West African Nile monitor (Varanus stellatus)
Monitors & tegus · Difficulty: Expert
Key facts and care guidance for West African Nile monitor (Varanus stellatus) (origin: West Africa (forest plus adjoining savannah, east to northern Cameroon)). Adult size around typically approx. 1.2–1.5 m, large animals up to ~2 m including the tail. Life expectancy up to ~20 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
West African Nile monitor: How big does the enclosure need to be?
Approx. 400×200×200 cm (a large animal, water-oriented).
West African Nile monitor: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 28–32 °C, basking spot 45–50 °C, at night 24–26 °C.
West African Nile monitor: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: UVB needed (Ferguson zone 2–3, UV index 3–5).
West African Nile monitor: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: up to ~20 years.
West African Nile monitor: Is it suitable for beginners?
No – better suited to experienced keepers (difficulty: Expert).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 28–32 °C
- Night temperature
- 24–26 °C
- Basking spot
- 45–50 °C
- Humidity
- 70–100 %
- UVB
- UVB needed (Ferguson zone 2–3, UV index 3–5)
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- approx. 400×200×200 cm (a large animal, water-oriented)
- Substrate
- Damp diggable soil or coco, a large water basin, climbing branches
Feeding
- Food
- Fish, crayfish, rodents, chicks, large insects, eggs
- Feeding interval
- adults 2–3×/week, juveniles daily to every other day
Key facts
- Adult size
- typically approx. 1.2–1.5 m, large animals up to ~2 m including the tail
- Life expectancy
- up to ~20 years
- Origin
- West Africa (forest plus adjoining savannah, east to northern Cameroon)
- Protection status
- CITES Appendix II / EU Annex B – proof of origin required
- Brumation
- None
- Cohabitation
- Keep them singly – territorial and aggressive, especially around food; never keep males together
Notes
Split from V. niloticus as a species of its own in 2016 (over 8 % genetic divergence). A little smaller and slimmer than V. niloticus. Very tied to water, hard to tame, and strong.
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 West African Nile monitor (Varanus stellatus) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (approx. 400×200×200 cm (a large animal, water-oriented)), substrate (Damp diggable soil or coco, a large water basin, 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: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_African_Nile_monitor, https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Varanus&species=niloticus
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).