From the rocky savannas of Africa comes
this small usually docile ground dwelling Varanid. These make good
pets that tolerate handling and if all husbandry parameters are met, (50%
humidity, mid 80 degree cage temp. with a 105 degree basking site and up
to a foot deep of substrate and a hide box, with unfiltered sunlight and a
14 hour photoperiod) makes this one of the easier to keep monitors.
Originally thought to be carnivores and
fed a protein rich diet this has proven to lead to obesity and early
deaths from liver disease. These are now known to be primarily
insectivores as proven from a long term study of gut contents of wild
caught specimens. The preferred diet should consist of "gut
loaded" insects such as Crickets, King Meal Worms, Was Worms, Earth
worms, cooked eggs and garden snails (their favorite) plus a reptile
vitamin/mineral supplement bi-weekly.
The above is a reprint of an article
written by Jack Landess, D.V.M., as a public service. Reprint
permission was obtained from the Florida
Pet Pages.
