Best Pet Monitor Lizard

 

If you're considering a monitor lizard as a pet, it's essential to choose a species that aligns with your experience level, available space, and commitment to their care requirements. Here's a guide to some of the best monitor lizard species suitable for various types of reptile enthusiasts:

Top Monitor Lizard Species for Pets

1. Ackie Monitor (Spiny-Tailed Monitor)

·  Size: 16–18 inches

·  Lifespan: 15–20 years

·  Ideal For: Beginners and those with limited space

·  Care Needs: Requires a basking area up to 150°F, moderate humidity, UV lighting, and opportunities for climbing and burrowing. Diet includes insects like crickets and mealworms.

·  Temperament: Known for being docile when regularly handled from a young age.

2. Timor Monitor

·  Size: 14–20 inches

·  Lifespan: Up to 10 years

·  Ideal For: Experienced keepers

·  Care Needs: Requires a tropical habitat with humidity around 80% and a basking temperature of 120°F. Diet includes insects and occasional mice.

·  Temperament: Shy and may be stressed if not provided ample hiding spaces. 

·  3. Savannah Monitor

·  Size: 3.5–5 feet

·  Lifespan: 15–20 years

·  Ideal For: Intermediate keepers with ample space

·  Care Needs: Requires a spacious enclosure (8’ x 4’ x 4’), UVB lighting, and a diet primarily consisting of insects and mollusks.

·  Temperament: Generally docile but requires consistent handling.

4. Dumeril’s Monitor

·  Size: 3–5 feet

·  Lifespan: 8–10 years

·  Ideal For: Experienced keepers with large enclosures

·  Care Needs: Requires a large enclosure (10’ x 4’ x 4’), UVB lighting, and a diet of whole prey items like rodents and birds.

·  Temperament: Can become tame with regular handling but may be more challenging to manage due to size.

5. Black-Throated Monitor

·  Size: Up to 7 feet

·  Lifespan: Up to 20 years

·  Ideal For: Advanced keepers with significant space and resources

·  Care Needs: Requires a very large enclosure (at least 15’ x 7’ x 7’), high humidity (around 70%), and a diet of whole prey items.

·  Temperament: Known for being docile and intelligent but requires respect due to its size and strength.

Choosing the Right Monitor Lizard for You

When selecting a monitor lizard, consider the following factors:

·  Experience Level: Beginners should opt for smaller species like the Ackie Monitor, while more experienced keepers can consider larger species.

·  Space Availability: Ensure you have a suitable enclosure that meets the species' size and environmental requirements.

·  Time Commitment: Monitor lizards require regular feeding, habitat maintenance, and handling to thrive.

·  Legal Considerations: Check local regulations regarding the ownership of exotic reptiles.

Monitor Lizards As Pets. Monitor Lizard Comprehensive Owner's Guide. Monitor Lizard care, behavior, enclosures, feeding, health, myths and interaction all included.

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Monitor lizards are some of the most exciting captives that reptile enthusiasts can keep. They are always the center of attention at zoos and pet stores, where their dinosaur-like form captivates and entertains adults and children alike. While many species are inappropriate pets for all but the most experienced keepers, several of the smaller species make wonderful captives. Nevertheless, even the smallest species require relatively large cages and inordinate amounts of food, so keepers must consider the acquisition of a monitor lizard carefully. For those that choose to add a monitor lizard to their family, it is imperative to learn about the biology, natural history and habitats of these remarkable lizards. By doing so, you can gain a better understanding of their needs, allowing you to keep your pet happy and healthy for many years. Topics covered in this book: - Anatomy - Biology - Behavior - Taxonomy - Costs - Acquiring - Captive Habitat - Enclosures - Heating - Lighting - Temperature - Maintenance - Feeding - Hydration - Interaction - Health Problems - Breeding - Good pet species ----- and much more

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