Monitor Lizard Information

Savannah Monitor Habitat

The savannah monitor habitat should be large, secluded and escape proof. Although this sounds obvious, many monitor lizards have escaped from carefully designed enclosures. The monitor lizards are considered to be among the most intelligent of reptiles, and they are very strong when grown. If it can escape, it will.

Savannah monitors seem to like their privacy. The ideal cage has only one transparant side. If you are using a large aquarium, wrap the back and two sides with paper (you can obtain descorative paper with desert or grassland pictures on it) or cardboard. Provide several hiding spots: at least one on the warm side, and one on the cooler side of the terrarium. They like dark spots that are just big enough for them. You may notice that your monitor runs and hides whenever you move in from of it's cage. Approach it slowly, so that it can become accustomed to you.

Light should be provided by a broad spectrum light that includes UVB components. (UVB is the range of light in the 280-310 nanometer range that causes sunburn in people.) This is important for proper vitamin D3 synthesis, and calcium metabolism. You may also need a second light source to provide heat - an incandescent heat lamp is often used. Don't leave a regular white light on at night, use one of the infra-red types. Otherwise you may stress your pet.

Heat is important! Remember that the savannah monitor comes from Africa, and is used to hot temperatures. 85 to 90F during the day, and 70-80 at night is suitable. Make sure to provide the heat in a way that lets the monitor lizard regulate it's temperature. A basking lamp, along with an under cage heater on one half of the cage generally works well. Make sure that there is a shady area as well. A good rule of thumb is to provide a 10 degree F variation within the enclosure. The ideal terrarium will contain at least two thermometers.

If you need to use an in-cage heater (hot rock or similar), make sure that it is well and solidly covered so that the monitor cannot burn itself. An electrice heating pad under the tank (glass terrariums), or inside but under the substrate (wood or plastic enclosures) is suitable. When putting the heater under the substrate, make sure that there is no way for the lizard to get under the substrate and come in direct contact with the heater.

Savannah monitors have sharp claws, and become very strong. Avoid using screen, because they can easily tear through it. They can also work their way through thin (1/4 inch) plywood. If you use plexiglass, expect it to get scratches and need replacement eventually.

The more their surroundings bore or discomfort them, the more they will try to escape. I have heard of monitors that like to "play" with dog-toys, but have not seen this myself. A good selection of hiding spots, placing their food in different locations, climbing branches and plenty of room can help in this regard.