Using Cork Bark in Reptile Enclosures

Cork Bark Decor is as the name suggests, pieces of bark sustainably harvested from cork trees in Portugal. Cork bark is primarily harvested to be ground into fine pieces and formed into boards or corks for bottles. Portions of cork trees are stripped approximately every three years to prevent damage to the tree. Since a single tree can be harvested many times in its life, cork bark is an incredibly sustainable material. Cork's lightweight, springy, and water resistant properties that made it suitable for other industries also makes it a perfect material for reptile enclosures. At Pangea, we offer flat pieces, round tubes, pre-made backgrounds, and small accent pieces. 

Cork Bark at a Glance

• Lightweight bark decor
• Water resistant - preventing mold build up and rot
• Comes in tubes and flats
• Soft and easy to cut
• Often has natural moss or lichen growth for a natural aesthetic
• Rough texture - great for shedding

Using Cork Bark in Reptile Enclosures

Cork bark is one of the most versatile materials used in reptile enclosures. Due to it's water resistant properties, it is suitable for humid tropical enclosures. Simultaneously, it doesn't look out of place in dry arid enclosures, allowing it to be used in any humidity or temperature range.

Cork bark has many installation options. Keepers may choose to simply prop it up in their enclosures for their reptiles to hide or climb on. With it's light weight, it is also relatively easy to adhere to enclosure walls with silicone, allowing keepers to incorporate it into backgrounds, or create bridges. Since it is soft, it is also easy to cut to size as needed.

Cork bark rounds make great natural hides for reptiles of all sizes. They can also be incorporated into a terrarium hardscape as natural plant pots for bioactive enclosures.

We highly recommend cork bark for breeding enclosures, or travel enclosures that are moved more often to reduce the overall weight of the enclosure.

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