DISTRIBUTION: West and south Africa. 

SIZE: Up to 5 feet (1.5 meters), usually about 3.5 feet (1 meter). 

TEMPERAMENT: Usually very tame. Some individuals may bite at first but with handling and time spent in captivity, tame down. 

HARDINESS: Extremely hardy when properly maintained. Wild caught individuals should be checked for internal parasites. 

SEXING: Should be sexed with a probe. 

FOOD: Savannah monitors are mostly snail and insect eaters in the wild. Snails should be nutrient fed and PESTICIDE FREE. Nutrient feed crickets, kingworms, mealworms, waxworms, and cockroaches may also be fed. Cooked eggs, canned monitor or dog food and raw beef heart may be fed occasionally. Should have calcium supplements twice a week and vitamins weekly. Do not overfeed; these animals tend toward obesity. 

HOUSING: Babies and juveniles may be kept in a minimum 20 gallon (76 liter) vivarium; an adult needs a 60 gallon (228 liter) vivarium. Two or more adults should have a large custom built enclosure. Substrate can be pine shavings, aspen bedding, orchid bark, or sand. Landscape with hollow logs, driftwood, and rocks. 

WATER: A crock of fresh water should be available at all times. Clean daily. 

TEMPERATURE/HUMIDITY: Day 78F-95F (26C-35C) gradient. Night 74F-78F (23C-26C). Keep humidity levels low. Too much moisture may cause skin problems. 

LIGHTING: Fluorescent full spectrum/UV radiant reptile lights are required for long term maintenance. Frequent sunning in unfiltered natural sunlight is very beneficial. 

HEATING: An under tank heater provides surface heat. An incandescent bulb in a reflector hood should be situated at one side of the vivarium for a daytime gradient heat. Use a thermometer. 

GENERAL NOTES: White throated monitors (Varanus albigularus) may be maintained the same as Savannah monitors.