Monitor lizards, also known as varanids, are fascinating reptiles that attract reptile enthusiasts with their intelligence, striking appearance, and unique behaviors. However, owning a monitor lizard is not the same as caring for common pet reptiles like geckos or bearded dragons. These lizards require specialized care, large enclosures, and experienced handling.
Before bringing a monitor lizard into your home, it’s essential to understand the challenges, responsibilities, and ethical considerations of keeping one as a pet. In this article, we will discuss the pros and cons of owning a monitor lizard, their care requirements, and whether they make suitable pets for the average owner.
1. What Are Monitor Lizards?
Monitor lizards belong to the genus Varanus, which includes over 80 species ranging from small tree-dwelling lizards to large, powerful predators. They are found in Africa, Asia, Australia, and some Pacific islands.
Some popular pet monitor species include:
✔ Ackie Monitor (Varanus acanthurus) – Small and relatively manageable, often considered the best option for first-time monitor owners.
✔ Savannah Monitor (Varanus exanthematicus) – Medium-sized, but requires a lot of space and a specialized diet.
✔ Black-Throated Monitor (Varanus albigularis) – Large, impressive lizards that need significant space and expert care.
✔ Asian Water Monitor (Varanus salvator) – One of the largest monitor species, requiring an enclosure similar to a small zoo habitat.
2. Pros of Owning a Monitor Lizard
For experienced reptile keepers, monitor lizards can be fascinating pets. Here are some of the reasons people choose to keep them:
A. Intelligence and Interaction
Monitor lizards are among the most intelligent reptiles, capable of recognizing their owners, solving problems, and even learning to respond to training. Some owners successfully teach their monitors to come when called or interact with them regularly.
B. Unique and Impressive Pets
With their prehistoric appearance, powerful bodies, and alert expressions, monitor lizards are visually striking. For reptile enthusiasts, they are a one-of-a-kind companion that stands out from common pet species.
C. Variety of Species
Because there are many different species, potential owners can choose a monitor lizard that matches their experience level and space availability. Smaller monitors, like the Ackie Monitor, are much easier to keep than giant species like the Nile Monitor.
D. Long Lifespan
Monitor lizards can live 10 to 20 years, sometimes longer with proper care. This makes them a long-term companion for dedicated reptile enthusiasts.
3. Cons of Owning a Monitor Lizard
Despite their appeal, monitor lizards come with significant challenges that make them unsuitable for most pet owners.
A. Large Space Requirements
Even small species like the Ackie Monitor require a large enclosure, while larger species need a room-sized habitat. A Savannah Monitor, for example, needs a 6x3x3-foot enclosure at minimum, while a Water Monitor might require an outdoor aviary-style setup.
✔ Space Consideration: If you don’t have enough room, a monitor lizard is not a good pet choice.
B. Specialized Diet and Feeding Challenges
Monitor lizards are carnivorous, meaning they eat a diet primarily composed of:
✔ Insects (crickets, roaches, and mealworms for smaller species).
✔ Whole prey (mice, chicks, or fish for larger species).
✔ Some species require varied diets, including eggs and shellfish.
Live feeding is controversial, and frozen-thawed prey must be handled correctly. Improper diets can lead to obesity, malnutrition, and metabolic bone disease.
C. High Maintenance and Care Needs
Monitor lizards need proper lighting, heating, and humidity to stay healthy. Common requirements include:
✔ UVB lighting to prevent bone disease.
✔ Heat lamps and basking spots reaching 100–120°F (38–49°C).
✔ Large water sources for species like Water Monitors.
✔ Regular substrate cleaning to prevent bacterial infections.
Their complex habitat needs make them difficult to care for, even for experienced reptile owners.
D. Potentially Aggressive and Hard to Tame
Many monitor lizards do not tolerate frequent handling. Even those that do require patient socialization over months or years.
✔ Some monitors can bite, scratch, or whip their tails when stressed.
✔ Larger species can cause serious injuries if not handled properly.
✔ They may never become truly “tame” in the way a dog or cat does.
If you are looking for a cuddly or interactive pet, a monitor lizard is not a suitable choice.
E. Legal Restrictions
Many countries and states have laws regulating monitor lizard ownership due to concerns about conservation, public safety, and invasive species risks. Before getting a monitor lizard, check local laws and permit requirements.
4. Are Monitor Lizards Good Pets for Beginners?
In general, monitor lizards are not recommended for beginners. Their care needs, space requirements, and potential for aggression make them a better fit for experienced reptile keepers.
However, if you are determined to own a monitor, the Ackie Monitor is the best choice for a first-time monitor owner due to its smaller size and less aggressive nature.
5. Ethical Considerations
Before acquiring a monitor lizard, it’s important to consider the ethical impact of keeping one in captivity.
✔ Wildlife Conservation: Many monitor lizards are taken from the wild, which can harm native populations. Always buy from a reputable breeder.
✔ Long-Term Commitment: A monitor lizard can live 20+ years, requiring long-term care and financial investment.
✔ Rehoming Challenges: Large monitors are difficult to rehome if an owner cannot care for them.
If you are unsure whether you can commit to proper care for the lizard’s entire lifespan, it may be better to choose a smaller, easier-to-maintain reptile.
6. Alternatives to Monitor Lizards
If you love reptiles but aren’t ready for a monitor, consider these easier-to-care-for lizards:
✔ Leopard Gecko – Small, easy to handle, and beginner-friendly.
✔ Bearded Dragon – Interactive, relatively easy to care for, and social.
✔ Crested Gecko – Low-maintenance and doesn’t require intense heat.
These lizards provide the reptile experience without the extreme care demands of a monitor lizard.
Final Verdict: Should You Get a Monitor Lizard?
Monitor lizards are intelligent, fascinating, and rewarding for experienced reptile owners, but they are not suitable pets for beginners. Their large space requirements, special diet, high-maintenance care, and potential aggression make them a challenging commitment.
Before deciding to get a monitor lizard, ask yourself:
✔ Do I have enough space for a large enclosure?
✔ Can I afford their specialized diet and care needs?
✔ Am I experienced with reptiles and willing to commit to long-term care?
✔ Have I researched local laws about monitor lizard ownership?
If you can confidently answer yes to all these questions, a monitor lizard might be the right pet for you. However, if you are unsure, consider starting with a smaller reptile species before committing to a monitor lizard.
Would you consider owning a monitor lizard? Let us know your thoughts in the comments! 🦎
