Varanus salvator

A custom room-sized/dedicated-room enclosure, sturdy and well ventilated, incorporating a large bathing pool that allows full immersion and swimming.

Minimum dimensions for ONE adult; bigger is always better, the ideal being an entire room or a secure outdoor enclosure in a suitable climate. Commercial terrariums are completely unsuitable for an adult. Provide a pool at least as long as the animal, a solid basking platform, sturdy hides and a deep substrate. A powerful, burrowing species: the structure and fastenings must be very strong.

High humidity typical of mangrove and riverbank habitats. The large pool and a deep substrate kept moist at depth contribute to this; ensure good ventilation to avoid stagnation and mould.

A deep substrate (at least 30 to 60 cm) that allows digging and retains moisture. Avoid dusty or overly fine substrates that could be ingested. Remove droppings promptly, as this species produces bulky stools.

Strongly recommended: high-output UVB (T5 HO 10-12% type) over a large enclosure, in a gradient, with regular replacement of the tubes. It contributes to vitamin D3 synthesis and to the prevention of metabolic bone disease, especially in rapidly growing juveniles.

A large, permanent body of water, clean and heated, deep and wide enough to allow full immersion and swimming: this is a semi-aquatic species that bathes, hydrates, defecates and takes refuge in it. Provide effective filtration and/or frequent water changes.

South and Southeast Asia: Sri Lanka, eastern India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines and many associated islands. Frequents mangroves, riverbanks, marshes, canals and coastal areas, including urban environments.

Carnivore / Scavenger — Whole fish, rodents, chicks/birds, crustaceans (crabs, crayfish), eggs, invertebrates; carrion accepted in the wild.

A huge appetite and a strong tendency to obesity in captivity: ration and vary the diet. Favour whole, low-fat prey (fish, appropriately sized rodents) over an excess of muscle meat. Supplement with calcium/vitamins for prey that is not whole. Adjust frequency to age: frequent for a growing juvenile, spaced out for an adult to prevent excess weight.

Clutch 10–40 eggs/young. Can produce several clutches a year under favourable conditions. Eggs are often deposited in burrows, riverbanks or termite mounds; incubation of roughly 6 to 10 months depending on temperature. Provide a humid, deep egg-laying site for gravid females.

• Obesity and hepatic steatosis linked to overfeeding
• Metabolic bone disease (calcium/D3/UVB deficiency) in young animals
• Thermal burns due to unguarded heat sources
• Internal and external parasites, common in wild-caught (WC) specimens
• Stomatitis (mouth rot) and respiratory infections in cases of inadequate hygiene or humidity