The species is known as Bosc's monitor in Europe, since French scientist Louis Bosc first described the species.

This will help the other owners and peoples who have this species as the pet at their home. The specific name exanthematicus is derived from the Greek word exanthem /ɛkˈsænθɪm/, meaning an eruption or blister of the skin. But like all monitors, if it is not a captive-bred baby or handled often, the savannah monitor can become aggressive and can bite. Gut-loading involves feeding nutritious food to prey items, so those nutrients pass on to the lizard. Their teeth are small but sharp; their claws can also scratch; and it also uses its long, heavy tail as a whip to defend itself. So, you have to avoid bitten by this lizard. They are popular because they are very friendly and are easier to keep than other larger monitors. Common savannah monitor illnesses are treatable by an exotics veterinarian. Most of the available in the pet trade are wild-caught, but even imported lizards can thrive as long as their keepers provide the appropriate environment and care. The savannah monitor, as one would expect given the common name, is found in the savannahs and grasslands of central Africa. They are not overly active creatures and usually tolerate handling. [2] It belongs to the subgenus Polydaedalus, along with the Nile, the ornate and other monitors.

Their claws will shred screen-sided enclosures, so a glass or Plexiglas siding is best. The cage needs a temperature gradient down to 85 F in the day and as low as 75 F at night. Frill Necked Lizards (Frilled Dragons): Species Profile, The Best 9 Controllers and Monitors for Your Aquarium, The 9 Best Bearded Dragon Supplies of 2020, Prolapsed Hemipenes in Lizards and Geckos.

The trade in wild collected savannah monitors is not of a global conservation concern due to the vast range of the species, in addition to the collection for the pet trade often occurring over a relatively small area. [5] In the coastal plain of Ghana, V. exanthematicus juveniles are often associated with the burrows of the giant cricket Brachytrupes. The skins of the species are important in the international leather trade and originate mainly from Chad, Mali and Sudan. Dust calcium powder onto insects and young rodents that don't have good bone density. Savannah monitors are carnivores and opportunistic eaters that are prone to obesity. Feces should be spot cleaned every day from their enclosure, especially if it is in their water. Juvenile animals are collected from several countries in West Africa (mainly Ghana, Togo, Benin and Nigeria) and exported worldwide.

The savannah monitor (Varanus exanthematicus) is a medium-sized species of monitor lizard native to Africa.

They are also known as Bosc’s monitor, latter more predominant in Europe, as it was first described by Louis Bosc, a Frenchman.

The central portion and inside of the limbs are a yellowish-grey to brown. On average, juveniles (up to 3 feet long) should eat about one to four fuzzy mice or one small mouse, supplemented with a few insects.

Bennett, D. & Sweet, S.S. 2010. Feed juveniles three times a week, but adult savannahs may only need feeding once a week. The basking area will likely be a moisture-free zone.

The amount you feed depends on the size of your lizard.

Savannahs are popular pets in the United States but don't always thrive in captivity. The Savannah monitor is often confused with the white-throat monitor (Varanus albigularis), which can grow to lengths of 5–6 ft. Hatchlings start feeding a few days after the yolk sac has been absorbed, which may take 12 days or more after hatching. [12] An average of 30,574 live specimens were imported into the US each year between 2000 and 2009; total imports of live specimens into the US between 2000 and 2010 was 325,480 animals. This monitor lizard is considered the same to the white throated. They also need to be cared to maintain good health and avoid aggressive behavior.

Adults (larger than 3 feet long) should eat two to three adult mice per week or one rat, supplemented with some insects. They aren’t really active lizards but you have to carefully handle this. The height of the enclosure should prevent them from escaping and allow a branch or other decoration in the cage on the off chance they want to climb. Their feeding style is based on a feast or fast system.

She may also use a termite mount. Savannah monitors are stoutly built, with relatively short limbs and toes, and skulls and dentition adapted to feed on hard-shelled prey. [11] The species is hunted for its leather and meat and for the international pet trade. [10], V. exanthematicus is listed as least concern by IUCN.

Savannahs are strong and known for being escape artists. It belongs to the subgenus Polydaedalus, along with the Nile, the ornate and other monitors. The length of these monitors can reach a maximum 3.5-5 ft. The base of the color of the body ranges from light yellow to grey. They also have powerful jaws and blunt peg-like teeth that help them crush their prey. Signs of a healthy monitor include smooth, even skin; no traces of mites (small, reddish-brown spots around the face); clear, bright eyes; rounded, full body; and a strong, even, smooth jawline. Savannah monitors are large pet lizards that are one of the more docile species of the monitor group.

While similar in overall appearance, this species possesses significant morphological and ecological differences and is recognized as a very distinct species. Savannahs are popular pets in the United States but don't always thrive in captivity. These lizards are prone to parasitic infections, symptoms of which include sluggishness, lack of appetite, and vomiting.

Yet there are some native palaces where this species doesn’t have the venom. The range of these monitors extends throughout sub-Saharan Africa from Senegal east to Sudan and south almost to the Congo River and Rift Valley. [3] French botanist and zoologist Louis Augustin Guillaume Bosc[4] originally described this lizard as Lacerta exanthematica in reference to the large oval scales on the back of its neck.[2]. They are robust creatures, with powerful limbs for digging, powerful jaws and blunt, peglike teeth. Savannah monitors spend most of their time basking in the sun, burrowing in the soil, and eating a variety of small prey food such as rodents, smaller lizards, and insects. Savannah Monitor Climate Control Tips. Savannah monitors are large pet lizards that are one of the more docile species of the monitor group. Most owners have their adult setup ready when they bring home a baby. Monitor their weight to prevent excess weight gain. Like many reptiles, savannah monitors are also susceptible to respiratory infections.

These lizards are incredibly robust. This species is very similar in general morphology to the black throated monitor and the white throated monitor. The Savannah Monitor is one of the smallest and most popular species among the monitor genus. This lizard hails from the savannah or grasslands of sub-Saharan Africa. The Spruce Pets uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience.

The weight of these lizards ranges between 11-13 lbs. Four weeks later the female lays between 20-50 eggs in the nest she builds from scratch.

Regular handling from an early age makes it a tame, docile creature. Make sure the cage is entirely enclosed and has a secure lock. These monitors are robust, hardy lizards which have relatively simple care requirements.

Male follows a female n a relentless manner, often scratching her or biting her neck. The savannah monitor (Varanus exanthematicus) is a medium-sized species of monitor lizard native to Africa. The species is known as Bosc's monitor in Europe, since French scientist Louis Bosc first described the species. Savannah Monitor Background Key Takeaways: Hailing from Africa’s savannas and grasslands, the savannah monitor is a stocky, ground dwelling lizard that, when properly cared for, can live up to 15 years in captivity. However the vast majority (estimated 90%) die within a year of capture and captive breeding is very rare.

Monitors can be destructive, so only provide rocks and hides; decorations aren't necessary. There are light yellow marks on the head and circular dark-edged yellow spots o the back arranged in the rows. Both of these conditions are potentially life-threatening and common in savannah lizards kept in captivity. Provide a gradient in the substrate of almost 100 percent humidity and try to keep it above 60 percent in the coolest part of the cage.