White-throated monitor (Varanus albigularis)
Monitors & tegus · Difficulty: Intermediate to expert
Key facts and care guidance for White-throated monitor (Varanus albigularis) (origin: Southern and eastern Africa). Adult size around 100–150 cm, exceptions up to ~200 cm (snout–vent length about 45% of that). Life expectancy 15–20+ years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
White-throated monitor: How big does the enclosure need to be?
From 350×175×150 cm for one animal; for a pair from 400×175×150 cm (15 % more floor space per additional animal, as in the 1997 expert report).
White-throated monitor: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 28–35 °C, basking spot 40–50 °C, at night 22–25 °C.
White-throated monitor: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Essential (high-output UVB).
White-throated monitor: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 15–20+ years.
White-throated monitor: Is it suitable for beginners?
No – better suited to experienced keepers (difficulty: Intermediate to expert).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 28–35 °C
- Night temperature
- 22–25 °C
- Basking spot
- 40–50 °C
- Humidity
- 50–70 %
- UVB
- Essential (high-output UVB)
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- from 350×175×150 cm for one animal; for a pair from 400×175×150 cm (15 % more floor space per additional animal, as in the 1997 expert report)
- Substrate
- A deep sand-loam mix they can dig in (it sets firm enough for tunnels)
Feeding
- Food
- Insects, snails, rodents, eggs, occasionally carrion
- Feeding interval
- Adults 1–2×/week (avoid obesity)
Key facts
- Adult size
- 100–150 cm, exceptions up to ~200 cm (snout–vent length about 45% of that)
- Life expectancy
- 15–20+ years
- Origin
- Southern and eastern Africa
- Protection status
- CITES Appendix II, EU Annex B, registration required
- Brumation
- None (a dry-season rest is possible)
- Cohabitation
- Single housing (territorial). The reason is territory: two animals will not voluntarily share a basking spot or a hiding place. They fight until one is seriously injured or permanently confined to a corner — and that second animal then eats worse, without showing any visible wound.
Notes
A large, powerful monitor with a high space and warmth requirement, for experienced keepers only. It runs strongly to obesity when overfed.
Do you keep this species?
Add your animal to Reptoria – Reptoria reminds you about feeding and shedding. Add your animal for free →
Look for White-throated monitor (Varanus albigularis) 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
What you need to start
To keep White-throated monitor (Varanus albigularis) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (from 350×175×150 cm for one animal; for a pair from 400×175×150 cm (15 % more floor space per additional animal, as in the 1997 expert report)), substrate (A deep sand-loam mix they can dig in (it sets firm enough for tunnels)), 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: Wikipedia DE, Wikipedia EN, bmleh.de, einrichtungsbeispiele.de, eur-lex.europa.eu
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).