Short-tailed monitor (Varanus brevicauda)

Short answers

Short-tailed monitor: How big does the enclosure need to be?

For one animal or a pair at least 80×45×45 cm; a deep sand floor they can dig in.

Short-tailed monitor: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 28–33 °C, basking spot 50–60 °C, at night 20–24 °C.

Short-tailed monitor: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: UVB needed (Ferguson zone 3, UV index 3–5).

Short-tailed monitor: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: over 8 years in captivity.

Short-tailed monitor: Is it suitable for beginners?

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

Climate

Daytime temperature

28–33 °C

Night temperature

20–24 °C

Basking spot

50–60 °C

Humidity

40–60 % (a humid burrow or cave microclimate)

UVB

UVB needed (Ferguson zone 3, UV index 3–5)

Enclosure

Minimum size

for one animal or a pair at least 80×45×45 cm; a deep sand floor they can dig in

Substrate

Firm sand-loam for digging, spinifex and hides, a sandy damp retreat

Feeding

Food

Large insects (crickets, roaches), locusts, occasionally reptile eggs or small lizards; calcium and vitamins

Feeding interval

adults 2–3×/week, juveniles daily

Key facts

Adult size

up to ~23–25 cm total length (the smallest monitor in the world)

Life expectancy

over 8 years in captivity

Origin

Arid central Australia (spinifex sand plains)

Protection status

CITES Appendix II / EU Annex B → registration required, proof of origin required

Brumation

a slight winter drop is possible; no true brumation

Cohabitation

Paired (1.1) is possible given enough space and plenty of hides; use only one male and monitor for aggression/cannibalism. When in doubt, keep singly.

Notes

The world's smallest monitor (about 1–2 g at hatching). The German list name "Kurzzehenwarane" differs from the usual one (short-tailed monitor). It digs in firm sandy ground; a sandy damp hide matters. It becomes tame (tong feeding).

Do you keep this species?

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

Look for Short-tailed monitor (Varanus brevicauda) 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 Short-tailed monitor (Varanus brevicauda) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (for one animal or a pair at least 80×45×45 cm; a deep sand floor they can dig in), substrate (Firm sand-loam for digging, spinifex and hides, a sandy damp retreat), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.