By The Black Tree Monitor (Varanus beccarii) is an exotic, arboreal lizard species that captivates reptile enthusiasts with its unique appearance and intriguing behavior. Native to the Aru Islands off New Guinea, this intelligent and agile lizard thrives in a jungle-style environment, making it a fascinating addition to any reptile collection. However, Black Tree Monitor care requires a significant commitment to providing a proper habitat, diet, and maintenance. This comprehensive guide will walk you through all aspects of Black Tree Monitor care, ensuring the health and happiness of your one-of-a-kind pet.
Table of Contents
1. Overview
1.1 Common Name
- Black Tree Monitor
- Beccari’s Monitor
1.2 Scientific Name
- Varanus beccarii
1.3 Origin
- Aru Islands, off the coast of New Guinea
1.4 Size
- 3 to 4 feet in length (including tail); females are generally smaller
1.5 Lifespan
- 10+ years
2. Appearance
The Black Tree Monitor’s sleek, elongated body is adorned with a striking, solid black coloration that sets it apart from other monitor species. Juveniles display dark gray coloration with rows of green and yellow spots that gradually fade as they mature. Males are typically larger than females, and the monitor’s long, semi-prehensile tail accounts for approximately two-thirds of its total length. This impressive tail is utilized for climbing and stabilization, while their slender limbs, long digits, and sharp claws enable them to navigate their arboreal habitat with ease.
3. Behavior
Black Tree Monitors are known for being curious, intelligent, and agile climbers. They are primarily arboreal and spend most of their time in the trees, with exceptional balance and speed. While they may appear skittish and nervous initially, these monitors can become more comfortable and friendly with their owners over time. However, they prefer solitude and should not be housed together, as males can become territorial and aggressive toward one another. Though capable of being handled occasionally, excessive handling should be avoided to minimize stress and potential injury.
4. Housing
4.1 Enclosure
Proper housing is essential for Black Tree Monitor care. As arboreal reptiles, they require a tall, spacious enclosure that closely mimics their natural tropical habitat. Young Black Tree Monitors can be housed in a smaller enclosure, such as an 18″ x 18″ x 24″ terrarium, for the first 6 to 8 months of life. Once your monitor outgrows its starter enclosure, it will need a larger space, with adult monitors requiring a minimum enclosure size of 4ft x 4ft x 2ft. However, a bigger enclosure of around 6ft x 5ft x 3ft is recommended.
A glass terrarium is not advised, as these monitors may not understand the glass boundaries and potentially injure their noses by bumping into the glass. Instead, opt for a custom-built enclosure that offers ample space for climbing and exploration.
4.2 Substrate and Decoration
Providing a suitable substrate and decorations is crucial for Black Tree Monitor care. The substrate should consist of a mix of forest soil, peat moss, and gravel to retain moisture and maintain adequate humidity levels. The enclosure should be filled with numerous branches, logs, foliage, and other climbable surfaces to stimulate your monitor’s natural climbing and exploring instincts. Horizontal shelves or wide logs are also appreciated for resting and basking.
Additionally, consider providing a large, shallow water box for your monitor to swim in, as they enjoy swimming in their natural habitat.
4.3 Lighting
Proper lighting is essential for your Black Tree Monitor’s health. They require a UVB lamp to help them absorb calcium and synthesize vitamin D3. Position the UVB light on the warm side of the enclosure and establish a 12-hour day/night cycle.
A basking lamp should also be provided to imitate the warmth of their natural environment, ensuring that your monitor can thermoregulate effectively.
4.4 Temperature and Humidity
Replicating the Black Tree Monitor’s natural environment is crucial for its well-being. Establish separate basking and cooling areas within the enclosure, allowing your monitor to regulate its body temperature effectively.
Recommended temperatures for the enclosure include:
- Basking temperature: 95-100℉
- Ambient temperature for the rest of the enclosure: 78-80℉
- Nighttime temperature: 76℉
Use a quality heat lamp to achieve these temperatures and monitor them regularly with a thermometer.
Humidity levels should be maintained at around 60-80%, depending on your location. To maintain proper humidity, mist the enclosure with a hand mister or automatic mister several times a day, ensuring sufficient moisture for your monitor. Monitor humidity levels with a gauge, and keep in mind that proper humidity levels can assist with healthy skin shedding.
5. Feeding
Black Tree Monitors are primarily insectivorous, and their diet should reflect this. Feed your monitor daily, unless it is overweight, in which case feeding every other day is sufficient. Offer a variety of insects, such as crickets, dubia roaches, mealworms, hornworms, and grasshoppers. In addition to insects, Black Tree Monitors can occasionally consume small rodents, fish, chicks, eggs, and ducklings, but these should be offered no more than once a week.
Dust your monitor’s insects with calcium and vitamin supplements, such as Repashy Calcium Plus or Rep-Cal Calcium with D3, to ensure proper nutrition. Provide a fresh water bowl daily, cleaning it thoroughly once a week with a reptile-safe disinfectant.
6. Handling
Although Black Tree Monitors can become more comfortable with their owners over time, they generally prefer not to be handled. It’s essential to let your monitor acclimate to its new environment and establish trust before attempting to handle it. Allow your monitor to observe you during feeding and speak to it, allowing it to become familiar with your voice and presence. Once your monitor begins to approach you and potentially climb onto your arm, you can gently pet and interact with it, but avoid excessive handling to prevent stress.
7. Common Health Issues
Monitor your Black Tree Monitor’s behavior for any signs of illness, such as lethargy or hiding. Common health issues and their treatments include:
- Dehydration: Provide plenty of fresh water daily and mist the enclosure regularly to maintain proper humidity and hydration.
- Stress: Allow your monitor time to acclimate to its new environment and minimize handling to reduce stress levels.
- Dysecdysis: If your monitor experiences difficulty shedding its skin, soak it in warm water for 10-15 minutes and gently peel away the remaining skin. For shedding issues around the eyes, apply artificial tear ointment and remove the skin after 10 minutes.
Always consult with a reptile veterinarian with any concerns or questions about your monitor’s health.
8. Breeding
Breeding Black Tree Monitors in captivity is rare, but some breeders have achieved success. To encourage successful breeding, follow these steps:
- Prepare a suitable environment for the pair, including live plants, a misting system, and climbing structures. Proper humidity is crucial.
- Introduce the male and female monitors before placing them in the enclosure together.
- Breeding should occur within a few days of introduction.
- Approximately 30 days later, eggs will be laid. Transfer the eggs to an incubator set at 86°F. The eggs will hatch approximately 164 days after incubation.
9. Choosing and Buying a Black Tree Monitor
Purchasing a Black Tree Monitor is a substantial investment, with prices typically starting at $600 and potentially reaching into the thousands. It’s crucial to buy from a reputable breeder to ensure the monitor is legally obtained and worth the price. Keep in mind that most Black Tree Monitors are wild-caught, as captive breeding is rare. Consult with a reptile veterinarian and have them examine your monitor before bringing it home.
Be prepared to provide the proper care and attention required for your Black Tree Monitor to thrive in its new environment. Although they demand a higher level of care compared to other reptile species, Black Tree Monitors make rewarding and captivating pets for experienced reptile enthusiasts.
10. Conclusion
Black Tree Monitor care is an intricate and rewarding endeavor for those willing to invest the time, effort, and resources necessary to meet this exotic reptile’s unique needs. By closely replicating their natural habitat, providing a suitable diet, and offering gentle, patient interaction, you can ensure your Black Tree Monitor thrives as a captivating and fascinating addition to your reptile collection.