Peach Throat Monitor - Varanus jobiensis
$599.99
Not applicable with Auction Items
The peach-throated monitor (Varanus jobiensis), also known as the Sepik monitor, is a medium-sized, semi-arboreal lizard native to New Guinea and surrounding islands. They are named for the characteristic peach, salmon, or orange coloration on their throat and temporal regions.
Key Characteristics
- Size: Adults typically grow to about 3.5 to 4 feet in total length, though some males may reach closer to 5 feet.
- Appearance: They have a dark, patternless head with a dark longitudinal stripe through the eye. Their bodies are typically olive-brown to dark green with small yellow or cream spots that may form faint bands.
- Behavior: These monitors are diurnal (active during the day), highly intelligent, and very curious. They are semi-arboreal, excellent climbers, and strong swimmers, often found near water. In captivity, they can be skittish when young but often calm down with consistent, confident handling.
- Diet: They are carnivorous, opportunistic feeders. Their natural diet includes insects, frogs, small mammals, birds, eggs, and freshwater fish.
- Lifespan: With proper care, they can live for 10-15 years or more in captivity, with some individuals potentially living up to 20 years.
- Experience Level: Due to their specific environmental needs (large enclosures, high humidity, specific temperatures) and active nature, they are generally recommended for experienced reptile keepers.
Care in Captivity
Providing a suitable environment for a peach-throated monitor requires significant planning and a commitment to meeting their needs.
- Enclosure: They require a large, tall, and spacious enclosure to accommodate their semi-arboreal and semi-aquatic nature. Minimum adult enclosure recommendations start around 6 feet tall, 6 feet long, and 3 feet deep (72"x36"x72"). The enclosure must have strong climbing branches and a large, easily drainable water source for swimming and soaking.
- Temperature and Humidity: The enclosure needs a temperature gradient with a cool side (70-80°F), a warm side (80-90°F), and a basking spot (110-120°F). High humidity, ranging from 70% to 90% (or higher during a "rainy season"), is critical for their health and requires a waterproof substrate and proper sealing of the enclosure.
- Lighting: Full-spectrum UVA/UVB lighting is essential for their well-being and calcium metabolism.
- Diet: A varied carnivorous diet of appropriately sized insects, small rodents, and other protein sources is necessary.
- Handling: While they can become calmer and more accustomed to their keepers over time, they are generally active and can be nervous, requiring patient and consistent handling to build trust. They are not typically a "tame" pet like some other species.
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