Description:

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Savannah Monitors, Also knows as Bosc's Monitor, are a "medium sized" lizard which are native to numerous parts of the African continent. Particularly they can found within savannah and grassland areas - which their name suggests.

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Though they spend the majority of their time basking and conserving their energy, they're capable of surprisingly quick movement when motivated - even despite their short and stubby limbs. They have been known to reach a speed as fast as thirty miles per hour when hunting or eluding larger predators.

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They are muscular and strong built, with sharp claws and powerful jaws containing sharp teeth.  A long with these traits, they also use their tails to whip as a method of defense.

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From experience, I can tell you that both these tails whips, as well as bites, can be quite painful and damaging to human skin.

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Size:

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The average size for a full grow adult Savannah monitor is 2.5 to 3.5 feet (76.2 to 106.68 centimeters), but have been known to occasionally grow much larger. 

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Their maximum size is dependent on environmental conditions, diet, genetics and gender. Male Savannah monitors will typically grow larger than females, and will have a larger head, and bigger jaws.

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Temperament:

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These are not domesticated animals, and they are primitive and naturally dangerous predatory animals. Though a savannah monitor can be tamed and has the potential to be a good pet, the outcome of their disposition will be entirely based on the care they are given, as well as the experience of their keeper.

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These are not considered a good pet for a novice reptile keepers - as a bearded dragon or leopard gecko might be.

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In order to build a strong and lasting bond with a Savannah monitor, it is important to invest the time into building a bond with them. This is much easier to do if started when they are still young in age. Though they will never immediately trust human beings, as this in just not in their nature, it is entirely possible, with time to teach them to see human beings as a source of food, and not a threat.

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My Savannah monitor was purchased when he was no more than a few months in old, and would initially viciously attack any hand which came close to him. 

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Through much patience, and consistent interaction over the course of many years, he has come to fully trusts me and enjoys being picked up. He now has a personality more resembling a puppy than a wild lizard.

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Owning these animals should not be taken lightly. If you're  unable to spend time with them and not accepting of the fact that you will likely be bit a number of times before you have a lizard that you can comfortably handle, they may not be the pet for you.

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Far to often these animals are bought on a whim, and not properly cared for, leading to them being abandoned or given a poor quality of life.

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Housing:

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Due to their size, these animals are also a large commitment when it comes to housing. They require a LOT of space.

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Generally an enclosure sized 5ft x 4ft x 4ft is considered the bare minimum, but this is also dependent on the size they reach at full grown - and unless you plan to give them plenty of time outside of this enclosure to stretch and exercise, it is strongly recommended you give them a larger space than this in which to live.

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Typically this enclosure will need to be custom made. Alternatively, Some people choose to make elaborate setups for these animals within a closet or their own small dedicated room.

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These animals are territorial, and should not be kept communally. 5ft x 4ft x 4ft is the minimum space required for ONE individual monitor.

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These animals also like to soak, and should be provided with a pool large enough to fit into. This water will become soiled often, and needs to be changed frequently or it can quickly lead to health problems for the monitor.

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These animals are surprisingly agile climbers. This combined with their strength puts them at high risk for escaping any poorly secured confinement. The opening to their enclosure should be tightly secured, and kept locked - particularly if kept in a home with children or other animals.

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Temperature and Humidity:

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Savannah monitors also like to be kept in a very warm environment.  The inside of their enclosure should have a minimum temperature gradient of  80-90  degrees Fahrenheit.

A large basking area must also be provided with a temperature as high as 120  degrees Fahrenheit. This is implemented with a large basking bulb, which should be kept out of reach of the monitor to prevent it from being injured.

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These lizards prefer a fairly dry environment, but should have a some humidity. I will pour water into the soil within their housing a couple times per week to ensure a steady supply of humidity.

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Lighting:

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Savannah monitors require UVB lighting which is essential for their overall health and happiness.  You will need a UV lighting setup rigged for a 12  hour day and night cycle within their enclosure. These bulbs will need to be replaced a minimum of once per year to ensure they are still providing an adequate amount of UV light.

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Substrate:

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Savannah monitors have a natural inclination to dig and create burrows. I keep the floor inside of my monitors enclosure covered with 1.5 feet (45.72 centimeters) in depth of potting soil for in which he can dig. This is a lot of soil, and although I do not change this frequently, it is a big task, and another expense to consider when owning one.

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Diet:

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These lizards are not picky eaters, and will enjoy a varied diet of insects. They can also be fed fish, mice or rats. Though these items should be fed sparsely, and not as a staple diet. 

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I feed my monitor a steady supply of roaches, worms and crickets, as well as Repashy brand "Grub Pie" 2-3 per week. Once to twice per month, I'll feed him a large mouse.

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A periodic dusting of calcium and vitamin powder should be applied to their food to ensure their long term health and to prevent metabolic bone disease.

 

Junvenile Savannah monitors will need to be fed much more frequently than adults - ideally daily.

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Ensure fresh water for drinking, as well as their bathing water, is always available for them to stay hydrated. This will need to be changed/replenished regularly due to the high heat within their housing.

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Lifespan:

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Savannah monitors have the potential to live up to 20 years, but their average lifespan in captivity is typically much lower due to the complexity of their care. A more typical life span for these animals when kept as a pet is 10 years.

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