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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