Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I recently lost my savannah monitor Mr. nickels. He was around 18 yrs old. I love monitors they are my favorite type of reptile out of the many I have experienced over the years. I am unsure if I would like to add another savannah monitor to my collection or if I should look into a different monitor. I am aware of all the requirements a care needed for monitors but I guess I am looking for suggestions based on experience with the species. My savannah was dog tame and I loved that about him. Has anyone had experience with white throat or black throat monitors, or can you recommend another monitor species. Thanks in advance for your time and suggestions, Chelsea.

How about Ackies? I always wanted Ackies and their size is more manageable.

If you go with Ackies, you can multiple animals since they are so small. They are way cool!!

Hi Chelsea,
I`m sorry you lost your monitor, 18 years is a good age for a captive varanid of any species, let alone a Savannah monitor. It must be a great loss....
I lost my V. ornatus after 14yrs last yaer, he was tractable/trusting too. I think that unless people have experience of these animals in that way, it`s difficult to get across what it means (no, not kept undermetabolised/ cold), they just learn the keeper means no harm, and is actually beneficial to them!
Maybe you might consider an Ornate monitor, or even a Water monitor if you have the space? (There are smaller sub species of salvator, as I`m sure you know).

Savs are very cool varanids. They are inported so frequently that they have become a very under-appreciated species. If they were an Australian varanid, people would be doing all they can to get their hands on them and breed them in captivity. The same with niles. Seriously, how many varanids out there are prettier than a nile? Not many at all.

18 years is a nice long time to have with your sav. It was one o the few lucky ones that made it into the hands of a capable keeper.

Being that you have done so well with your last one, if I were you, I would get another sav.

Varnus albigularis are awesome monitors. My favorite of all the African varanids. They get larger than V. exanthimaticus and need much more space. With black throats, you are looking at a 6 foot plus animal. White throats are slightly smaller. They are great to keep if you have the space. They usually acclimate well to life in captivity and are easily managed.

Thank you all very much for the suggestions and timely replies, I will look into your very helpful suggestions. I appreciate your insight and help. I love to hear peoples opinions on their favorite lizards, and hope to find another great monitor in the future. Chelsea, good luck with all your herps