced keeper or a vet who knows reptiles. The guides are no substitute for a vet.
The rules on keeping animals, CITES paperwork and registration can change. Always check the current rules in your country before you buy, sell or breed.