Black-palmed rock monitor (Varanus glebopalma)
Monitors & tegus · Difficulty: Intermediate
Key facts and care guidance for Black-palmed rock monitor (Varanus glebopalma) (origin: Northern Australia – sandstone gorges). Adult size around 80–100 cm total length. Life expectancy 12–20 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Black-palmed rock monitor: How big does the enclosure need to be?
180×80×100 cm.
Black-palmed rock monitor: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 30–36 °C, basking spot 48 °C, at night 20–24 °C.
Black-palmed rock monitor: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Essential (UVB 10.0–12 %).
Black-palmed rock monitor: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 12–20 years.
Black-palmed rock monitor: Is it suitable for beginners?
Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 30–36 °C
- Night temperature
- 20–24 °C
- Basking spot
- 48 °C
- Humidity
- 40–55 %
- UVB
- Essential (UVB 10.0–12 %)
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 180×80×100 cm
- Substrate
- Sand-loam, large stable rock structures with crevices
Feeding
- Food
- Insects, roaches, small lizards, nestlings
- Feeding interval
- 3×/week
Key facts
- Adult size
- 80–100 cm total length
- Life expectancy
- 12–20 years
- Origin
- Northern Australia – sandstone gorges
- Protection status
- Export from Australia is prohibited – only European captive-bred animals
- Brumation
- A cooler dry spell of 6–8 weeks
- Cohabitation
- Pairs work, but keep males strictly separate. The reason: several males fight over territory and basking spot until one is injured or sits permanently in a corner. Females usually tolerate each other but need separate heat and hiding spots each; feed separately if sizes differ.
Notes
A decidedly fast rock runner with a pale tail tip; it hunts into the dusk. It needs vertical rock structures and plenty of room to move.
Do you keep this species?
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Related species
- Argus monitor (Varanus panoptes) – Expert
- Bengal monitor (Varanus bengalensis) – Expert
- Blue tree monitor (Varanus macraei) – Expert
- Blue-tailed monitor (Varanus doreanus) – Intermediate to expert
- Finsch's monitor (Varanus doreanus finschi) – Expert
- Boatsi tree monitor (Varanus boatsi) – Expert
- Bogert's tree monitor (Varanus bogerti) – Expert
- Lace monitor (Varanus varius) – Expert
What you need to start
To keep Black-palmed rock monitor (Varanus glebopalma) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (180×80×100 cm), substrate (Sand-loam, large stable rock structures with crevices), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.
The complete, interactive care database is in the Reptoria app.
Last updated: 9 October 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black-palmed_rock_monitor, https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Varanus&species=glebopalma
All values are non-binding guidance and do not replace expert advice. Research thoroughly from several sources before acquiring and keeping an animal, and observe the applicable law (species and animal protection in particular).