Reptile & Amphibian Forums

First and foremost in anticipation to the almost guaranteed bombardment of replies informing me on the size and aggressive nature of this species and the numerous requirements needed to maintain a healthy enviroment let me fist say this. I was raised in a household where my father kept and bred many different species of lizards and snakes, INCLUDING the nile monitor and water monitor species. So as of now at my ripe old age of 40, im more than qualified to care for such a pet, now to the reason for this post, where i live there are no pet stores with a reasonable collection of amphibians or reptiles, so im going to be forced to have to puchase a monitor from online, my question is can anyone recommend a good site with a proven reputation and reasonable prices? I understand it wont be too cheap but I dont want to be had either, thank you in advance to the helpful members of this board.

if you insist on going down the Nile road, try LLL Reptiles. they advertize here at kingsnake, check out the classifieds or click on one of their banners. they do a great job as a reptile dealer.
-----
robyn@proexotics.com

Pro Exotics Reptiles

Where are you located? I have a few and was at a reptile show today that had a few pairs as well..
-----
photos.xtremecombatsports.com

I am located in Rochester Ny, if you can help me in anyway, please e-mail me ASAP

I have heard many rumors about the laws of NY (not just NY city). I heard that they recently banned all boas/pythond (including balls) and all monitors (including dwarfs).
I did a quick search for you and this is what it turned up for your area.
NY law

I also live in New York, they are banned. You could buy one, but the fines would be bad if they found out. They can not be sold in New York legally, so you would have to buy out of state. You could still get a savannah or an Ackie. There is a reptile place in Rochester that he breeds monitors. If you are heading west on 490 get off at university exit, take a right at that light and go up a few miles. I am not sure of the name, but I stopped in there once and he had a few different species. He could probably tell you more, and would know more about getting a license to own one etc. if you are desperate to have one. Hope this helps, if you want the name of that place just let me know and I will look it up.

You father must have been a real founder in the hobby breeding niles and water monitors in 30 years ago...

I agree, never heard of anyone producing niles or waters that long ago,would love to know his name and further info if true.
Ben

Regulated Reptiles in New York State
As of March 15, 2005 New York State increased the list of banned species that private owners are allowed to posess without special permits. Listed below are the current list of regulated animals.

Snakes
All venomous species as determined by the DEC
Burmese Python (Python m. bivittatus)
Reticulated Python (Python reticulatus)
African Rock Python (Python sabae)
Green Anaconda (Eunectes maurinus)
Yellow Anaconda (Eunectes notaeus)

Australian Amethystine Python (Morelia amethistina and Morelia kinghorni)

Indian Python (Python molurus)
Lizards
All venomous species as determined by the DEC
Asiatic (water) Monitor (Varanus salvator)
Nile Monitor (Varanus nilocitus)
White Throat Monitor (Varanus albigularis)
Black Throat Monitor (Varanus albigularis ionides)
Crocodile Monitor (Varanus salvadori)
Komodo Dragon (Varanus komodensis)
Crocodilians
All species
In addition to the above listed species, many species of native New York State herps and similar species require special permits to posess as well (e.g. box turtles of the genus Terrepene). This list consists of the animals considered "dangerous" by the New York State Legistature.

Anyone who owned any of these animals before January 1, 2005 can to apply for a "grandfather" license. You must have proof that the animal was purchased before January 1, 2005. The law allows DEC to charge up to $170 per animal every 2 years.

You will not be allowed to display them in public or teach with them without a reptile educator's license. At the momment there is no criteria established that will be used to decide who is a an educator that qualifies for this license. A four-hour course will need to be attended before you can qualify, but there is no information on who will teach it. We don't know how this law will affect animal educators from other states who enter the state to perform animal presentations.

For more information on how to obtain permits for these animals please contact the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation at the address below:

Special Licenses Unit
NYSDEC
625 Broadway
Albany, NY 12233-4752
(518)402-8985

The DEC is not actively searching for these banned animals. The last thing the overworked and understaffed DEC needs is another law to enforce, however law enforcement officers in New York State will be required to enforce the law if a complaint is filed. Complaints will most likely be filed as a result of a bite, a domestic dispute or a flagrant violation.

My father never bred monitors, if you read the post correctly it said he kept and bred many different species including the nile and water monitor and many other snakes and lizards, he did indeed breed many reptiles but niether one of the monitors were among them, i apologize to anyone who misinterpeted my statement, in no did i meant to decieve anyone, my apologizes.

Why not go with a black or whitethroat? If you're willing to spend the money on a nile (when they generally are pretty cheap), you might as well get one of the above from a dealer or breeder who has selected healthy individuals and put time into getting them started. Just a recommendation, even though you already stated you want a nile.