Varano da Savana

CARE GUIDE

Size: Adults can reach up to 1.2 metres in length.

Origin: Sub-Saharan Africa.

Lifespan: They can live 15 to 25 years in captivity.

Natural Habitat: Savannah, arid grassland and scrubland in sub-Saharan Africa.

Varano da Savana are one of the most common and popular monitor lizards. Their size, intelligence and prehistoric appearance make them a fascinating species. Although their personality can be challenging, with proper care and work they can be kept successfully in captivity. 

Although this is a relatively easy species to keep, a few aspects require attention and certain conditions must be ensured, as described in the following paragraphs.

Terrarium

Size: Minimum of 240x120x120cm for 1 adult. Juveniles can be kept in 120x45x60cm terrariums.

Material: Glass or Wood

 - Heating and Lighting

Varano da Savana originate from areas where temperatures reach very high levels. It is therefore important to provide a hotspot of around 55ºC, with the rest of the terrarium offering a thermal gradient between 25ºC and 35ºC. The best way to achieve these temperatures is with a combination of Halogen Lamps, HID Lamps and Deep Heat Projectors. At night the temperature can drop to 22-24°C.

High-quality UVB lighting must be provided to allow vitamin D3 synthesis. Use lamps with a high UV index, such as T5 14% tubes or mercury vapour/solar lamps.

- Humidity

Relative humidity does not need to be kept very high. However, as described below, it is important that the substrate has a moisture level of around 50% so that it holds its structure.

A water bowl should always be available in the terrarium.

- Decor

Provide a variety of hides, logs, branches and rocks in the terrarium so your Varano da Savana can explore and feel secure. Especially as juveniles, they like to climb and explore higher branches.

Varano da Savana love to dig. It is therefore important to provide a layer of slightly moist, well-compacted substrate at least 50cm deep so they can dig their tunnels. Organic substrates based on coco fibre and/or clay are the best option.

Diet and Supplementation

Feeding habits: Insectivorous

Despite their size, in the wild Varano da Savana have a mainly insectivorous diet. A diet based on crickets, locusts and roaches should be provided, occasionally varied every 2-3 weeks with a meal of rodents, fish or eggs.

Juveniles should be fed daily, with adults fed 2 to 3 times a week.

- Supplementation

For vitamin and mineral supplementation, alternate a meal dusted with Calcium Powder with one dusted with a good-quality Multivitamin Complex (with Vit. D3). 

Under Portuguese Law No. 95/2017 of 23 August, the sale and/or advertising of wild/exotic animals through websites or online platforms is not permitted. To find out which animals we currently have available and their conditions of sale, please get in touch with us.