Bogert's tree monitor (Varanus bogerti)

Short answers

Bogert's tree monitor: How big does the enclosure need to be?

120×80×150 cm (height).

Bogert's tree monitor: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 26–32 °C, basking spot 38 °C, at night 22–25 °C.

Bogert's tree monitor: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Essential (UVB 10.0).

Bogert's tree monitor: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 10–15 years.

Bogert's tree monitor: Is it suitable for beginners?

No – better suited to experienced keepers (difficulty: Expert).

Climate

Daytime temperature

26–32 °C

Night temperature

22–25 °C

Basking spot

38 °C

Humidity

70–85 %

UVB

Essential (UVB 10.0)

Enclosure

Minimum size

120×80×150 cm (height)

Substrate

Coco humus soil, sturdy climbing branches, cork tubes, a rain system

Feeding

Food

Insects, roaches, nestlings, occasionally an egg

Feeding interval

3×/week

Key facts

Adult size

80–100 cm total length

Life expectancy

10–15 years

Origin

The D'Entrecasteaux Islands (Papua New Guinea)

Protection status

CITES II; very rarely kept

Brumation

None

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 jet-black island form of the prasinus group with a prehensile tail. It needs height rather than floor area, high humidity and plenty of retreat tubes – very shy and prone to stress.

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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
• Lace monitor (Varanus varius) – Expert
• Timor monitor (Varanus timorensis) – Intermediate

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Bogert's tree monitor (Varanus bogerti) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (120×80×150 cm (height)), substrate (Coco humus soil, sturdy climbing branches, cork tubes, a rain system), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.