Are Monitor Lizards Legal in Canada?

Depending on where you are located, you may or may not be able to keep a Monitor lizard as a pet in Canada.

British Columbia allows the possession of most Monitor lizards which are commonly found in the pet trade, with some exceptions.

Some of the most popular pet Monitor lizards, ~와 같은 Ackie 모니터 (Varanus 잔잔한), 사바나 모니터 (바라누스 엑산테마티쿠스), 그리고 Timor Monitors (바라누스 티모렌시스) are generally allowed.

This is however not the case for Ontario, and the regulations can vary from city to city.

예를 들어, Toronto has stricter regulations that prevent all species of Monitor lizards to be kept as pet.

If you are planning to adopt a pet Monitor, make sure to check your local regulations.

Below is a list of Monitor lizard species that are prohibited to keep in Canada (including BC):

Prohibited Species Monitor Lizards

• 코모도 왕 도마뱀 (바라누스 코모도엔시스)
• 나일 감시자 (바라누스 닐로티쿠스)
• Perentie Monitor (Varanus giganteus)
• Variegated Monitor (Varanus varius)
• 물 모니터 (바라누스 살바토르)
• Bengal Monitor (Varanus bengalensis)
• Crocodile Monitor (Varanus salvadori)

All these species of Monitor lizards are illegal to own, breed and transport anywhere in Canada.

If a species is not listed above, it may be allowed, but a permit may be required depending on its size and your specific area of residence.

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Allowed Species of Monitor Lizards

• 아키 모니터 (Varanus 잔잔한)
• 사바나 모니터 (바라누스 엑산테마티쿠스)
• 아시아 물 모니터 (바라누스 살바토르)
• Pygmy Mulga Monitor (Varanus gilleni)
• 동티모르 모니터 (바라누스 티모렌시스)
• Any other Varanidae not listed as a prohibited species

Restricted species of monitor lizards can be owned, bred and transported without a permit if they are smaller than two metres (this is usually the case for smaller species like Ackie monitors).

A permit is required if the lizard reaches a length of over two metres as an adult.

All species of Monitor lizards, regardless of size, cannot be released in the wild under any circumstances.

다시, regulations vary between regions and sometimes even cities.

원천: List of Controlled Alien Species in British Columbia (Updated December 2012)

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Legality of Monitor Lizards in Toronto

안타깝게도, it is not possible to legally own a Monitor lizard in Toronto.

This is in accordance to the TORONTO MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 349, ANIMALS which states that the following animals are prohibited:

(…)

REPTILES
Crocodylia (악어와 같은, 악어, gavials)
All snakes which reach an adult length larger than 3 metres
All lizards which reach an adult length larger than 2 metres
OTHER
All venomous and poisonous animals

(…)

Sadly, all Monitor lizards fall into one or both of the categories highlighted above.

Even though most Monitors that are kept as pets do not reach 2 metres in length as adults, all species are venomous and therefore forbidden in Toronto.