They’re less active with slower metabolisms than most other Varanid species, so it’s thought that they spend most of their time hidden in crevices waiting for prey to come to them. Their small size and agreeable temperament make them suitable pets for most committed reptile keepers.Īckie Monitor fanatics also argue that they’re intelligent and outgoing.Īckie Monitors, also known as Ridgetail Monitors, are native to northwestern Australia’s arid, rocky outcroppings. In fact, you’ll likely have to hunt down a breeder and put yourself on a waitlist that could be years long!īest Pet Monitor Lizard #1: Ackie MonitorĪckie Monitor s are the go-to for most first-time monitor owners. Most monitor lizard species aren’t common in captivity. Smaller species tend to have somewhat shorter lifespans. Most monitor lizards are around a 20-year commitment. Bigger monitors eat more, inflict more severe injuries, are harder to transport, require more space, and are less likely to be accepted by landlords, apartment complexes, local animal ordinances, veterinarians, pet sitters, and live-in family members. Most monitors require deep substrate for digging, multiple branches for climbing, a giant pool for swimming, or any combination of those features! Most monitor lizards require huge, homemade, or custom-built enclosures. While we’ve picked out the best candidates for captivity, keep these critical aspects in mind: Still, seasoned monitor keepers argue that – as long as you’re willing and ready to put in the work – monitor lizards are one of the most rewarding species to own and care for, reptile or not. Some keepers even surmise that they figure out our schedules, read our body language, and calculate opportunities for escape or otherwise taking advantage of negative opportunities. Monitors can quickly become bored, and a bored lizard is a grumpy lizard. While that level of intelligence may seem appealing, it can be their (or your) downfall in captivity…. komodoensis) recognize individual people that take care of them. niloticus) engage in cooperative hunting, and Komodo Dragons ( V. albigularis) can count, Nile Monitors ( V. In fact, it’s been proven that Rock Monitors ( V. Time and again, studies prove that they’re not only adept problem solvers, but in actuality the MOST intelligent reptiles. Monitors are voracious carnivores, and most of them grow large enough (opens in new tab) to inflict serious wounds that would require emergency treatment.
The fact of the matter is that the answer is: NO… monitors don’t make “good” pets for most people.Ĭaring for a monitor lizard requires an exceptional level of time, commitment, and finances that not every enthusiast has to offer.Īs with any wild animal, owning a monitor comes with its own inherent risks. Best Pet Monitor Lizard #5: Timor Monitor.Best Pet Monitor Lizard #4: Pygmy Mulga Monitor.Best Pet Monitor Lizard #3: Asian Water Monitor.Best Pet Monitor Lizard #2: Savannah Monitor.Best Pet Monitor Lizard #1: Ackie Monitor.For more information, read our detailed Argus monitor care sheet. A sturdily built cage at least 4 feet long is the minimum requirement to properly house an adult of this species. Nighttime temperatures may drop 20 degrees or more if the opportunity to warm up the next day exists. It prefers to bask each morning and return to bask as needed to maintain optimal body temperature in the upper 80s to low 90s Fahrenheit. panoptes is an animal from a warm, subtropical climate. Never let one wander freely on open ground because their ability to suddenly flee makes escape likely.
Argus monitors don’t like being restrained, digging sharp claws into one’s flesh in their attempts to squirm free. Argus monitors are husky lizards that can be a real challenge to physically handle. Captive Argus monitors can be easily persuaded to eat nonliving items such as strips of meat, dog food, eggs, etc. Insects, fish, frogs, snakes, birds and small mammals are all on the dinner menu of this nondiscriminate feeder. Argus monitors are like velociraptors on all fours! They hunt for prey by keying in on movement, chasing it down and overpowering it. The Argus monitor is often seen basking near roadways or rapidly running across them, they have the habit of pausing frequently with their heads up to scan for food or potential danger. This diurnal lizard will be conspicuous to anyone spending time in its range.
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