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Species profile · Varanidae

Varanus exanthematicus

Complete care sheet for the savannah monitor — husbandry parameters, diet and breeding.

Bosc's MonitorSavVaran des savanesSteppenwaran
Adult size
0.9–1.3 m
Lifespan
10–15 yrs
Difficulty
Advanced
Temperament
Diurnal
Activity
Diurnal
Reproduction
Oviparous
01

Husbandry requirements

Savannah monitor — origin: Sub-Saharan Africa — savannahs.

Terrarium temperature gradient

Night min22 °C
Cool side26–26 °C
Warm side28–32 °C
Basking spot45–55 °C

Very hot basking surface (desert basker); measure the surface temperature

Enclosure (adult)
240 × 120 × 60 cm

Very large terrarium with deep substrate

Substrate at least 30–60 cm deep to allow digging and to hold a burrow

Humidity
40–60 %

Higher humidity in the burrow; hydrates the animal

Substrate
Deep soil/sand mix (holds the burrow)
UVB
Recommended

ESSENTIAL — strong UVB (Ferguson zone 3–4)

Water source
Always available

Large tub for bathing

Origin
Varanidae

Sub-Saharan Africa — savannahs

02

Feeding & health

Diet

Carnivore/insectivore — Mostly invertebrates (roaches, locusts, snails); occasional eggs and rodents

VERY prone to obesity / hepatic lipidosis — avoid an excess of fatty rodents

Breeding
Oviparous

Clutch 10–50 eggs/young. Digs a nest to lay eggs

Health watch points
  • Obesity / hepatic lipidosis (overfeeding of rodents — a major problem)
  • MBD (metabolic bone disease)
  • Parasites (wild-caught)
  • Thermal burns
  • Respiratory infections
03

Morphs & genetics

Registry of 0 documented gene for Savannah monitor.

    05

    Frequently asked questions

    Answers to the most common questions about keeping the savannah monitor.

    How big does an adult Savannah monitor get?▾
    An adult Savannah monitor typically measures 0.9–1.3 m (total length; a heavy-bodied animal).
    What temperature and humidity does a Savannah monitor need?▾
    A gradient of roughly 26–26 °C on the cool side to 28–32 °C on the warm side, with a basking spot of 45–55 °C. Humidity 40–60 %.
    What does a Savannah monitor eat?▾
    Carnivore/insectivore: Mostly invertebrates (roaches, locusts, snails); occasional eggs and rodents.
    Is the Savannah monitor a good reptile for beginners?▾
    Advanced level. Can be tamed with effort, but powerful; often wild-caught Plan ahead: a lifespan of 10–15 yrs.

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