Reptile & Amphibian Forums

"Varanus salvator, range from eastern India and Sri Lanka, eastward through southeast Asia, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines. It is the third longest lizard in the world, attaining maximum lengths of 8½ to 9 feet--though most adults range between 3 and 5 feet in length. "

i thought they averaged 7'?
does that mean a cage 9'x5' or even 9'x4' could comfortably house an adult?
also what kind of height is needed for water monitors?
thanks

Judging by the range they covered. I would say they just compiled all of the known locality and sub species together. This would give them the starting size of 3 foot although 5 foot is probly not the best end point. I would of said 3-7 foot.

Seeing how 9-10 foot is the largest known, the average is probly not that large. Average I see in captives is 5-7 foot. Remember with waters they not only have length they also have mass. This all needs to be taken into concideration when building a cage .

If you're asking what size enclosure is needed to house an adult salvator, i'd suggest a room or room sized enclosure to house one comfortably. They need alot of space! Im not sure if a 9'x5' would be adaquate, like Jody mentioned these animals tend to get wide as they get older so so 5' wide along with cage furniture, hides, logs etc. would wind up being about 3 feet wide which would in my oppinion would be pretty cramped!

I recently built a 8'x4'x5' for my 40" water and im sure, as active and inquisitive as it is, it will make use of every inch of space! So if you have the space please consider a 12'x12' room or larger for and adult if "Comfort" is indeed your aim.

Cheers
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0.0.1 Varanus Salvator (Gator)
0.1.3 Varanus Exanthematicus (Adisa "long term captive" other 3 "yet to be named hatchlings"
2.0 Ferrets (Chaos & Kasha)
1.0 Cat (George)

the geographical range is correct. but the average size is debatable. largest individuals are mainland asian (thailand, myanmar, west malaysia and sri lanka. here 8 feet is more common than indonesias island populations. smaller populations live in the philippines, and toward the eastern most extent of the range. largest water monitor on record is 10 feet 5 inches, and remains the record for the longest monitor (10' 3" komodo; 10' plus or minus salvadorii). they (salvator, and large varanids require room size enclosures. my enclosures are smaller than this (4 x 4 x 8 feet) and i do have trouble these days housing them. none of my waters are 6 feet, all are between 4- 5.5 feet and would much appreciate more space to call home. -john