In an extraordinary event in Jaraguá do Sul, Santa Catarina, biologist Christian Raboch captured the hatching of over 15 tegu lizard hatchlings after receiving a box of eggs from a concerned local resident. The resident, worried about the potential influx of reptiles in his backyard, handed over the eggs to Raboch, who works with the Fundação Jaraguaense de Meio Ambiente (Fujama).
The resident stumbled upon the eggs in his garden and, fearing they might belong to snakes or lizards, decided to remove them. Raboch, who received the eggs earlier in the month, ensured they were kept under optimal humidity conditions to facilitate the embryos’ development. “It was one of the most unique experiences I’ve ever witnessed,” Raboch remarked.
The video documenting the birth of the 16 lizards quickly gained traction online, amassing over 873,000 views within days. The footage shows the eggs nestled in soil, with some hatchlings already emerging. Raboch assisted one of the lizards that had partially broken through its shell, ensuring it was safely released into a nearby forested area along with the others.
The tegu lizards, scientifically known as Salvator merianae, are notable for their independence post-hatching. Raboch explained that the eggs typically hatch within 60 to 90 days, and unlike birds, tegu parents do not incubate their eggs. While parental care is minimal, one adult may guard the nest. The lizards reach maturity between two to three years, although not all offspring survive to adulthood.
Raboch emphasized the importance of maintaining proper humidity for the eggs, as dryness can hinder embryonic development. He cautioned against prematurely opening the eggs, noting that intervention is only advisable when a hatchling is already breaking through the shell. “Forcing the process can be detrimental,” he warned.
