Roughneck Monitor a.k.a Varanus rudicollis
Intro to the Roughneck Monitor
Roughneck Monitors are native to the South-East Asian countries of Malaysia, Burma, Thailand, and surrounding territories. They are a medium-to-large-sized monitor lizard (growing ~5 feet) with a long body, pointed snout, and large pointed scales on its neck. Roughnecks are generally calm and can make great pets with work and patience. They can live 15+ years when kept properly.
Roughneck Monitor Care
Roughneck monitors are fairly 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 ~130 degrees F, an ambient temperature of ~85 degrees F, and a humidity level of ~85%. 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.
Roughneck Monitors For Sale in the Pet Trade
Captive Bred Roughneck Monitors are rare. 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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