Care

Keeping Varanus macraei in a terrarium requires experience and care, as it is a relatively rare species. It is also endangered in its natural habitat. Therefore, there are a few important points to consider when keeping and caring for them:

Keeping Varanus macraei requires specific temperature and humidity conditions. If these parameters are met, the animals will remain healthy and active. During the day, the base temperature in the terrarium should be between 26°C and 30°C. Additional local spots for sun-exposed areas such as rocks or branches must be provided, which should reach temperatures of over 40°C in these areas. I use three 70W HCI spotlights to illuminate the terrariums, plus two 50W halogen spotlights. During the night, the temperature should not fall below 20°C. This prevents the monitor lizards from becoming hypothermic. The relative humidity should be kept between 60% (dry season) and 90% (rainy season), depending on the season. During the rainy season, humidity must be increased, while a lower level is acceptable during the drier season. To maintain the required humidity levels in the terrariums, I use fogging systems that are automatically controlled. It is important to choose a terrarium that is large enough to provide the animals with sufficient space to climb. The size of the terrarium should be appropriate for the size of the monitor lizards. For a fully grown pair of Varanus macraei, the terrarium should be at least 4 x 5 x 2 (L x H x D) of the KRL. The largest dimension of a tree monitor terrarium is always the height!

The monitor lizards should be provided with a variety of hiding and climbing opportunities in the terrarium to create a species-appropriate environment for them. It should be equipped with branches, climbing plants (artificial plants last the longest), lianas, and cork tubes to replicate the species' natural habitat. To meet the monitor lizards' drinking needs, it is advisable to provide a shallow water basin.

19.08.2025