Blue tree monitor (Varanus macraei)
Monitors & tegus · Difficulty: Expert
Key facts and care guidance for Blue tree monitor (Varanus macraei) (origin: The island of Batanta (Indonesia, Raja Ampat)). Adult size around approx. 100–110 cm. Life expectancy approx. 10–15+ years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Blue tree monitor: How big does the enclosure need to be?
From 250×100×200 cm for one animal (a tall enclosure).
Blue tree monitor: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 28–32 °C, basking spot 40–50 °C, at night 22–25 °C.
Blue tree monitor: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Recommended.
Blue tree monitor: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: approx. 10–15+ years.
Blue tree monitor: Is it suitable for beginners?
No – better suited to experienced keepers (difficulty: Expert).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 28–32 °C
- Night temperature
- 22–25 °C
- Basking spot
- 40–50 °C
- Humidity
- 70–90 %
- UVB
- Recommended
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- from 250×100×200 cm for one animal (a tall enclosure)
- Substrate
- Deep humus or coco substrate; plenty of branches, cork tubes, climbing walls
Feeding
- Food
- Insects (crickets, roaches, locusts), occasionally nestlings or eggs
- Feeding interval
- 2–3× a week
Key facts
- Adult size
- approx. 100–110 cm
- Life expectancy
- approx. 10–15+ years
- Origin
- The island of Batanta (Indonesia, Raja Ampat)
- Protection status
- CITES Appendix II / EU Annex B, registration requirement, proof of legal origin. This species occurs exclusively on the small island of Batanta and is listed by the IUCN Red List as Endangered; wild-caught animals are a significant problem. Only buy captive-bred animals with complete papers.
- Brumation
- None
- Cohabitation
- Keeping it singly is the least stressful option. A pair is possible, but: only in a considerably larger enclosure with separate basking and hiding spots for each animal, and only if you can separate them immediately if they fight; feed separately if they differ in size. Males are incompatible with each other and fight over territory and basking spots until one is injured or permanently sits in a corner.
Notes
A very active, exclusively arboreal monitor; it needs a tall, well-structured and humid terrarium. For experienced keepers only.
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Related species
- Argus monitor (Varanus panoptes) – Expert
- Bengal monitor (Varanus bengalensis) – 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
- Timor monitor (Varanus timorensis) – Intermediate
What you need to start
To keep Blue tree monitor (Varanus macraei) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (from 250×100×200 cm for one animal (a tall enclosure)), substrate (Deep humus or coco substrate; plenty of branches, cork tubes, climbing walls), 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: monster-reptiles.com, reptile-care.de, warane.jimdofree.com, zootier-lexikon.org, einrichtungsbeispiele.de
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).