Savanna Monitor

Traits
Savannah monitors are beautiful and active large lizards. Therefore, it is important to acclimate this reptile to frequent gentle handling as juveniles to ensure tameness as adults. Children should be taught proper handling procedures by an experienced adult, and should not be allowed to handle a monitor without adult supervision.
Length is up to 48".
Have the new terrarium completely set up before bringing your new friend home. Additionally, make sure your new family member is allowed enough time to adjust to its new home before any attempt to handle it.
Feeding
Savannah monitors are considered insectivorous (eat mainly insects). The recommended diet for these lizards is a mixture of premium, low-fat, canned, cat and dog food. Insects can be used as a supplement to this diet. They should be dusted with a vitamin/calcium powder. Suggested insects are: crickets, mealworms, superworms, waxworms, and earthworms. A large, shallow water bowl is necessary to keep these lizards in optimum health. Water should be changed daily.
Housing
Individual juvenile Savannah monitors can be maintained in a 30-40 gallon terrarium. Adults must be housed in a 75 gallon enclosure or larger. Monitors are best kept singularly. Ideal daytime temperature for these monitors should range between 80 and 85 degrees. Additionally, a basking lamp should be used to maintain a local temperature of 100 to 110 degrees. Night time temperature should remain between 70 and 75 degrees. The humidity for these lizards should be kept at or near 50-75 percent for juveniles and near 50 percent as adults. A screen lid is essential for proper air exchange. An undertank heater should be placed on the same end of the tank as the basking lamp. Multiple hiding areas are necessary within monitor enclosures. Misting the habitat occasionally will help maintain proper humidity levels and allow for these lizards to intake water in a manner to which they are accustomed. All monitors require ultraviolet lighting to maintain good health. Ultraviolet lighting is recommended for 12 hours per day. A timer is recommended to maintain a consistent lighting schedule. For Savannah monitor terrariums, 2" to 3" of Repti-Bark and Bed-A-Beast is recommended. Cork bark can be added as low hiding areas. Substrate should be kept moist (especially important for juvenile monitors) and changed regularly to avoid bacterial growth.