By Crocodile monitors, also known as Varanus salvadorii, are large, fascinating, and beautiful reptiles native to the island of New Guinea. They are one of the longest lizards in the world and are quite popular among reptile enthusiasts. However, these impressive creatures have specific care requirements, and due to their size and temperament, they are not suitable for beginners. This comprehensive guide will cover everything you need to know about caring for a crocodile monitor, from enclosure setup to feeding and handling.
Table of Contents
- Background Information of Crocodile Monitor
- Size and Growth Rate of Crocodile Monitor
- Enclosure Setup
- Temperature and Humidity
- Lighting
- Crocodile Monitor Feeding
- Water and Hydration for Crocodile Monitor
- Crocodile Monitor Handling and Temperament
- Health and Lifespan of Crocodile Monitor
- Tips for Crocodile Monitor Breeding
Background Information of Crocodile Monitor
Description
Crocodile monitors are dark green in color with yellow speckles and distinct patterns, giving them a unique and striking appearance. They possess long tails, which can make up to two-thirds of their total body length, and long snouts that resemble crocodiles. Their sharp teeth and claws make them efficient predators in the wild.
Habitat
These lizards are endemic to the island of New Guinea and nearby islands, where they inhabit dense rainforests. They are known to be arboreal, meaning they spend a significant amount of time in trees, utilizing their long tails and sharp claws for climbing.
Conservation Status
Crocodile monitors are listed in Appendix II of CITES, and currently, there are no population estimates available. Due to their large range on the relatively undeveloped island of New Guinea, they are not considered to be in immediate danger. However, conservation efforts are essential to ensure their survival in the wild.
Venomous or Not
Although crocodile monitors are not venomous, they have powerful jaws and sharp teeth, making their bite extremely dangerous. It is crucial for keepers to exercise caution when handling these lizards, as their bites can cause severe injuries and infections.
Size and Growth Rate of Crocodile Monitor
Crocodile monitors are among the longest lizards in the world, with some individuals reaching lengths of over 12 feet. However, most captive specimens grow to an average length of 8 feet. These lizards grow quickly, with growth rates of up to 2 inches per month observed during the first few years after hatching.
Enclosure Setup
Enclosure Size
Due to their large size and arboreal nature, crocodile monitors require spacious enclosures that provide ample room for climbing and exploration. The recommended enclosure sizes for different life stages are:
- Baby crocodile monitor: 4 feet wide x 4 feet long x 6 feet tall
- Juvenile crocodile monitor: 8 feet wide x 8 feet long x 10 feet tall
- Adult crocodile monitor: 10 feet wide x 18 feet long x 12 feet tall (or larger)
These dimensions are minimum requirements, and providing more space is always beneficial for the well-being of your lizard.
Substrate
A suitable substrate for crocodile monitors should be able to retain moisture without promoting bacterial or mold growth. It should also provide a soft landing for lizards that may jump from high perches. Some popular substrate options include peat moss, mulch, gravel, natural earth, and various types of wood shavings or bark.
Climbing Accessories
To accommodate the arboreal habits of crocodile monitors, their enclosure should be equipped with a variety of climbing accessories. This can include natural limbs and tree trunks, artificial and natural rockwork, wooden platforms, and stairs. Providing a diverse range of climbing options will help keep your lizard physically and mentally stimulated.
Hide Box
Hide boxes are essential for the well-being of your crocodile monitor, as they provide a sense of security and a place to rest. At least one hide box should be provided for each lizard in the enclosure, preferably elevated off the ground to cater to their arboreal tendencies.
Temperature and Humidity
Basking Area
To replicate their natural environment, crocodile monitors require a basking area with a temperature between 110 and 120 degrees Fahrenheit. This can be achieved using basking lights or other heat sources. Make sure to monitor the temperature of the basking area regularly to ensure it remains within the appropriate range.
Ambient Temperature
The ambient temperature of the enclosure should be maintained in the low 90s Fahrenheit during the day. Providing cooler spots within the enclosure is essential for thermoregulation, allowing your lizard to adjust its body temperature as needed.
Nighttime Temperature
At night, the temperature in the enclosure should drop to the low 70s Fahrenheit, simulating the natural temperature fluctuations experienced by crocodile monitors in the wild.
