Our Data Mission
Reptile Vault was built to solve a critical problem in the hobby: the overwhelming amount of conflicting, outdated, and anecdotal care information. Our mission is to provide structured, objective, and up-to-date data on reptile husbandry, nutrition, and species requirements.
We believe that every keeper deserves access to clear, evidence-based guidance. By aggregating data from veterinary literature, biological research, and expert keeper consensus, we aim to elevate the standard of care for captive reptiles globally.
Medical & Expert Review Panel
To ensure accuracy and safety, our core husbandry parameters and nutritional data are periodically reviewed by qualified professionals in the field of herpetology and exotic veterinary medicine.
Dr. Sarah Jenkins
DVM, DABVP (Reptile & Amphibian)
Exotic Animal Medicine & Clinical Nutrition
Marcus Thorne
MSc Herpetology
Species Ecology & Bioactive Husbandry
Elena Rodriguez
BSc Biology, LVT
Reptile Rehabilitation & Diagnostics
Primary Data Sources
Our database is built upon a foundation of peer-reviewed literature, established veterinary textbooks, and verified nutritional databases. We do not scrape social media or rely solely on community forums for primary data.
- USDA FoodData CentralPrimary source for raw nutritional values (Calcium, Phosphorus, Protein, Fiber) in fresh produce and meats.
- Mader's Reptile and Amphibian Medicine and SurgeryBaseline reference for species-specific physiological needs, temperatures, and medical baselines.
- Journal of Herpetological Medicine and SurgerySource for updated studies on UVB requirements, specific toxicities, and dietary metabolization.
- Expert Keeper ConsensusUsed for behavioral notes, handling tolerance, and practical enclosure application where clinical literature is sparse.
How We Process Data
Aggregation & Collection
We source raw data—such as temperature ranges, dietary requirements, and nutritional profiles—from established veterinary textbooks and biological databases.
Normalization
Data is converted into standardized units (e.g., per 100g for foods, specific UVI ranges for lighting) to allow for objective comparison across species and items.
Cross-Verification
We compare textbook recommendations against modern, progressive keeping standards (like Advancing Herpetological Husbandry guidelines) to identify outdated minimums.
Expert Review
Critical safety data—such as food toxicities, absolute minimum enclosure sizes, and strict temperature bounds—is reviewed by our panel for accuracy.
Publication & Monitoring
Data is published to the platform. We actively monitor new herpetological research and update our parameters when the scientific consensus shifts.
Update Frequency
Herpetoculture is a rapidly evolving science. What was considered acceptable care ten years ago is often deemed inadequate today. We review our primary species profiles and food database annually.
Critical updates—such as newly discovered toxicities or major shifts in veterinary consensus regarding a specific species—are implemented immediately upon verification.
Handling Conflicting Information
It is common for reptile care sources to disagree, particularly regarding temperatures, humidity, and dietary ratios. When reputable sources conflict, our policy is to provide the safest, most thoroughly documented range.
If a practice is widely debated but poses a potential risk to the animal (e.g., feeding a specific controversial food item), we default to a conservative stance and recommend avoiding it, noting the controversy in the item's description.
Limitations of Our Data
While we strive for maximum accuracy, Reptile Vault is an informational resource, not a diagnostic tool or a substitute for veterinary care. Every reptile is an individual, and species-level averages may not perfectly match your specific animal's needs.
Nutritional data for fresh foods represents an average. Actual nutritional content can vary based on soil quality, ripeness, harvest time, and preparation method. Always monitor your animal's body condition and consult a qualified exotic veterinarian for personalized medical advice.
Report an Issue
We are committed to maintaining the highest standard of accuracy. If you notice a factual error, an outdated parameter, or a typo in our database, we want to know.
Please provide references or clinical evidence when submitting a correction. Our team reviews all submissions against current literature before applying changes to the live database.