Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello,

I have been thinking about getting a H. suspectrum. Although I know about there needs and habits and everything, I am not sure about the licencing required to keep them. I specialise in Uromastyx and rare monitors, but I think Gilas are amazing.

Could anyone fill me in on what I would need
(DWA licence...etc.?)

Cheers,

Hugh
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7:2 Uromastyx acanthinura nigriventris
1:2 Uromastyx geyri
1:1 Uromastyx hardwicki
1:0 Uromastyx dispar maliensis
1:0 Uromastyx aegypita aegyptia
0:1 Uromastyx aegyptia microlepis

1:1 Sauromalus obesus obesus

2:1 Varanus panoptes panoptes
0:1 Varanus flavirufus ssp.

Gilas are a great choice, and i think you would really enjoy them, as they are a terrific extension of the varied lizard group you already have going. i strongly believe that the monitor/uro/gila husbandry is closely related and largely interchangeable, so you should really be able to hit the ground running, assuming you are doing well with your other species : )

as for legalities and all, it varies from city to city, county to county. you will just have to check with your local gov't, fish and wildlife, animal control, whoever it is that regulates pet size and nature.

we are in a Denver suburb, in Littleton, where there is no restriction. in Denver proper, you can't keep venomous period. no venomous in the city of Boulder, but ok in the county. on the other side of Denver, in Aurora, there are casually enforced laws against reptile size. so it is just all over the place.

of course, in the Gila's native habitat states, you aren't going to be able to keep them at all, so hopefully you are not in those areas.

once again, the Gilas are STRONGLY recommended for the right keeper, just an awesome reptile, best of luck!
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robyn@proexotics.com

Pro Exotics Reptiles

Hello,

Well I actually live in England. Is there anybody else on this list from here.

I think I could do well with Gilas, as I have had great enjoyment from Uros and monitors.

Cheers for the help,

Hugh
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7:2 Uromastyx acanthinura nigriventris
1:2 Uromastyx geyri
1:1 Uromastyx hardwicki
1:0 Uromastyx dispar maliensis
1:0 Uromastyx aegypita aegyptia
0:1 Uromastyx aegyptia microlepis

1:1 Sauromalus obesus obesus

2:1 Varanus panoptes panoptes
0:1 Varanus flavirufus ssp.

Hugh - I too am English.

I don't have any Gilas, but I've been doing a bit of research into them. To keep Gilas here you need a Dangerous Wild Animals License. You need this before you obtain any animals. The licensing authority is your local authority. For me that is High Peak Borough Council. Before the license is issued you will be subject to an inspection by an approved vet at your expense, and this will be repeated annually. Your license is only for a year, and you will also need to pay an annual fee for it. For me this is £190 plus the vet's fees.

If you are interested in following this up, let me know, as I'm considering importing some from the US...

Cheers,
Mark.

Hello,

Thanks for the info. It was pretty much what I had suspected. I am intending to follow this up, but it cannot be for a while. This is because I getting more species of monitors next year, and I cannot afford to get Gilas at the same time.

Let me know how you are getting on with getting yours.

Just in case you didn't know, BJ herp supplies near Dorchester keep and breed reticulated and banded Gilas. I believe they have some baby banded available at the moment.
Their sit is www.natures-image.co.uk

Thanks again,

Hugh
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7:2 Uromastyx acanthinura nigriventris
1:2 Uromastyx geyri
1:1 Uromastyx hardwicki
1:0 Uromastyx dispar maliensis
1:0 Uromastyx aegypita aegyptia
0:1 Uromastyx aegyptia microlepis

1:1 Sauromalus obesus obesus

2:1 Varanus panoptes panoptes
0:1 Varanus flavirufus ssp.

Hugh,

I did know that there are a few gilas availabe in the UK, but they are pretty much twice the price of those in the US, i.e. over US$ 2500. Even given the costs of shipping, its got to be cheaper to import them, particularly for a multiple order...

Let me know if you'd like to pursue this, even if it is in 6 or 12 months time. You can always e-mail me direct.

Cheers,
Mark.