Mangrove Monitor a.k.a Varanus indicus
Intro to the Mangrove Monitor
Mangrove Monitors are native to places like northern Australia, New Guinea, and the Solomon Islands. The coloration of Mangroves is stunning with a dark body and bright yellow spots. They grow roughly 4 feet, have a long neck, and a heavy tail. As its name suggests, this monitor favors wetlands, mangrove swamps and any areas that are warm and humid. With proper care they can live 20+ years.
Mangrove Monitor Care
Mangrove monitors are extremely active and will utilize every inch of their enclosure so it's important to give them both vertical and horizontal space. We recommend no smaller than 6ft x 4ft x 4ft enclosure for Juvies to Adults. Decorating their enclosures with foliage, caves, and logs will help them feel safe in their enclosure. A water feature where the animal can submerge themselves would offer them great enrichment.
We recommend basking temperatures of ~100 degrees F, an ambient temperature of ~85 degrees F, and a humidity level of ~80%. Combine that with a Tropical UVB and your Monitor is ready for success. Like most monitors these feed readily on a variety of insects and small rodents.
Mangrove Monitors For Sale in the Pet Trade
Captive Bred Mangrove Monitors are not common. The majority of these lizards that are in the pet trade are Wild Caught Imported Animals. Though imported animals may have a negative stigma, these are brought in legally with proper paperwork and in quantities that are allowed through governing laws. If you are an intermediate reptile keeper and want a medium-large sized monitor lizard for a reasonable price, this reptile may be for you. However, a bite from one of these can do some damage!
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