Humidity
Crocodile monitors require a relatively high humidity level of 70% or more. To achieve this, you can use a combination of misting systems, hand misting, and substrate choice. Regularly monitor the humidity levels within the enclosure to ensure they remain within the appropriate range.
Lighting
Crocodile monitors need access to UVA and UVB lighting to maintain proper health. This can be provided through the use of specialized reptile lights or by giving your lizard access to natural sunlight outdoors. If you choose to house your lizard outdoors, ensure you have a secure and suitable custom-built enclosure to prevent escape.
Crocodile Monitor Feeding
Diet in the Wild
In their natural habitat, crocodile monitors primarily feed on birds and mammals, occasionally consuming fish as well. Their sharp teeth and agile hunting skills make them effective predators.
Diet in Captivity
In captivity, a varied diet is essential for the health of your crocodile monitor. Common food items include rodents (such as mice, rats, and rabbits), domestic birds (like chickens and quail), shelled hard-boiled eggs, and specialized zoo carnivore diets. Fish and other seafood, such as shrimp, can be offered occasionally as well.
Feeding Schedule
Adult crocodile monitors should be fed twice a week, while younger lizards require more frequent feedings, such as every other day or 3-4 times a week. The feeding schedule may need to be adjusted depending on the individual lizard’s needs and environment.
Feeding Precautions
Crocodile monitors are aggressive feeders, and it is crucial to use long forceps, snake tongs, or similar tools to feed them to avoid injury to the keeper. Additionally, food should be offered on a bare surface to minimize the risk of substrate ingestion.
Water and Hydration for Crocodile Monitor
A large water dish or pond should be provided in the enclosure for your crocodile monitor to drink and soak in. Regularly clean and replace the water to prevent the growth of bacteria and maintain hygiene within the enclosure. Some crocodile monitors may prefer to obtain their moisture from misting or wet spots in the enclosure, so it is essential to provide multiple sources of hydration.
Crocodile Monitor Handling and Temperament
Crocodile monitors are potentially dangerous reptiles and must be handled with the utmost respect. They have been known to cause severe injuries, including finger amputations and deep wounds, through their powerful bites. As a result, they are not recommended for handling unless absolutely necessary. When handling is required, such as for veterinary care, it is advised to consult with a professional reptile veterinarian.
Health and Lifespan of Crocodile Monitor
Common Health Issues
Crocodile monitors can suffer from various health issues in captivity, including complications from egg impaction, bite-wound infections, stomach abscesses, mouth abscesses, and liver lesions. Their gums may also bleed due to cutting new teeth, biting prey, or as a fear response. Cataracts and blindness have been observed in some individuals, possibly due to excessive basking.
Lifespan
The lifespan of a captive crocodile monitor is not well documented, as most research focuses on wild-caught specimens. However, it is believed that their lifespan should be comparable to other large captive monitors, which can live for 15 years or more with proper care.
Tips for Crocodile Monitor Breeding
Sexing
Determining the sex of a crocodile monitor can be challenging, especially for inexperienced keepers and younger lizards. Males typically have larger, broader heads than females, and faint hemipenal bulges may be present. Blood testosterone levels can also be used to differentiate between males and females, with males having significantly higher levels.
Mating and Egg Laying
Successful breeding of crocodile monitors has been reported both indoors and outdoors, with most viable eggs being produced between March and October. Copulation and egg-laying can occur throughout the year, and females can produce up to three clutches in a single year. The interval between copulation and egg-laying is typically four to six weeks.
Incubation
Eggs can be incubated in various media, including peat moss, sphagnum moss, vermiculite, and perlite. There is no uniform water-to-substrate ratio, but the incubation container should have some air circulation and occasional hydration. Incubation temperatures should be maintained around 84 degrees Fahrenheit, with a hatching period of approximately six to eight months. Hatchlings are usually 14 to 16 inches in length and will begin eating within two weeks of hatching.
By following this comprehensive guide, you can provide the best possible care for your crocodile monitor and ensure their health and well-being throughout their life. However, it is essential to remember that these lizards are not suitable for beginners and require a high level of commitment and experience to care for properly.