Know what you can provide.

Exotic Atlas brings care requirements together so you can assess them before acquiring an animal.

500 records: What is the current status of each entry?

Currently, all entries are editorial examples and have not undergone itemized review by veterinarians or taxonomists. Reference materials include RSPCA, OATA, veterinary institutions, and professional care guides. Some links cover only entire groups or data directories and cannot directly validate every numerical value. To be used as formal care data, each field requires a cited source, conflict resolution, and professional review.

How to interpret the numerical values?

Size and lifespan ranges are intended for planning adult captive care, not as maximum records. Tarantulas are measured by leg span, mammals by body length excluding the tail, and hermit crabs by carapace length. Check each record for its measurement basis. Tarantula lifespans refer to females; males usually live for less time. Enclosure dimensions are editorial recommendations, not statutory minimums.

Terrestrial temperature, basking spot, and water temperature are recorded separately. Humidity varies with misting, ventilation, and time; humidity is marked as 'Not Applicable' for fully aquatic species. Similar temperature and humidity ranges do not guarantee safe co-housing.

How to use the difficulty tags?

Basic Care indicates that environment and food are relatively easy to establish but require ongoing maintenance. Advanced Care indicates more specific requirements for lighting, nutrition, temperature/humidity, or social management. High-Demand Care typically involves cooling equipment, complex molting environments, or higher handling risks. Beginner Suitability is recorded separately and is not automatically derived from the difficulty rating.

How are risks explained?

Low, Medium, and High are editorial tags based on bite potential, venom, irritant secretions, and handling requirements, not a medical risk scale. A 'Low Risk' rating does not mean the animal can be handled casually. If abnormal symptoms appear, contact a veterinarian with experience in that species.

How should I use the Ownership Score?

Each record includes nine weighted ownership dimensions and additional risk signals. The Ownership Score helps compare care requirements with your circumstances; it does not rate the value of an animal. Matching, comparisons, setups and cost estimates use the same records to keep the information consistent.

Why is there no 'Legally Keepable' tag?

Location, scientific name, origin, purpose, and trade pathways all affect legality. This site does not have a regional legal database, so every record is marked as 'Region Pending Verification'. Before acquiring an animal, confirm protection status, exotic species regulations, transport rules, and possession requirements with local authorities. A merchant's sale does not prove legality.

How to expand in the next steps?

First, complete field sourcing and expert review, then add alias, sex, and life stage parameters. Subsequently, consider regional verification records, product compatibility, and a veterinary index. New entries must match audit capacity to avoid prematurely disseminating unverified information.