Bush's pygmy monitor (Varanus bushi)

Short answers

Bush's pygmy monitor: How big does the enclosure need to be?

120×60×80 cm.

Bush's pygmy monitor: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 30–36 °C, basking spot 48 °C, at night 19–23 °C.

Bush's pygmy monitor: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Essential (UVB 10.0–12 %).

Bush's pygmy monitor: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 10–15 years.

Bush's pygmy monitor: Is it suitable for beginners?

Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).

Climate

Daytime temperature

30–36 °C

Night temperature

19–23 °C

Basking spot

48 °C

Humidity

35–50 %

UVB

Essential (UVB 10.0–12 %)

Enclosure

Minimum size

120×60×80 cm

Substrate

Sand-loam, stone slabs, cork bark, climbing branches

Feeding

Food

Insects, roaches, mealworm larvae

Feeding interval

3×/week

Key facts

Adult size

40–50 cm total length

Life expectancy

10–15 years

Origin

The Pilbara, Western Australia

Protection status

Export from Australia is prohibited

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 dwarf monitor from the Pilbara region described in 2004; it climbs on deadwood and rock. Keep it very hot and dry, with a locally very hot basking spot.

Do you keep this species?

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Related species

• Argus monitor (Varanus panoptes) – Expert
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• Finsch's monitor (Varanus doreanus finschi) – Expert
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All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Bush's pygmy monitor (Varanus bushi) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (120×60×80 cm), substrate (Sand-loam, stone slabs, cork bark, climbing branches), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.