The Savannah monitor (Varanus exanthematicus) is a species of lizard native to the savannahs of eastern and southern Africa. In the wild, these monitors are scavengers that cover large distances as they search for small prey items. Savannah monitors in the pet trade are either wild-caught or captive-raised.
Although Savannah monitors are small compared to many members of the Varanidae family, pet Savannah monitors can range from 3 to 6 feet in length, with their tail comprising almost half of their total body length. With proper care, Savannah monitors can live up to 10-15 years as pets.
Savannah Monitor Care Sheet
| Scientific name | Varanus exanthematicus |
| Common name(s) | Savannah monitor |
| Diet | Carnivore |
| Body length | 3-4 feet |
| Body weight | 25 – 30 lbs |
| Sexual maturity | 2 – 3 years |
| Lifespan | 10-15 years (in captivity) |
| Enclosure size | 6 x 3 x 6 feet (1.8 x 0.9 x 1.8 m) |
| Temperature | 85-100°F during the day 70-75°F at night |
| Humidity range | 60-70% |
| Recommended substrate | Coconut fiber, cypress mulch, or a mixture of soil and sand |
Diet
Savannah Monitors require a high protein diet. Offer gut-loaded insects such as large crickets, superworms, king mealworms, silkworms, grasshoppers, cockroaches, as well as crayfish and other low-fat foods like cooked egg whites. Waxworms should only be offered occasionally, as they are high in fat. Pre-killed mice or rats can be offered, but only occasionally to reduce the risk of obesity.
Dust the non-breeding adult’s diet with a calcium carbonate or calcium gluconate supplement once weekly. Calcium supplements should be devoid or low in phosphorus with a minimum calcium: phosphorus ratio of 2:1. Avoid products containing Vitamin D as this can lead to toxicity.
A general vitamin/mineral supplement may also be offered once weekly. Adults may be fed 2-3 times weekly. To prevent injury always use tongs to introduce food and remove leftovers. Your monitor may mistake your moving fingers for moving prey when hungry.
Water
Your monitor needs fresh water provided daily. Provide water in a heavy dish or tub large enough for your lizard to not only drink from but also completely submerge itself (they can stay underwater for extended periods of time). Provide access to a larger soaking tub at least 1-2 times weekly for several hours.
Enclosure requirements
Cage size and design
Savannah monitors are active lizards. Adults require very large enclosures (i.e. 6 x 3 x 6 feet or 1.8 x 0.9 x 1.8 m) so custom-built cages are often necessary. The enclosure should have a secure, locking lid and be made of non-toxic materials. Avoid using aquariums as they do not provide adequate ventilation.
Savannah monitors are excellent climbers and diggers, so the enclosure should be tall enough to accommodate climbing branches and deep enough for substrate to allow for burrowing. A basking area with a heat lamp should be provided at one end of the enclosure, with a cooler area at the other end to allow for thermoregulation.
Temperature
Proper heating is a critical component in the care of your Savannah monitor, allowing efficient metabolism, appropriate growth, and proper immune system function. These lizards thermoregulate themselves based on body needs and require a temperature gradient on both a horizontal and vertical plane.
Combine an undertank-heating pad (on the warm side) with a spotlight or white incandescent bulb in the basking area to achieve the correct temperature gradient. Avoid electric reptile “hot rocks” as these can be associated with serious burns. Strive for 85-90°F (29-32°C) with a basking area that reaches 94-100°F (34-38°C).
Place thermometers on the cool side of the cage, the warm side, and near the basking area to monitor temperature. Temperature should drop to 74-78°F (23-26°C) at night. Use a nocturnal reptile bulb or red light if nighttime temperatures drop too low so as not to disturb your monitor’s sleeping patterns.
Humidity
Strive for 40-50% relative humidity, which may be achieved by lightly misting the cage. Also, offer a moist hide area.
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