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Dumeril's Monitors (Varanus
dumerilii)
Dumeril’s monitors are found
in South East Asia and some
Indonesian Islands. These
lizards are usually found
near swamps and are
excellent climbers. Baby
Dumeril’s monitors are among
the most beautiful lizards
in the world and have bright
orange heads.
Unfortunately, this
coloration changes to brown
as the lizard matures. With
proper feeding, Dumeril’s
monitors grow quickly and
adults can reach 3-4 feet in
total length. With proper
care Dumeril’s can live
15-20 years in captivity.
Like most monitors,
Dumeril’s are nervous
captives and may take some
time to tame down. Ideally,
the cage should include
multiple hiding spots to
provide a sense of
security. Prehistoric Pets
promotes responsible reptile
ownership and we recommend
locking cages that prevent
accidental escape. Large
monitors and other escaped
reptiles can have a negative
impact on the general public
which can lead to a ban of
reptile ownership.
Temperature and UV
Lighting
Dumeril’s monitors should be
maintained between 85-90
degrees with a basking spot
of 95 degrees. At night the
temperature can drop to 75
degrees. Hours of daylight
should be 12L/12D during a
24 hour period. Humidity
should also be maintained at
70%-90%. UVB lighting is
not a must for monitors, but
is recommended. UVB
lighting enables reptiles to
metabolize calcium, by
creating Vitamin D3.
However, because their diet
consists of rodents and
other live prey, they can
usually receive enough D3
and calcium through their
diet. The bones of the prey
will provide calcium, while
the liver will provide
Vitamin D3. Also it is very
important to change your UVB
light every 6-8 months,
after this time the light
stops producing adequate UVB.
If you’re not sure if your
UV light is still producing
UVB, bring it in and we’ll
be happy to test the light
for you.
Housing
Baby Dumeril’s monitors can
be kept in a 29 gallon cage
but they grow quickly and
will soon need larger
housing. Adult Dumeril’s
monitors should be kept in a
cage that is at least 6’ x
2’ x 4’.
Bedding
Our recommendation for
bedding is bark or coconut
bark, this bedding holds
moisture very well and
duplicates their natural
environment.
Food
Dumeril’s monitors are
opportunistic hunters and
are known to eat almost
anything. Ideal foods are;
mice, rats, fish, crawdads,
crickets, superworms,
nightcrawlers, beef heart,
and hard boiled eggs. A
mixed diet of these food
items, four to five times
per week, is ideal and will
ensure proper growth and
health.
Calcium
A calcium and vitamin
supplement should be put on
all food that does not
contain bones. When feeding
your monitor mice, rats, or
fish, no supplement is
needed.
Cleaning and Handling
The terrarium should be
cleaned as necessary. Any
fecal matter or left over
food should be cleaned out
several times a week. The
bedding should be completely
changed once a month and
fresh clean water should be
provided at all times. The
inside of the terrarium can
be cleaned out with an
appropriate reptile cage
cleaner, we recommend
Natural Chemistry’s Healthy
Habitat. Dumeril’s monitors
can be handled on a daily
basis and always wash your
hands before and after
handling them.