Rennell Island monitor (Varanus juxtindicus)
Monitors & tegus · Difficulty: Expert
Key facts and care guidance for Rennell Island monitor (Varanus juxtindicus) (origin: Rennell Island, the Solomon Islands – endemic (one of the rarest monitor species)). Adult size around up to approx. 130–150 cm including the tail. Life expectancy 15–20+ years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Rennell Island monitor: How big does the enclosure need to be?
200×100×150 cm (with a large water basin).
Rennell Island monitor: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 28–32 °C, basking spot 40–50 °C, at night 23–25 °C.
Rennell Island monitor: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: UVB recommended (Ferguson zone 2–3, UV index 3–5).
Rennell Island monitor: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 15–20+ years.
Rennell Island monitor: Is it suitable for beginners?
No – better suited to experienced keepers (difficulty: Expert).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 28–32 °C
- Night temperature
- 23–25 °C
- Basking spot
- 40–50 °C
- Humidity
- 70–90 %
- UVB
- UVB recommended (Ferguson zone 2–3, UV index 3–5)
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 200×100×150 cm (with a large water basin)
- Substrate
- Damp soil or bark mulch, climbing branches, a large water basin
Feeding
- Food
- Insects, crabs and crayfish, fish, mice, eggs
- Feeding interval
- adults 2–3×/week, juveniles more often
Key facts
- Adult size
- up to approx. 130–150 cm including the tail
- Life expectancy
- 15–20+ years
- Origin
- Rennell Island, the Solomon Islands – endemic (one of the rarest monitor species)
- Protection status
- CITES Appendix II / EU Regulation Annex B – proof of origin required; wild-caught animals are barely available
- Brumation
- None
- Cohabitation
- Keep them singly. Successful captive breeding as a closely supervised pair is documented (Böhme et al.), but it is very demanding in space and supervision; never keep males together
Notes
The indicus group, semi-arboreal and found near water. Very rarely kept; solid husbandry data are thin – some figures are derived from related species in the indicus group and from the first breeding publication.
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 Rennell Island monitor (Varanus juxtindicus) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (200×100×150 cm (with a large water basin)), substrate (Damp soil or bark mulch, climbing branches, a large water basin), 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://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Renell-Insel-Waran, https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Varanus&species=juxtindicus
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).