Savannah Monitor (Varanus exanthematicus) — Wild Import | 6–14″

Savannah Monitor Quick Facts

- Species: Savannah Monitor (Varanus exanthematicus)
- Source: Wild Import
- Size Range: 6–14”
- Adult Size: 3–4 ft
- Activity: Diurnal (day-active)
- Temperament: Intelligent, alert, food-motivated; can become more confident with consistent routine
- Price: $125

Animal Availability

Live inventory changes quickly. If this listing is sold out and you want the next available Savannah Monitor, contact us and we’ll notify you when they are back in stock.

Photo Disclaimer

Photos are representative of the species and size range and may not reflect the exact animal currently available.

Individual Photo Policy

To keep animal care and fulfillment moving smoothly, individual photos and videos will not be taken for animals listed for sale.

Species Overview

Savannah monitors are thick-bodied African monitors known for their intelligence, strong feeding response, and ground-dwelling lifestyle. They thrive with deep substrate for burrowing, high basking temperatures, strong UVB, and an insect-forward diet. Expected adult size is typically 3–4 ft.

Care Snapshot

Enclosure: Juvenile minimum 4’×2’ (larger recommended). Adult recommended 6’×3’ or larger.
Heat & UVB: Provide high basking temperatures (110–130 °F) and strong UVB.
Substrate: Deep, diggable substrate (12–24 inches) for burrowing and humidity.
Diet: Insect-forward diet; gut-loaded crickets, roaches, superworms, silkworms. Occasional lean mice or chicks. Avoid rodent-heavy feeding.

Temperament & Handling

Savannah monitors are alert, intelligent lizards that recognize regular keepers. They are food-motivated and can become more confident with consistent, gentle handling. They are not suitable for frequent handling by children but provide engaging interaction through observation and feeding.

Diet & Feeding

In the wild, Savannah monitors feed primarily on insects and other invertebrates. In captivity, provide a diet dominated by gut-loaded insects such as crickets, roaches, superworms, and silkworms, supplemented with occasional lean mice or chicks. Overfeeding rodents can lead to obesity and liver disease. Juveniles should be fed several times per week, while adults can be fed less frequently. Always provide calcium and multivitamin supplements.

Housing & Environmental Needs

Savannah monitors grow to 3–4 ft long and can weigh up to 15 lbs, so they need large enclosures. Provide a juvenile with at least a 36-inch (55‑gallon) enclosure and upgrade to a 6 ft × 3 ft enclosure for adults. Use a deep soil-based substrate (12–24 inches) to allow natural burrowing and maintain humidity around 50–70%. Create a temperature gradient with a basking area of 110–130 °F and provide high-output UVB lighting.

Is a Savannah Monitor Right for You?

Great fit if you:
- Want an intelligent, engaging reptile with real presence.
- Can provide high heat, UVB, deep substrate, and a large enclosure.
- Have room for a large ground-based enclosure.
- Want a species that becomes more confident with consistency and routine.

Not ideal if you:
- Need a small enclosure reptile.
- Want a reptile that tolerates frequent handling right away.
- Don’t want to manage large habitat requirements or high basking temperatures.

Final Note

Savannah monitors are a serious, rewarding species when kept correctly. If you’re setting up properly and want a bold, intelligent lizard with long-term potential, this is an excellent choure.
- Want a species that becomes more confident with consistency and routine.

Not ideal if you:
- Need a small enclosure reptile.
- Want a reptile that tolerates frequent handling right away.
- Don’t want to manage large habitat requirements or high basking temperatures.

Final Note

Savannah monitors are a serious, rewarding species when kept correctly. If you’re setting up properly and want a bold, intelligent lizard with long-term potential, this is an excellent choice.