Monitor lizards belong to the family Varanidae, which contains approximately 40 species found throughout Africa, southern Asia, and Australia.
All monitor species are carnivorous and egg-laying reptiles. They possess long, snake-like tongues and typically have long, narrow snouts.
The husbandry requirements for Savannah Monitors and White-Throated Monitors are virtually identical. Both species naturally inhabit desert and dry woodland environments.
Adult monitors average approximately 3 feet 3 inches in length and weigh around 10 pounds. They have broad heads, flattened oval-shaped bodies, and are generally dull yellow-gray in color.
Their average lifespan is approximately 12 years.
Determining gender can be difficult and often requires anesthesia to safely evert the hemipenes in males.
Housing
These reptiles are primarily solitary animals and should be housed individually.
Juveniles may initially be housed in a 20-gallon aquarium.
Adult Savannah monitors require a much larger enclosure measuring at least:
- 6 feet long
- 3 feet wide
- 3 feet tall
Large wooden enclosures are commonly used for adults.
The enclosure may be decorated with various objects, provided they are non-toxic and cannot be swallowed.
Every enclosure should include:
- A basking area
- A proper thermal gradient
- A secure hiding place
- A water bowl
A source of UVB lighting is essential for proper calcium metabolism.
Natural sunlight is the preferred source whenever possible.
Whenever weather permits, allow your monitor several hours of direct sunlight daily.
If natural sunlight is unavailable, a Reptisun fluorescent UVB light is recommended.
The UVB bulb should be positioned no more than 18 inches above the lizard.
Remember that glass blocks UVB light, making sunlight through windows ineffective.
Temperature
Create a basking area using an incandescent bulb or ceramic heat emitter.
The basking area should reach:
90–95°F
The basking light should be turned off at night.
Nighttime temperatures may decrease to room temperature but should not fall below 54°F.
Placing the basking area on one end of the enclosure allows the monitor to regulate its own body temperature by moving between warmer and cooler areas.
Heat rocks are not recommended, as they do not provide proper whole-body heating.
Substrate
Suitable substrates include:
- Artificial turf
- Newspaper
- Bark
- Cypress mulch
Do not use cedar shavings, as they may cause serious health problems in reptiles.
The water bowl should be cleaned daily.
Many monitors enjoy soaking and frequently defecate in their water bowls.
Savannah monitors naturally live in dry environments, so low humidity is appropriate.
Humidity may be increased temporarily when breeding is desired.
Diet
Savannah and White-Throated Monitors are opportunistic carnivorous and insectivorous reptiles.
A varied diet helps meet their nutritional requirements.
In the wild, these lizards typically experience approximately five months of rapid weight gain, followed by seven months of fasting.
Juveniles
Young monitors primarily consume invertebrates, including:
- Snails
- Earthworms
- Grasshoppers
- Cockroaches
- Beetles
- Mealworms
- Crickets
All feeder insects should be properly gut-loaded before feeding.
Adults
Adult monitors consume a variety of vertebrate prey including:
- Amphibians
- Reptiles
- Birds
- Small mammals
Do not feed canned dog food or cat food, as these diets commonly contribute to obesity.
Growing juveniles and breeding females should receive a calcium supplement that does not contain phosphorus or Vitamin D3.
Examples include:
- Crushed Tums
- Green-labeled Rep-Cal
Note: Monitor lizards usually have excellent appetites. Food intake should be carefully regulated to prevent obesity.
Common Medical Problems
Common health concerns include:
- Obesity
- Nutritional calcium deficiencies
- Excessive Vitamin D3 supplementation
- Parasites (mites, ticks, and intestinal parasites)
- Foreign body ingestion
- Pneumonia
