Asian Water Monitor - Varanus salvator

Young Asian water monitors are often confused for young nile monitors.  The pattern of both species can be quite variable but the shape and position of the nostrils is quite different.  Water monitors such as this one have nostrils close to the tip of their nose.  Nile monitors have nostrils about half way between the eye and the end of the nose.  (Photo: Joshua V. Feltham)			Monitors such as this Asian water monitor are quite dinosaur-like.  Their face in particular looks vary similar to many species of small to medium sized, carnivorous dinosaurs.  Although the wild-caught juvenile water monitors sold in pet stores are quite small, they quickly grow to become large and potentially difficult captives.  This species has been know to grow to a length of over a meter in just a year.(Photo: Joshua V. Feltham)			Asian water monitors, Varanus salvator, and Nile monitors are the most common large monitors available as pets.   Asian water monitors are one of the  largest species of lizard in the world and can grow to an adult size of 3 meters and weigh well over 125 lbs.  They   require immense enclosures and a great deal of exercise to keep them happy and healthy.   (Photo: Brian Child)

General Information

Distribution — Malaysia, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Northeastern India

Habitat — Hot, humid, tropical swamps. Usually not found too far from water.

Adult Size — May grow as long as 2.14 meters (approx. 7 feet) and weigh as much as 61 kg (approx. 135 lbs.). Reports of animals being as long as 3m (9 ft) have been made.

Temperament — Monitor lizards, in general, are known for being nervous and difficult animals to deal with; however, Asian Water Monitors can be quite docile as adults if the time is taken to interact with them on a regular daily basis.

Longevity — Asian Water Monitors are relatively long lived animals. They can live to be 20 - 25 years of age in captivity.

Captive Care

Rating: 5 — Due to this animal's unpredictable nature and large adult size, it is potentially dangerous. This species is banned within the GTA because adults easily attain lengths greater than 2 meters. This species does not belong in the hands of anyone but the most experienced keeper.

Diet: Asian Water Monitors enjoy a meal of rodents, other small mammals, eggs (of any type), fish, snails, other seafood, and small amounts of high quality (read low FAT) cat food.

Temperature: The daytime temperature should be between 85 and 90F and the nigh time temperature range should be between 79 and 82F.

Space: Due to their large adult size and very active nature, Asian Water Monitors need a great deal of space. One of these animals should have a room sized enclosure to move around in as an adult.

Breeding: Asian Water Monitors typically breed during the rainy season and lay between 6 and 30 eggs a few of months after breeding. The gestation period for the eggs is usually between 85 and 200 days depending on incubation temperature.

Special Requirements: As mentioned above, these animals are very large as adults and live to be between 20 and 30 years old. Therefore, a considerable space and time requirement must be met to keep these animals happy and healthy. Because monitor lizards can inflict a painful bite - even as juveniles, it is essential that they become used to human contact so that they can be managed safely. Furthermore, since all animals are unpredictable, thick gloves should be worn when working with the animal even if it is docile.

Sources (Suggested Reading):

Balsai, Michael. 1997. General Care and Maintenance of Popular Monitors and Tegus. Advanced Vivarium Systems, Inc. Santee, CA. Pp. 170

Bartlett, R.D. and P. Bartlett. 1996. Monitors, Tegus, and Related Lizards: A Complete Pet Owner's Manual. Barron’s Educational Series Inc., New York. Pp. 104.

Bartlett, R.D. and P. Bartlett. 1997. Lizard Care from A to Z. Barron’s Educational Series Inc., New York. Pp. 178.

Bennett, Daniel. 1998. Monitor Lizards: Natural History, Biology, and Husbandry. Warlich Druck, Meckenheim, Germany. Pp. 352.

De Lisle, Harold F. 1996. The Natural History of Monitor Lizards. Krieger Publishing Company, Malabar, FLA. Pp. 201.

King, Dennis and Brian Green. 1993. Goanna: The Biology of the Varanid Lizards. New South Wales University Press, Kensington, Australia. Pp. 102.

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