The giant black and white tegus of South America are among the most intelligent and highly adapted of all living lizards. They typically inhabit forest-edge savannahs and adjacent rain forests of Argentina and parts of Brazil and Uruguay. They are largely terrestrial, and spend copious amounts of time in deep burrows which afford protection from dehydration and extreme temperatures.
As pets, tegus can be one of the most rewarding of the large lizards to keep. Their moderate size, attractive appearance, and cat-like demeanor have quickly propelled them into the herpetecultural spotlight. |
