Savannah Monitor - Varanus exanthematicus
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General Information

Distribution — Across Sub-Saharan Africa in a narrow band from Senegal west to Somalia..

Habitat — Open savannah habitat. Climbs both rocks and trees well.

Adult Size — Typically 1 meter (approx. 3 feet) and approximately 9 kg (20 lbs.).

Temperament — Savannah Monitors in general are known for being relatively easy to manage. They usually become quite docile with regular handling; however, as with all large monitors these animals can inflict a painful bite and they are not much gentler with their claws than they are with their mouths. Thick leather gloves should be worn to protect the hand even though the animal is docile.

Longevity — Savannah Monitors can live to be 15 - 20 years of age in captivity.

Captive Care

Rating: 3 — Because Savannah Monitors tend to become docile and are not too large, they receive a better rating than most large monitors. Watch out for wild caught specimens - this species is rarely bred in captivity; therefore, many wild caught animals are still being imported. Domestically bred Savannahs can make good pets for those with some experience.

Diet: Savannah Monitors feed on small mammals, birds and birds eggs, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates.

Temperature: The daytime temperature should be between 85 and 95oF and the nigh time temperature range should be between 79 and 82oF.

Space: Due to their relatively large adult size these animals need a large enclosure. A 2m x 1 m x 1 m enclosure would be suitable for an adult.

Breeding: Mating takes place during the months of August-October and eggs are deposited between the months of November, December, and January.

Special Requirements: The Savannah Monitor is much better suited to being kept in the home when compared to the Nile Monitor and the Asian Water Monitor; however, these animals can inflict a painful bite - even as juveniles. It is essential that they become used to human contact so that they can be managed safely. Thick leather gloves should also be worn to protect the hand from any potential injury.

Sources (Suggested Reading):

Balsai, Michael. 1997. General Care and Maintenance of Popular Monitors and Tegus. Advanced Vivarium Systems, Inc. Santee, CA. Pp. 170

Bartlett, R.D. and P. Bartlett. 1996. Monitors, Tegus, and Related Lizards: A Complete Pet Owner's Manual. Barron’s Educational Series Inc., New York. Pp. 104.

Bartlett, R.D. and P. Bartlett. 1997. Lizard Care from A to Z. Barron’s Educational Series Inc., New York. Pp. 178.

Bennett, Daniel. 1998. Monitor Lizards: Natural History, Biology, and Husbandry. Warlich Druck, Meckenheim, Germany. Pp. 352.

Coburn, John. 1994. Savannah Monitors. TFH Publications, Inc. Neptune City, NJ. Pp. 64.

De Lisle, Harold F. 1996. The Natural History of Monitor Lizards. Krieger Publishing Company, Malabar, FLA. Pp. 201.

King, Dennis and Brian Green. 1993. Goanna: The Biology of the Varanid Lizards. New South Wales University Press, Kensington, Australia. Pp. 102.

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