What is terraristics?
Terraristics refers to the keeping and care of reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates and sometimes other vertebrates in terrariums. It is a form of pet keeping that focuses on animals that live in natural habitats such as deserts, rainforests, swamps or other specific environments.
Terraristics encompasses a wide variety of animals, including snakes, lizards, turtles, frogs, spiders, scorpions and other invertebrates. Keepers of terrarium animals endeavour to adapt the conditions in the terrarium as closely as possible to the animals' natural habitats by adjusting the temperature, humidity, lighting and other environmental factors.
Terrarium keeping is a fascinating hobby, but like all animal keeping, it requires specialised knowledge. The keeper of terrarium animals must take responsibility for ensuring that the needs of the animals kept are met and that they can live in animal-friendly conditions.
Which reptiles can you buy?
There are a variety of reptile species that can be kept as pets, depending on the personal preferences of the owner and the needs of the animal. Some of the most popular reptile species that are often purchased as pets are:
- Bearded dragons: These lizards are relatively easy to care for and are appreciated for their friendly nature and interesting behaviour.
- Leopard geckos: Small lizards that are easy to keep in terrariums and are popular due to their calm temperament and low husbandry requirements.
- The corn snakes and king snakes are snake species that are suitable for beginners and are available in different colours.
- Ball pythons: Another popular snake species for beginners, known for their calm nature and ability to thrive in captivity.
- Turtles: There are several species of turtles, including Greek tortoises which are kept in gardens or aquatic turtles which can be kept in garden ponds or terrariums, depending on the species.
- Geckos: In addition to leopard geckos, there are a variety of other geckos such as crown geckos and day geckos that are popular as terrarium inhabitants.
- Green iguanas: These big lizards are popular with some keepers, but require specific habitat conditions and a large terrarium. They may only be kept in Switzerland with a licence.
Before deciding to keep reptiles, you should definitely read a specialised book. The following applies to all animal keeping: children (including adolescents) must be guided, supervised and controlled by their parents.
What are the legal requirements for terrarium animals in Switzerland?
The Swiss Animal Welfare Act and the Animal Welfare Ordinance regulate the keeping of terrarium animals. The minimum enclosure sizes in relation to the number of animals kept (by body size) and special requirements for infrastructure, climate, feeding and care.
Keeping giant snakes, giant tortoises, large iguanas (over 1 metre long when fully grown), all chameleons and venomous snakes requires a licence. In order to obtain this, a certificate of competence must first be obtained. The licence is issued by the cantonal veterinary office.
The Nature and Cultural Heritage Protection Act protects all native reptiles and amphibians.
It is forbidden to collect and keep protected animals - this also applies to the keeping of tadpoles.
The Washington Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora regulates the trade of live animals and products across national borders. Animals listed in the WA require CITES papers.
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Ich habe eine Bestellung aufgegeben. Leider fehlte ein Flammenmoos, dass ich bezahlt habe. Fand ich aber weniger tragisch, als der Bergkiesel. Auf den Fotos hätte es ein Stein mit Löchern sein sollen, bekommen habe ich eher spitzige Berge. Bestellen werde ich nicht mehr, höchstens vor Ort kaufen!.