Did you know that just FOUR different types of reptile make up over 65% of the thousands of species being kept and sold as pets?

Leopard geckos, bearded dragons, tortoises and colubrid snakes such as corn snakes represent in excess of 65% of reptiles sold in Britain.   

These specific animals have become the mainstay of the reptile pet trade because they have all of the attributes of a good terrarium pet - they’re relatively small, they’re easy to keep, they’re colourful and interesting and last, but not least, they’re easy to handle.

“By focusing on these five species you will be catering for the vast proportion of customers by providing animals that are easy and fun to keep.” says Tony Jones, Head of Communications for the Federation of British Herpetologists.

“And being available in many different colour morphs means you’ll never be spoilt for variety and choice.”

Thankfully all of these species are produced in large numbers by professional and hobbyist breeders around the world. 

According to the Reptile and Exotic Pet Trade Association, approximately 80-85% of reptiles sold in the UK are captive bred and over 300,000 reptiles and amphibians are bred in the UK each year. This number is increasing annually.