Emerald tree monitor (Varanus prasinus)
Monitors & tegus · Difficulty: Expert
Key facts and care guidance for Emerald tree monitor (Varanus prasinus) (origin: New Guinea). Adult size around 75–100 cm. Life expectancy 10–15 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Emerald tree monitor: How big does the enclosure need to be?
From 150×100×150 cm for one animal; for a pair from 170×100×150 cm (15 % more floor space per additional animal, as in the 1997 expert report).
Emerald tree monitor: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 28–32 °C, basking spot 40–45 °C (local), at night 25–28 °C (not below 25 °C).
Emerald tree monitor: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Essential.
Emerald tree monitor: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 10–15 years.
Emerald tree monitor: Is it suitable for beginners?
No – better suited to experienced keepers (difficulty: Expert).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 28–32 °C
- Night temperature
- 25–28 °C (not below 25 °C)
- Basking spot
- 40–45 °C (local)
- Humidity
- 70–90 %
- UVB
- Essential
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- from 150×100×150 cm for one animal; for a pair from 170×100×150 cm (15 % more floor space per additional animal, as in the 1997 expert report)
- Substrate
- Damp terrarium soil, plenty of climbing branches
Feeding
- Food
- Insects, occasionally a rodent or egg
- Feeding interval
- juveniles every 1–2 days, adults less often
Key facts
- Adult size
- 75–100 cm
- Life expectancy
- 10–15 years
- Origin
- New Guinea
- Protection status
- Annex B — an EU certificate
- Brumation
- None
- Cohabitation
- Single or pair (1.1); the species is shy. Kept singly, the animal has no competition for basking spot and food. Pairs have proven successful in captivity but need separate basking and hiding spots each and a way to separate them if they do not get along. Several males fight over territory and basking spots until one is injured or sits permanently in a corner. Groups with several females are possible, but: a hierarchy develops and subordinate animals eat less; feed separately if sizes differ.
Notes
For experienced keepers only: shy, with high demands on climate and structure. An arboreal species.
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 Emerald tree monitor (Varanus prasinus) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (from 150×100×150 cm for one animal; for a pair from 170×100×150 cm (15 % more floor space per additional animal, as in the 1997 expert report)), substrate (Damp terrarium soil, plenty of 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.
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).