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what is the average lifespan of v. beccari's?!
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I think it would be difficult to determine the life expectancy of a V. beccari, given the fact that all of the beccari here in the states, available to the trade were imported as wild caught adults, where their ages were unknown.. Perhaps some zoos have published longevity records of their captives, however, that wouldn't say much about the life expectancy of an animal, if it was originally acquired as a wild caught adult..

In captivity, I would imagine that things would be much different than in the wild. Because of their frail nature, many people make fatal mistakes in keeping them which leads to a short lifetime. And who knows if the husbandry techniques we practice are of benefit to the animal? Would they live longer if we were to change our practices?? This is definately something to look into and try to correct as we gain more experience with our animals; Perhaps taking their natural biology into account, may give us a better idea of their needs in captivity, which would add to their lifespan in captivity, as well as husbandry which has proven to be successful with other/similar monitor species..

I know people who have had their V. beccari in their possession for over 7 years and counting, but I would imagine that they can live well into their late teens?..

I think the key is to start off with cb individuals, and start from there... Then you can get a more accurate perception of how long they live..that is if the husbandry allows the animal to live and die of old age..

Thanks and I have looked at your site and I was wondering what the usual lifespan of your beccaris are? Also do you think that black trees are the best arboreal monitor to get?
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In my limited days of keeping black tree monitors, I've only lost two females, both while gravid, from a respiratory infection. So I have not had any animals die from "old age". Both females I had were rather young(judging by their sizes). So I have no idea... I'll call you in a decade or so...hahahah lmao..

As for the best tree monitor to keep, that all depends on many different things. While I believe that the general care for each species is almost the same, there are other aspects to consider.. In my experience, I think that beccari and macraei attain the largest sizes(from what I have seen), so they would command a larger sized enclosure than that of prasinus or boehmei. Price is another factor that plays a strong role in determining which species to get. Availability is also important, as beccari is probably the most available of the complex.

But just because one animal is more available, or less expensive, doesn't mean that a lesser amount of money should be put into their upkeep. Tree monitors, as well as other indonesian monitors, such as the indicus/doreanus group, are very needy captives. I think that people should gain some experience with some of the cb australian species before diving into a wc tree monitor, for in most cases, they are just setting themselves up for disaster...

Tree monitors demand a lot of your care, money, and time in order to succeed in captivity. It is all to often that people skimp on one or more of these aspects, and the animal/s perish..

So basically, the decision's up to you; which color do you prefer?hahaha... but seriously, make sure you do your homework and gain some varanid experience before attemting a wc tree monitor... that would be my advice, although other people may disagree..

They are extremely frail, and minor mistakes can cost them their lives... perhaps one day, cb animals will be much stronger and resilient, as many of the cb australian species are today... however, I would still think they'd require more attention than the oz species..basically due to their humidity/moisture needs.. which many people neglect...

Well, that pretty much sums up my thoughts, it's all up to you, and your pockets/capabilities... I wish you the best of luck...Take care,

bob

The Odatriad

Hey Bob dont forget Salvadoriis, probably the biggest. Also the biggest pain in the arse. Not reccomended for the faint of heart lol

yeah, salvadori are quite a handful, despite being absolutely gorgeous animals(in my opinion). Size is not the only thing to consider there... formidability is an important thing to consider there... a tiny little tree monitor, although they can pack a surpriingly large punch, cannot inflict the damage a croc can... Quantity of food is another thing that sets salvadorii aside from prasinus complex..

There are other small 'arboreal' monitors, such as timorensis, auffenbergi, and tristis, which tend to do well in captivity, especially cb individuals...

Some species to keep in mind....

All good points to consider.

Funny how you can give a non "arboreal" species 10 ft of height and they will use it. Although known arboreal species need a more vertically inclined enclosure, no doubt

Arboreal.. means a tree.. like.. 50 feet. Not 5. I wonder how much actual altitude monitors use.

Really? How about 60 ft or 10?

Thanks oditriad. I have decided to leave the black trees to a more experienced monitor keeper and now I am thinking about a sav or blue tegu kinda leaning towards blue.
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I'm glad I/we could be of some help. Please keep in mind, I'm not trying to disuade you from ever keeping a beccari, I'm just saying, try an "easier" species first, before you dive into one of the hardest monitor complexes to keep alive(in my opinion). It's good that you have decided to wait. You have restraint, which is good; many people do not have that, and make foolish impulsive purchases.. as we have all seen(I'm guilty as well)..

Cheers, and I wish you the best of luck with your new captive, whatever you decide on... Take care, have a wonderful day...

bob

Thank you bob. And I will one day get some tree monitors but not for a long while.
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"Dark of the matinee"

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