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Species profile · Varanidae

Varanus prasinus

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

Green Tree MonitorVaran émeraudeSmaragdwaranETM
Adult size
0.75–1 m
Lifespan
10–15 yrs
Difficulty
Advanced
Temperament
Diurnal
Activity
Diurnal
Reproduction
Oviparous
01

Husbandry requirements

Emerald Tree Monitor — origin: New Guinea (Papua New Guinea and Indonesian Papua), the Torres Strait Islands and small associated islands. Lowland tropical rainforest, canopy. Species listed on CITES Appendix II (regulated trade): strongly favour captive-bred (CBB) individuals over wild-caught (WC) animals..

Terrarium temperature gradient

Night min22 °C
Cool side25–27 °C
Warm side29–32 °C
Basking spot40–50 °C

A localised hot spot (basking surface measured beneath the lamp) for a diurnal basker; a generally cooler, more humid ambience typical of tropical forest. Maintain a strong thermal gradient both horizontally AND vertically. Never let the environment become dry and overheated.

Enclosure (adult)
120 × 60 × 120 cm

Tall arboreal tropical terrarium, ideally bioactive

Minimum dimensions for a single adult; provide markedly larger for a pair. An active arboreal species that above all needs vertical volume: a heavily planted terrarium, plenty of horizontal and diagonal branches, cork bark and elevated hides. Provide dense cover to reduce stress.

Humidity
70–90 %

High rainforest-type humidity, with peaks during misting and a slight drop through the day. Good ventilation is essential to avoid stagnant air and mould/respiratory infections.

Substrate
Coco fibreBioactive planting soilOrchid barkSphagnum mossLeaf litter

A deep substrate that retains moisture without becoming waterlogged. Maintain a humidity gradient and good aeration. A bioactive base (isopods, springtails) makes it easier to keep humidity stable.

UVB
Recommended

Recommended: linear T5 HO UVB (e.g. 6%, Ferguson zone 2-3) positioned over the hot spot, to complement dietary calcium/D3. Replace the lamp every 6-12 months depending on the model.

Water source
Always available

A large dish of clean water available at all times. Mist 1 to 2 times a day for hydration (droplets on the foliage, often drunk) and ambient humidity. Ensure good ventilation to avoid stagnant water.

Origin
Varanidae

New Guinea (Papua New Guinea and Indonesian Papua), the Torres Strait Islands and small associated islands. Lowland tropical rainforest, canopy. Species listed on CITES Appendix II (regulated trade): strongly favour captive-bred (CBB) individuals over wild-caught (WC) animals.

02

Feeding & health

Diet

Insectivore / Carnivore — Large invertebrate prey: roaches, katydids, locusts, crickets, snails; occasionally eggs and small geckos; rarely newborn rodents.

High metabolism: feed frequently (juveniles almost daily, adults 3-4 times a week). Dust prey with calcium, with moderate D3. Limit rodents, which are high in fat (risk of obesity and gout).

Breeding
Oviparous

Clutch 2–6 eggs/young. Small clutches laid several times a year. Provide a humid egg-laying site (lay box). Incubation of roughly 155-190 days at ~28-30 °C depending on the parameters.

Health watch points
  • Internal parasitism (nematodes, protozoa), very common in wild-caught (WC) specimens
  • Chronic stress and food refusal (especially in WC animals or with inadequate setup/cover)
  • Metabolic bone disease (MBD) from calcium and/or UVB deficiency
  • Respiratory infections linked to inadequate ventilation or temperatures
  • Gout and kidney damage linked to dehydration or an excess of protein/rodents
03

Morphs & genetics

Registry of 0 documented gene for Emerald Tree Monitor.

    05

    Frequently asked questions

    Answers to the most common questions about keeping the emerald tree monitor.

    How big does an adult Emerald Tree Monitor get?▾
    An adult Emerald Tree Monitor typically measures 0.75–1 m (total adult length; roughly 2/3 of it is the prehensile tail (used as a fifth limb). a very slender, light and agile body (typically ~100-200 g).).
    What temperature and humidity does a Emerald Tree Monitor need?▾
    A gradient of roughly 25–27 °C on the cool side to 29–32 °C on the warm side, with a basking spot of 40–50 °C. Humidity 70–90 %.
    What does a Emerald Tree Monitor eat?▾
    Insectivore / Carnivore: Large invertebrate prey: roaches, katydids, locusts, crickets, snails; occasionally eggs and small geckos; rarely newborn rodents..
    Is the Emerald Tree Monitor a good reptile for beginners?▾
    Advanced level. Nervous and skittish, especially in wild-caught (WC) individuals. Captive-bred (CBB) specimens can become very interactive (food begging) but rarely tolerate genuine handling, which remains stressful. Very sharp claws (an adaptation for climbing) and a quick defensive bite; like all monitors, its oral secretions are mildly anticoagulant, posing no significant medical danger to humans, but the bite is painful and prone to infection. Favour observation over handling. Plan ahead: a lifespan of 10–15 yrs.

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