From The Reptile File Wiki

Contents 1 Taxonomy 2 Introduction 3 Difficulty 4 Basic Info 4.1 Size 4.2 Lifespan 4.3 Handling 5 Housing 5.1 Substrate 5.2 Temperature 5.3 Humidity 5.4 Lighting 6 Feeding 6.1 Diet 6.2 Supplements 6.3 Hydration 7 Advanced 7.1 Sexing 7.2 Breeding 8 Conclusion 9 References 9.1 Websites 9.2 Books 10 Author

Taxonomy

Order: Squamata
Family: Varanidae
Genus: Varanus
Species: V. exanthematicus

Introduction

Difficulty

Not a beginner reptile.

Basic Info

Size

Adults can reach lengths of 3 to 4 feet.

Lifespan

The average lifespan of a Savannah Monitor is around 10 years, but often less.

Handling

Savannahs require regular handling to remain social.

Housing

Savannahs require a large enclosure as they reach adult size. It should be twice as long as the monitor, as deep as the monitor is long and at least 5ft tall. So you ar looking at a minimum of an 8ft X 4ft X 5ft enclosure. Make sure to add a large enough water bowl that they can soak in, many will deficate in their water, so make sure to check it frequently and change the water as soon as you notice its been turned to potty water.

Substrate

Savannah Monitor's enjoy digging, so offering a substrate to allow this is an excellent idea. Dirt or mulch are two choices, but some people will prefer newspaper or reptile carpet as it is easier to clean and maintain.

Temperature

Daytime temperature should be 85-90F, and the evening temperature can drop between 75-85F. The basking spot for a juvenile - adult should be 120F

Humidity

Should be around 45 and 60%.

Lighting

A heat light should be used to provide heat to the monitor during the day and evening if the temperatures in the room drop lower than 75F. UVB is not needed, but can be provided with a low rated UVB bulb.

Feeding

Diet

Hatchlings should be fed a variety of feeders, such as mealworms, superworms, crickets, and pinkie/fuzzy mice. Do not feed anything larger than the half the length of the monitor's head. Offer food every 2-3 days.

Juveniles/Sub-Adults should be fuzzies/mice, depending on the size of the monitor. Feed 1 to 4 mice once to twice a week.

Adults are also fed once to twice a week with mice. Make sure to watch the weight of the adults, as obesity is common in Savannah Monitors

Supplements

Hydration

Advanced

Sexing

Breeding

Conclusion

References

Websites

Books

Author

This article was originally written by c1rc4. View other articles by c1rc4. Please note that others may have contributed to this article.