Monitors

Monitor lizards are naturally found in Africa, Asia, Australia, and Indonesia. Their habitat can range from deserts to forests and savannas. Some monitors spend their time on the ground and others live happily in trees, but most monitors are good climbers regardless of where they live.

Monitors can vary greatly in size. Smaller species can be less than a foot long, but many larger ones can grow to be six feet or more in length. The Komodo dragon is the largest living lizard and a member of the monitor lizard family. It can be over nine feet long and weigh 150 pounds.

These reptiles are predators. They will eat insects, birds, rodents, fish, frogs, other reptiles, eggs, and any other animal small enough for them to catch. They are also opportunistic scavengers and will eat the carcasses of dead animals.

Monitors as Pets
Monitor lizards are not for everyone. A monitor can be a fun, exciting, and tame pet, but caring for one takes a bit of work. You have to provide a suitable and often very large habitat, the correct foods, and daily attention.

Smaller species are easy to house, but many babies sold as pets are not one of the smaller species and will soon grow quite large. These large reptiles need very large cages and it is easy to underestimate how much space will be required when you are are looking at a cute baby monitor.

A pet monitor may also need to be tamed. An unruly reptile can show his displeasure with biting, scratching, and tail whipping which can be quite painful. Regular handling and patience goes a long way to taming. With effort a monitor can make a wonderful pet, but you must be willing spend time with him.

If you have the room for a big lizard and the time and patience to interact with him, a monitor will make a great addition to your home. For the right person, he can be a fun pet and companion that enjoys your company and interaction.

Guide

Care Sheet
All the items you will need to provide a good home for your pet.

Food & Diet
The foods needed to supply a healthy and nutritious diet.

Cage & Habitat
Everything a monitor requires to have a safe and proper habitat.

Health & Illness
Information about the more common injuries and illnesses that can befall these reptiles.

Types of Monitors
Some of the more common types available as pets.