Black & White Tegu

Hades was discovered in a vacant apartment after his initial owners had abandoned him upon moving out. He was found by the landlord of the building and brought to his new home at The Zoo in 2016.

Salvator merianae

15-20 years

Black and white tegus live in tropical rainforests, savannas, and deserts of Eastern and central South America.

Tegus are omivorous and have a wide-ranging diet. They will eat fruits, vegetables, eggs, small birds, small mammals, and small reptiles.

In the wild, males and females leave and follow scent trails in order to find a mate. Their main defense mechanism against threats is biting, and they will defend themselves against predators or other tegus when resources are scarce.

Conservation Status

Threats in the Wild

The wild population of the black and white tegu is stable. Minor threats to their survival are hunting for their skins and the pet trade.

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