Dampier Peninsula monitor (Varanus sparnus)
Monitors & tegus · Difficulty: Intermediate
Key facts and care guidance for Dampier Peninsula monitor (Varanus sparnus) (origin: The Kimberley (Dampier Peninsula), Australia). Adult size around 20–23 cm total length. Life expectancy 8–12 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Dampier Peninsula monitor: How big does the enclosure need to be?
80×40×50 cm.
Dampier Peninsula monitor: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 30–36 °C, basking spot 46 °C, at night 19–23 °C.
Dampier Peninsula monitor: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Essential (UVB 10.0).
Dampier Peninsula monitor: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 8–12 years.
Dampier Peninsula 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
- 46 °C
- Humidity
- 35–50 %
- UVB
- Essential (UVB 10.0)
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 80×40×50 cm
- Substrate
- Sand-loam, flat stone slabs, tussocks of grass
Feeding
- Food
- Small house crickets, crickets, firebrats
- Feeding interval
- 3×/week
Key facts
- Adult size
- 20–23 cm total length
- Life expectancy
- 8–12 years
- Origin
- The Kimberley (Dampier Peninsula), Australia
- Protection status
- Export from Australia is prohibited; practically absent from Europe
- Brumation
- A cooler dry spell of 6–8 weeks
- Cohabitation
- Pairs work well. Two males do not go together - they fight over territory and basking spot until one is seriously injured or sits permanently in a corner. One male with several females, however, works reliably. Several heat and hiding spots matter so subordinate animals can retreat, and feed separately once animals differ in size.
Notes
The world's smallest monitor, described in 2014 – fully grown it is barely larger than a leopard gecko. Because of the Australian export ban it is effectively unavailable in the hobby.
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 Dampier Peninsula monitor (Varanus sparnus) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (80×40×50 cm), substrate (Sand-loam, flat stone slabs, tussocks of grass), 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: 25 September 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dampier_Peninsula_monitor, https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Varanus&species=sparnus
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).