Caspian desert monitor (Varanus griseus caspius)

Short answers

Caspian desert monitor: How big does the enclosure need to be?

Approx. 200×100×100 cm with very deep substrate they can dig in (more is better).

Caspian desert monitor: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 28–35 °C, basking spot 45–55 °C, at night 18–22 °C.

Caspian desert monitor: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Strong UVB needed (Ferguson zone 3–4, UV index 4–7; a desert species).

Caspian desert monitor: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 10–15+ years.

Caspian desert monitor: Is it suitable for beginners?

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

Climate

Daytime temperature

28–35 °C

Night temperature

18–22 °C

Basking spot

45–55 °C

Humidity

30–50 % (dry)

UVB

Strong UVB needed (Ferguson zone 3–4, UV index 4–7; a desert species)

Enclosure

Minimum size

approx. 200×100×100 cm with very deep substrate they can dig in (more is better)

Substrate

A deep, compactable sand-loam mix (for stable burrows)

Feeding

Food

Insects (locusts, roaches), rodents, eggs, small vertebrates

Feeding interval

adults approx. 2×/week, juveniles more often

Key facts

Adult size

up to ~140 cm including the tail (the largest griseus form)

Life expectancy

10–15+ years

Origin

Central Asia (Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Afghanistan, Iran among others), sand and clay deserts

Protection status

STRICTLY PROTECTED: CITES Appendix I / EU Regulation Annex A – a commercial-use permit, an unbroken chain of proof of origin and registration are mandatory (German Species Protection Ordinance / EU Regulation 338/97)

Brumation

YES – a winter rest or brumation is needed, about November to March at ~6–12 °C (breeding successes are documented)

Cohabitation

Keep them singly – decidedly bitey and barely tames even over time; never keep males together

Notes

A desert monitor, CITES Appendix I (one of the few strictly protected monitor species!) – legal keeping only with papers and registration with the authorities. It needs a pronounced day-night and seasonal temperature cycle including a winter rest, plus very strong UVB. Not tame to the hand.

Do you keep this species?

Add your animal to Reptoria – Reptoria reminds you about feeding and shedding. Add your animal for free →

Look for Caspian desert monitor (Varanus griseus caspius) in the marketplace →

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

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Caspian desert monitor (Varanus griseus caspius) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (approx. 200×100×100 cm with very deep substrate they can dig in (more is better)), substrate (A deep, compactable sand-loam mix (for stable burrows)), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.