Steppe Monitor Lizard (Varanus exanthematicus)

🧬 1. Taxonomy and origin

Scientific name: Varanus exanthematicus

Common names: Savannah Monitor, Bosc Monitor, steppe monitor

Family: Varanidae (monitor lizards)

Origin / distribution: inhabits sub-Saharan Africa, mainly savannas and grasslands in western to central Africa (e.g. Ghana, Togo, Niger, Senegal)

Habitat: savannas, grasslands, open woodlands and rocky areas; active mainly during the day and often hides in burrows or under rocks during hot weather

Conservation: The IUCN considers the species to be Least Concern, but it is hunted for food, skin and the pet trade

🐲 2. What they look like – morphology

The steppe monitor has a robust and powerful body structure:

Size: adults usually reach 90–150 cm in total length; some data even indicate up to 180cm in exceptional specimens

Weight: adult monitor lizards can weigh 3.6–6.8kg or more if well fed

Body: strong, muscular limbs with strong claws suitable for digging and climbing, short neck and short, strong tail

Color: base color varies between gray, brown and ochre, often with rows of light or yellowish steel spots along the back and sides; belly tends to be lighter

Tongue: often dark to bluish - monitor-like tongue, which aids in smell using Jacobson's organ

Sexual dimorphism: male may have a broader head and more robust body; differences in sexual identification may be more apparent in adults

🌍 3. Behavior and temperament
🐾 Diurnal, terrestrial species

Monitor lizards are active during the day (diurnal), searching for food and warm places to warm their bodies, and during hot afternoons they like to hide in burrows or under cover.

🧠 Intelligence and behavior

Monitor lizards are considered intelligent reptiles that learn about their environment and respond to various stimuli.

They are solitary and territorial - two adult males in a shared terrarium can aggressively confront and even injure each other.

When threatened, a monitor lizard often tries to intimidate by hissing, opening its mouth and vigorously wagging its tail; in extreme cases, it can use a strong bite.

🦎 Orientation and hunting

It uses its tongue to detect scent trails when searching for prey; when hunting, it can focus on fast movements or food smells.

🍽️ 4. Breeding requirements - terrarium and environment
📏 Terrarium size

Steppe monitor lizards need a very spacious terrarium to be able to perform natural behavior and movement:

For one adult: at least 180–300×90–120×120cm (l × w × h) or larger to provide space for movement and deep substrate for digging and hiding.

🌡️ Temperature and microclimate

Basking spot: approx. 38–46°C (100–115°F) - some sources see very high temperatures needed in the center of the basking spot.

Temperature on the cool side: approx. 27–32°C (80–90°F).

Night temperatures: approx. 21–24°C (70–75°F).

Humidity: approx. 40–60%, with a deeper substrate layer to help retain moisture and is important for proper skin turnover.

☀️ Lighting

UVA/UVB light is highly recommended – it helps monitor lizards with calcium metabolism, digestion, circadian rhythms and overall well-being.

🧱 Equipment and substrate

The substrate should be deep and secure (e.g. a mixture of sand and peat) to allow burrowing – an important behavioral trait of this species that helps regulate both temperature and humidity.

Add hiding places, rocks, sturdy roots and a large bowl of water for soaking.

🥩 5. Diet and Nutrition
🦗 In the wild

Varanus exanthematicus is an omnivore with a penchant for arthropods and invertebrates, especially in adulthood; its jaws are adapted for crushing hard shells such as snail shells.

The young feed more on insects and small invertebrates.

Adults can also consume meat, eggs, caterpillars and in some cases smaller vertebrates, but insects and invertebrates are the main food.

🍽️ In ​​captivity

Main food: live insects (large crickets, cockroaches, locusts), larvae and worms.

Occasionally: small cooked meat, eggs or snails as a supplement - but not the main source of protein.

Dosage: young monitor lizards eat more often, adults usually 2–3 times a week to prevent obesity (which is common with an improper diet).

Supplements: regular calcium and multivitamin supplements are very important for healthy bones and the prevention of metabolic bone diseases.

🩺 6. Health and Common Problems
⚠️ Common Health Problems in Steppe Monitors

Obesity: A common problem with an improper diet with too much rodent or fat; leads to liver disease and reduced mobility.

Metabolic bone disease: With a lack of calcium and UVB - leads to weak bones and deformities. .

Respiratory infections: With an inappropriate temperature gradient or excessive humidity without ventilation balance. .

Skin and parasite problems: Caused by poor hygiene or an unsuitable substrate. .

🩹 Veterinary care

Regular check-ups with a veterinarian experienced with reptiles can detect early signs of parasites, infections or nutritional deficiencies before they get worse.