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The savannah monitor, whose scientific name is Varanus exanthemathicus, In the wild, its African range extends from Senegal to Eritrea, and from the Sahara to the rain forest in the south. All monitor lizards are among the largest of known lizard species. Savannah monitors are a medium sized carnivorous monitor, that may represent a good introductory monitor species to the reptile keeper who has decided to keep varanids species. Savannah monitors are also reputed as having a generally more docile disposition than other species of this family of lizards which also includes the infamous Komodo Dragon. With frequent, gentle handling, a savannah monitor can become extremely docile and result in a great joy to keep.
This species is very similar in general morphology to the black throated monitor and the white throated monitor. In some places, these three species have overlapping ranges, and were at one time considered the same species. Incidentally, all of these monitors have very similar care requirements, and the guidelines provided below may be applied to the maintenance of any one of these animals.
In the past, savannah monitors were imported to the United States and Europe in massive numbers, often resulting in dehydrated, starving animals that failed to thrive. Luckily, with the recent interest in conservation within their countries of origin, these monitors are being "ranched," that is being bred and/or hatched in controlled environments in their native land. As a result, healthy and spunky babies are now widely available, as are animals bred here in the States by a few dedicated hobbyists. |