Dumeril's Monitor

Dumeril's Monitor key facts

Care level

Advanced

Lifespan

15-20 years

Size

Up to about 1.2m; hatchlings have a snout-vent length of about 8cm

Temperature

Ambient 28-32°C / basking 35-36°C / 21-24°C at night

Diet

Insects, snails, crabs, frogs and fish; in captivity it also takes shellfish and rodents

Temperature & Humidity

Hold ambient temperatures at 28-32C with a basking spot up to about 35-36C, dropping to 21-24C at night, and always provide a gradient. As a species of humid evergreen forest and mangrove swamp it must not be kept dry.

Enclosure

Being semi-aquatic it must have a large water container it can soak and swim in. It both burrows and climbs, so provide substrate deep enough to dig in as well as branches for climbing and basking, plus several shelters.

Diet & Feeding

In the wild it feeds on insects, snails, crabs, frogs and fish. In captivity it will also accept various shellfish and rodents. Offer a varied diet with calcium supplementation.

Temperament

It is considered relatively calm for a medium-sized monitor, but it is strong and sharp-clawed, and it is kept singly. It spends long periods in water, so poor water quality readily leads to skin problems.

Notes

Varanidae spp. are listed on CITES Appendix II, so import requires an export permit; no Japanese registration certificate is needed for Appendix II. Of the varanids, only the Komodo dragon and the crocodile monitor are specified animals under Japanese law, and this species is not among them. The IUCN assesses it as Data Deficient, so even its population status is unestablished; confirm the origin of any animal you acquire.

About Dumeril's Monitor

A semi-aquatic monitor lizard from Southeast Asia reaching up to 1.2m, known for digging, climbing, and dives lasting up to 75 minutes. Best suited to experienced keepers.

7 things to know before welcoming a Dumeril's Monitor

1. 1A Large, Deep Water Dish Is a Must

   As a semi-aquatic species, they need a water container large and deep enough to fully submerge in. Make sure you can provide enough enclosure space before bringing one home.

2. 2Built for Experienced Keepers

   Although a mid-sized monitor, adults reach a maximum total length of about 1.2 meters and are strong, with sharp claws. Housing and daily care require real knowledge and hands-on experience.

3. 3Skilled Diggers and Climbers

   In the wild, they dig burrows for shelter but also climb trees when the opportunity arises. Providing diggable substrate and sturdy branches lets them express these natural behaviors.

4. 4Some Sleep Underwater

   Certain individuals are so fond of water that they sleep while partially submerged. Good water quality and stable water temperature are key to keeping them healthy.

5. 5From an 8cm Hatchling to a 1.2m Adult

   Hatchlings start out with a snout-vent length of only about 8 centimeters, but adults grow to a maximum total length of around 1.2 meters. Plan your enclosure with their full adult size in mind.

6. 6Recreate a Warm, Humid Habitat

   Native to the evergreen forests and mangrove wetlands of Southeast Asia, they need consistently warm temperatures and high humidity. Monitor conditions daily with a thermometer and hygrometer.

7. 7Think Long-Term Before You Commit

   Although mid-sized for a monitor, this is a striking lizard that demands real commitment. Consider the eventual size, space requirements, and daily care involved before deciding you can keep up with it long-term.

Frequently asked questions about Dumeril's Monitor

Q.Is Dumeril's Monitor suitable for beginners?

A.This species is generally considered suitable for experienced keepers only. Adults grow to a maximum total length of about 1.2 meters and require specialized housing and care knowledge, making them a better fit for keepers with prior reptile experience.

Q.How large do they get?

A.Adults reach a maximum total length of about 1.2 meters. Hatchlings start out with a snout-vent length of only about 8 centimeters, so their enclosure needs grow substantially as they mature.

Q.Are they good swimmers?

A.Yes, they're semi-aquatic and strong swimmers. One individual has been recorded staying submerged for as long as 75 minutes, and some even sleep while partially underwater.

Q.What's their temperament like?

A.For a mid-sized monitor they are considered relatively calm, but they are strong and have sharp claws, so handle them with care. Keeping them singly is the basic rule.

Q.What should I watch out for in their enclosure setup?

A.A large, deep water dish they can fully submerge in is essential, along with consistently warm temperatures and high humidity. Since they like to dig and climb, include diggable substrate and sturdy climbing branches too.

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