Crocodile monitor (Varanus salvadorii)

Common Name: Crocodile monitor

Scientific Name: Varanus salvadorii (Peters & Doria 1878)

Distribution: Southern coast of New Guinea.

Surroundings: Mainly tree dweller.

Habitat: Swamps, forrests and mangroves.

Length: up to 275 cm.

Sex determination: Extremely hard to distinguish; Many animals in the past that were said to be males based on the eversion of their hemipenis laid eggs some time later. The males of this species are most of the times heavier compared to the females. It seems that females spend more time above the ground than males. (based on captive observations).

Enclosure size: Advised: 400 * 200 * 300 cm (l*w*h) for a pair. Preferably a high enclosure.

Animals per enclosure: These animals can best be kept separate except for breeding attempts. They have been known to kill each other or severly injure each other. Serious damage can be caused both by their long teeth and their huge claws.

Temperature: Daytime gradient: 22º-30º Celsius.

Daytime baskingspot: 35º-45º Celsius.

Nighttime: +15º Celsius.

Diet: Reptiles, frogs, birds, eggs and mammals.

Humidity: Over 70%

Remarks: This animal is by some said to be the largest living monitor lizard. Proof of stories of up to 475 cm long animals can however not be given. About two-thirds of its length is made up of tail.


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