🦎 General Info


The Savannah Monitor (Varanus exanthematicus) is a sturdy, intelligent, and inquisitive lizard native to the savannas and grasslands of sub-Saharan Africa. Known for their robust build, short snout, and alert temperament, Savannah Monitors are among the most commonly kept monitor species — but they require specialized care to thrive.


Adults typically reach 3–4 feet in length, though males can occasionally exceed this. Despite their manageable size compared to other monitor species, they need large enclosures and proper diet management, as obesity is one of the most common health issues in captivity.


These lizards are diurnal (active during the day), terrestrial, and burrowing, spending much of their time exploring, digging, or basking. When raised correctly and handled regularly, they can become calm and interactive pets. With excellent care, Savannah Monitors can live 12–20 years in captivity.


Enclosure


  • Size:

  • Juveniles: Minimum 4 ft x 2 ft x 2 ft enclosure.

  • Adults: Minimum 6 ft x 3 ft x 3 ft (larger is strongly recommended — 8 ft x 4 ft x 4 ft ideal).

  • Material: PVC or sealed wood enclosures work best for maintaining heat and humidity, avoid screen-top tanks, as they lose too much heat and moisture.

  • Décor: Provide sturdy branches, rocks, and logs for climbing and basking, include deep substrate (10–18 inches) for digging and burrowing — a must for this species. Offer multiple hides around the enclosure on the cool and warm sides and a large water tub or shallow basin for soaking and humidity regulation.

  • Tip:Savannah Monitors are powerful diggers and climbers — ensure the enclosure is secure and escape-proof.


Temperature & Lighting


  • Basking Spot: 120–130°F


  • Ambient Temperature (Day): 85–90°F


  • Cool Side: 75–80°F


  • Night Temperature: 70–75°F


  • Heating:

  • Use a high-wattage halogen floodlight or ceramic heat emitter to create a strong basking zone, regulate all heating with thermostats to prevent overheating.

  • Always measure temperatures using digital thermometers with probes at both basking and cool zones.

  • Avoid heat rocks (risk of burns).

  • UVB Lighting: UVB lighting is essential for Savannah Monitors, use a T5 HO 10–12% UVB bulb across ⅔ of the enclosure length. Replace UVB bulbs every 6–12 months, depending on brand.


  • Light cycle: Provide 12–14 hours of full-spectrum UVB lighting daily.

  • Natural sunlight (supervised outdoor time) is highly beneficial when possible.

  • Tip: Savannah Monitors thermoregulate constantly — a proper temperature gradient is essential for their health and digestion.


Humidity & Water


  • Humidity: 50–70%


  • Maintaining Humidity:

  • Mist the enclosure once or twice daily, either manually or with an automated misting system.

  • Use a humid hide filled with damp sphagnum moss or coconut fiber.

  • A deep, moist substrate helps maintain humidity naturally.

  • Water:

  • Provide a large, sturdy water dish that allows soaking but isn’t easily tipped.

  • Replace water daily, as monitors often defecate in it.

  • Tip: Consistent humidity supports healthy shedding and prevents respiratory irritation from overly dry environments.


Substrate


  • Recommended Options:

  • Soil/sand mix (50/50 topsoil and play sand)

  • Coconut fiber mixed with organic soil

  • Bioactive substrate with clean-up crew (for advanced keepers)

  • Depth: 10–18 inches — essential for burrowing behavior.


  • Maintenance:

  • Spot-clean waste daily.

  • Stir substrate weekly to prevent compaction.

  • Full substrate change every 3–6 months.

  • Tip: A deep, diggable substrate helps regulate temperature and humidity while promoting natural behaviors — critical for long-term health.


Diet


  • Type: Carnivorous/Insectivorous — primarily insect-eating in the wild, occasionally eating things like small rodent.


  • Staple Foods:

  • Crickets, dubia roaches, mealworms, superworms, silkworms, and snails.

  • Occasional treats: Lean ground turkey, pinky mice, or eggs.

  • Avoid: Fatty meats, dog/cat food, or too many rodents — these lead to obesity and liver issues.

  • Feeding Schedule:

  • Juveniles: Feed daily; offer as many insects as they’ll eat in 10–15 minutes.

  • Adults: Feed 3–4 times per week; smaller, more frequent meals are healthier than large, infrequent ones.

  • Supplements:

  • Calcium without D3: Every other feeding.

  • Calcium with D3: Once weekly.

  • Multivitamin: Once weekly.

  • Gut-Loading: Always feed insects nutrient-rich greens and grains 24 hours before offering them.

  • Tip: Obesity is the most common issue in Savannah Monitors — a lean, insect-based diet is the key to long-term health.


Behavior & Handling


  • Temperament: Savannah Monitors are intelligent, curious, and can become very tame with proper handling. However, they are also strong and can deliver a defensive bite or tail whip if frightened.


  • Handling Tips:

  • Begin by hand-feeding or gently interacting in the enclosure.

  • Avoid grabbing from above — approach from the side or below.

  • Support the entire body when handling; never dangle by limbs or tail.

  • Handle regularly but calmly, for short periods at first.

  • Enrichment:

  • Offer dig boxes, logs to climb, and puzzle feeding opportunities (e.g., hiding food in substrate).

  • Rearrange enclosure décor periodically to stimulate natural curiosity.

  • Note: Well-socialized monitors often become affectionate and recognize their keepers — some even enjoy gentle petting or exploring under supervision.


Health & Lifespan


  • Lifespan: 12–20 years in captivity with proper care.


  • Common Health Issues:

  • Obesity: From overfeeding rodents or fatty foods.

  • Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD): Due to lack of UVB or calcium.

  • Respiratory Infections: From low temperatures or excess humidity.

  • Parasites: Common in wild-caught individuals — always have new animals vet-checked.

  • Thermal Burns: From unprotected heat bulbs or improper thermostats.

  • Prevention:

  • Maintain correct temperature gradients and humidity.

  • Provide strong UVB lighting and calcium supplementation.

  • Keep enclosure clean and disinfected regularly.

  • Use thermostats and guards for all heat sources.

  • Signs of Illness:

  • Lethargy or lack of appetite

  • Wheezing or nasal discharge

  • Swelling of limbs or jaw

  • Retained shed

  • Difficulty moving or climbing

  • Veterinary Care: Schedule annual exams with a reptile veterinarian. Fecal checks for parasites are important, especially for imported or newly acquired monitors.


Final Thoughts:

The Savannah Monitor is a powerful, intelligent reptile that rewards patient, informed care. They thrive in large, naturalistic enclosures and benefit greatly from interaction and enrichment. When provided with the correct environment and diet, they become hardy, engaging companions that display incredible awareness and personality.

They are best suited for experienced reptile keepers who can meet their demanding space and heating requirements. With the right husbandry, a Savannah Monitor will live a long, healthy, and deeply enriching life — a true showcase reptile for any serious enthusiast.