Reptile · Iguanid
Madagascar collared iguana care guide
Oplurus cuvieri
The madagascar collared iguana is a intermediate-level iguanid from Western Madagascar. Adults reach 30–40 cm and live 10–15 years in captivity. Semi-arboreal; provide thick climbing branches.
- Enclosure 120 × 60 × 90 cm
- Temp Basking 38–42°C, cool 24°C
- Humidity 40–60%
How much does a madagascar collared iguana cost in Canada?
Madagascar collared iguana quick facts
- Skill level
- Intermediate
- Adult size
- 30–40 cm
- Lifespan
- 10–15 years
- Activity
- Diurnal
- Native range
- Western Madagascar
- Minimum enclosure
- 120 × 60 × 90 cm (47 × 24 × 35 in, ≈ 171 US gal)
- Housing
- Best kept alone.
- Temperature
- Basking 38–42°C, cool 24°C
- Humidity
- 40–60%
- UVB
- Required
- Diet
- Insectivore – crickets, roaches, some greens
- Bioactive style
- Semi-arid
Madagascar collared iguana enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 120 × 60 × 90 cm (47 × 24 × 35 inches). Best kept alone. This species suits a semi-arid bioactive build.
- Leaf litter2 cm
- Jurassic ABG Semi-Arid Blend12 cm
No drainage layer – water deeply but rarely so the bottom stays slightly moist while the surface stays dry.
Temperature: Basking 38–42°C, cool 24°C. Humidity: 40–60%. UVB: Required.
What does a madagascar collared iguana eat?
Insectivore – crickets, roaches, some greens. Adults every 2 days, juveniles daily.
Handling, temperament & health
Usually calm once settled.
Health watch: Metabolic bone disease and parasites in imports.
Cleaning & maintenance schedule
Daily
- Check basking surface temperature with an infrared thermometer.
- Keep the humid hide damp; refresh water.
Weekly
- Spot-clean waste.
- Every 1–2 weeks, pour water down into the soil around plants and in the cool corner.
Monthly
- Check stones and wood are stable and can’t be tunnelled under.
- Add a few leaves to the cool corner for isopods.
Yearly
- Refresh the top layer in the basking area.
- Replace UVB bulbs on schedule.
Recommended for a madagascar collared iguana bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (120 × 60 × 90 cm).
Jurassic ABG Semi-Arid Blend
Bioactive soil layer, 12 cm
Canyon Sand
Optional: mix in for a firmer, sandier texture
Eastern Oak Leaves 10/Pack
Leaf litter – food and cover for the clean-up crew
Terrarium Moss 7L Bag
Humid hide moss
Cork Bark Half Rounds
A hide at each end – plus one humid hide filled with damp moss
Mopani Wood
Climbing and a raised basking spot
Carnelian Stone
Holds heat under the lamp – place directly on the enclosure floor
Madagascar collared iguana FAQ
Is the madagascar collared iguana good for beginners?
The madagascar collared iguana is best for keepers with some experience (intermediate). Usually calm once settled.
What size enclosure does a madagascar collared iguana need?
At least 120 × 60 × 90 cm (about 47 × 24 × 35 inches, roughly 171 US gallons) for one adult. Best kept alone.
How much does a madagascar collared iguana cost in Canada?
Typically $150–350 CAD to buy, about $1130–2040 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $300–450 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a madagascar collared iguana need?
Temperature: Basking 38–42°C, cool 24°C. Humidity: 40–60%.
What does a madagascar collared iguana eat?
Insectivore – crickets, roaches, some greens. Adults every 2 days, juveniles daily.
Similar species
This care sheet is general guidance from One Bioactive, not veterinary advice. Needs vary with age, locality and individual animals – confirm with your breeder and an exotics vet. Prices are typical Canadian ranges in CAD and change over time.