FERGUSON ZONES

A 2010 research led by Professor Gary Ferguson from the Texas Christian University created a chart called the “Ferguson Zones” in order to determine how much UV your reptile needs. The reptiles are categorized based on their basking habits.

The zones are divided into four.

ZONE 1

(Average exposure: UVI 0.4-0.7)

This zone is for animals who come out around twilight and are shade dwellers. These animals tend to avoid direct sunlight.

Example members of this zone include Leopard Geckos, Corn Snakes, Reticulated Pythons, Dart Frogs, and Green Tree Pythons.

ZONE 2

(Average exposure: UVI 0.7-1.0)

This zone is for partial sun or occasional full sun baskers. These guys like to bask but only for short periods of time.

Examples include Red Footed Tortoises, Garter Snakes, Green Anoles, Panther Chameleons, and Day Geckos.

ZONE 3

(Average exposure: UVI 1.0-2.6)

Animals in this zone prefer full sun and occasional partial sun. They like to bask for longer periods of time compared to those in zone 2 but not excessively.

Examples include Green Iguanas, Painted Turtles, Black and White Tegus, Veiled Chameleons, and Diamond Pythons.

ZONE 4

(Average exposure: UVI 2.6-3.5>)

Animals in this zone are midday baskers; these guys love it hot.

Examples are desert reptiles, such as Bearded Dragons, Desert Iguanas, Uromastyxs, Rhinoceros Iguanas, and Texas Horned Lizards.