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Latin Name: Varanus exanthematicus
Native to: Africa
Maximum Length: 3.5 feet
Approximate Life Span: 0 years
GENERAL INFORMATION
First described by Bosc in 1792, Savannah Monitors are among the most
commonly kept monitor lizards. There are three main reasons for their
popularity; 1) The ease at which they are tamed, 2) The relatively
large but handleable size they attain, 3) Their affordability.
Pre-tamed specimens may scare easily and run. If cornered, they might
turn sideways, inflate their throats and hiss. A whip of the tail is
not uncommon. The thick hide of the Savannah is a great defense against
the bite of a predator. In fact, according to Robert Sprackland (Giant
Lizards), Savannah Monitors are immune to the venom of large snakes
including cobras.
ENCLOSURE
Baby Savannah Monitors require a minimum of a 10 gallon aquarium. This
species grows fairly fast and will require larger enclosures to
accommodate their increased size. Full-grown specimens may require
custom-built enclosures. Provide a sturdy hiding place and branches for
climbing and basking.
SUBSTRATE
There are a few good choices for a
substrate. Newspaper is fine, but is boring and looks nothing like
their natural environment. Although it is recommended that a few layers
of newspaper be added to the bottom of the enclosure before adding the
final substrate. This will help absorb and dissipate liquids making
cage cleaning much easier. Over the newspaper use Zoo Med REPTI™ CAGE
CARPET or REPTI-BARK. We do not recommend corn cob bedding because of
its propensity to mold when wet and to swell when ingested. By no means
should cedar ever be used, it's oils are toxic to reptiles.
TEMPERATURE & HUMIDITY
Savannah Monitors naturally
live in arid scrubland. Daytime temperatures should fall between 80°f
to 85°f. Temperatures can reach as high as 95°f, but this should only
be offered as a basking area. Nighttime lows can drop as much as 10
degrees for a temperature range of 70°f to 75°f. Humidity should be
kept at a minimum.
HEATING
Zoo Med BASKING SPOT BULBS, CERAMIC HEAT EMITTERS and REPTITHERM® UNDER
TANK HEATER (U.T.H.) are all excellent choices. Do not turn the tank
heater off, leave it on 24 hours a day and use it in conjunction with a
Zoo Med RHEOSTAT™ for easy heat control. Do not use a white light for
nighttime heating. A red or blue spot light work great, especially if
you plan on observing your monitor at night. If heat is the only
concern, the best choice would be a CERAMIC HEAT EMITTER. Savannah
Monitors will also enjoy a Zoo Med REPTICARE® ROCK HEATER, but be sure
you choose a rock large enough so that your lizard doesn't completely
cover the rock. This will restrict airflow and possibly cause the rock
to overheat, placing your lizard at risk for a burn.
LIGHTING
Full spectrum lighting is required for
Savannah Monitors. The Zoo Med REPTISUN 5.0™ with its high UVB and the
Zoo Med REPTISUN 2.0™ with it's high UVA output are excellent choices.
The UVB is necessary for mineral absorption while UVA stimulates
activity and psychological well being UVA also enhances the color of
the animal. A UVA bulb is not a necessity, but holds great benefits.
All reptiles and amphibians need a photo period. A plug in timer (for
your lights only, do not use a timer for your heating devices) works
well to develop a regular photo period (light cycle) of 8 - 10 hours of
light, 14 - 16 hours of darkness.
FOOD & WATER
Savannah Monitors are strict carnivores. Bite sized offerings are best
unless the food item can be easily torn by the lizard. Baby monitors do
best with crickets, worms and snails. Oddly, enough, snails are their
preferred diet. (If harvesting live food from your yard, be sure no
insecticides have been used). Monitors will gradually progress to
larger prey such as pinkie mice, adult mice and small rats. A high
quality canned cat food, beef chunks and eggs are also good
supplements. It is best to keep high fat/protein meals to a minimum due
to long-term health problems and early death. Crickets, waxworms, night
crawlers, ground turkey meat and snails should comprise the majority of
their diet. Be sure to dust the food every-other feeding with a reptile
vitamin such as REPTIVITE™. Small monitors should be fed every 2 - 3
days and medium to large sized monitors should be fed 2 - 3 times per
week. Savannah Monitors are known for their appetites. While this
should have no effect on immature lizards, adults can easily become
overweight. Be sure your monitor gets plenty of exercise. Savannah
Monitors are poor swimmers and prefer not to go into the water. A small
to medium sized water bowl for drinking will be sufficient.
NOTES
Always wash your hands before and immediately
after handling reptiles and amphibians. Never leave live food long term
with reptiles & amphibians. They can inflict severe harm, even kill
your pet. If your animals take some time to eat or you feed them at
night, leave a slice of potato, carrot or dry dog food for the live
food items to eat. Your local pet shop is an ideal source for reptile
and amphibian related books and supplies. Please make sure you read and
become familiar with any instructions provided with reptile support
products you may purchase.
For further information on reptiles and amphibians we
recommend you read REPTILES MAGAZINE and THE VIVARIUM. California
Zoological Supply hopes you have enjoyed reading this reference sheet
on Savannah Monitors. We hope that our guidelines will assist you with
the care or possible purchase of your new pet.
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Reptiles 
