Blue Tree Monitor (Varanus macraei)

Blue Tree Monitor (Varanus macraei)

Comprehensive Care Guide – The Vivarium Vault

QUICK FACTS

Scientific name: Varanus macraei

Common names: Blue Tree Monitor, MacRae’s Tree Monitor

Family: Varanidae

Subgenus: Hapturosaurus (often treated within Varanus)

Native range: Batanta Island, Raja Ampat Islands, West Papua, Indonesia

Natural habitat: Tropical forest, particularly arboreal environments

Adult size: Approximately 90–110 cm (3–3.6 ft) total length, including the exceptionally long tail

Lifespan: Potentially 10–15 years or longer under appropriate captive conditions; long-term species-specific data remain limited

Activity: Diurnal

Lifestyle: Highly arboreal

Diet: Predominantly insects and other small animal prey

Temperament: Intelligent, alert, fast-moving and often initially shy

Experience level: Advanced

Cohabitation: Individual housing recommended

CITES: Appendix II

EU Wildlife Trade Regulations: Annex B


SPECIES OVERVIEW

The Blue Tree Monitor (Varanus macraei) is one of the most visually distinctive monitor lizards maintained in specialist reptile collections.

Its striking blue and black colouration, slender body, elongated limbs and exceptionally long prehensile tail make it particularly well adapted to life in tropical forest trees.

The species was formally described in 2001 and is known from Batanta Island in Indonesia’s Raja Ampat archipelago.

Unlike large terrestrial monitor lizards, the Blue Tree Monitor spends much of its time climbing, exploring branches and investigating narrow spaces among vegetation.

Its tail provides an important additional means of support when moving through the canopy.

Blue Tree Monitors belong to the tree monitor group, which includes the Emerald Tree Monitor (Varanus prasinus), Black Tree Monitor (Varanus beccarii) and several other closely related species.

Despite their relatively slender build, these animals are active, intelligent predators with complex environmental requirements.

They are not suitable for inexperienced reptile keepers.

Successful long-term husbandry requires an understanding of tropical microclimates, vertical enclosure design, lighting, hydration and behavioural management.

Because the species has a restricted natural distribution and has experienced collection pressure, responsible captive breeding and clear documentation of legal origin are particularly important.

NATURAL HABITAT AND ECOLOGY

Blue Tree Monitors inhabit tropical forest environments on Batanta Island.

These forests experience warm temperatures, substantial rainfall and generally high atmospheric humidity.

However, forest conditions are not uniform.

Sunlit branches may become considerably warmer than shaded areas, while hollow trunks, dense vegetation and sheltered bark provide cooler and more humid retreats.

Blue Tree Monitors use these differences to regulate body temperature, exposure and hydration.

Their long toes, curved claws and prehensile tails allow them to navigate narrow branches and complex vertical structures.

They are active hunters, searching vegetation and bark for suitable prey.

Implications for captive husbandry

A suitable captive enclosure must provide more than simply warm, humid air.

It should offer:

  • Strong, secure vertical climbing structures
  • Multiple horizontal and diagonal branches
  • Elevated basking opportunities
  • Cooler shaded areas
  • Dense visual cover
  • Narrow elevated retreats
  • Reliable drinking opportunities
  • Good air movement
  • Space for natural exploration and foraging

A constantly wet enclosure with poor ventilation does not accurately reproduce the varied conditions available within a tropical forest.

ADULT SIZE AND LIFESPAN

Adult Blue Tree Monitors generally reach approximately 90–110 cm (3–3.6 ft) in total length.

Much of this length consists of the long, flexible tail.

The body remains relatively slender compared with that of more heavily built monitor species.

Males are often larger and more robust than females, although individual variation occurs.

External appearance alone should not be relied upon for definitive sex determination.

Long-term captive lifespan information remains incomplete.

A lifespan exceeding ten years is a reasonable expectation under suitable conditions, but precise average longevity has not been firmly established.

These animals should be regarded as a substantial long-term commitment.

ENCLOSURE SIZE AND DESIGN

Blue Tree Monitors require spacious, vertically complex accommodation.

For a single adult, Reptile Community recommends a minimum enclosure of approximately:

4 × 2 × 5 ft (120 × 60 × 150 cm) — length × depth × height.

Where space permits, an enclosure of 5 × 3 × 6 ft (150 × 90 × 180 cm) or larger is preferable.

These are practical welfare recommendations, not scientifically established minimum dimensions.

Larger enclosures provide more opportunities for exercise, natural movement and the creation of distinct temperature and humidity zones.

Enclosure materials

Suitable enclosure materials include:

  • Properly sealed PVC panels
  • Moisture-resistant composite panels
  • Sealed marine-grade plywood
  • Appropriately constructed glass enclosures

Wooden enclosures must be thoroughly sealed against moisture.

Unprotected timber may deteriorate in the warm, humid conditions required by this species.

In Ireland, insulation is particularly useful because it reduces temperature fluctuations and heating demand during colder months.

Ventilation

Ventilation is essential.

A suitable enclosure should allow air exchange without exposing the animal to persistent cold draughts.

Poor ventilation combined with constant moisture may encourage fungal growth and unsanitary conditions.

Ventilation should be designed to preserve useful humidity while allowing surfaces to dry periodically.

Enclosure security

Blue Tree Monitors are exceptionally agile and can exploit small openings.

All doors should be securely locked.

Cable ports, ventilation openings and sliding-door gaps must be checked carefully.

The animal should not be able to reach unprotected electrical equipment or heating elements.

CLIMBING STRUCTURES AND FURNISHINGS

Climbing structures are fundamental to Blue Tree Monitor husbandry.

An enclosure containing only one vertical branch and a few artificial plants is inadequate.

The monitor should be able to move throughout the enclosure without repeatedly descending to the ground.

Recommended furnishings

  • Thick vertical branches
  • Horizontal resting branches
  • Diagonal climbing routes
  • Large cork bark tubes
  • Hollow elevated retreats
  • Secure natural wood platforms
  • Dense artificial or live foliage
  • Stable basking branches
  • Visual barriers
  • Multiple elevated hiding areas

Branches should vary in diameter.

Different widths allow the animal to adopt natural resting positions and exercise its feet and claws.

All heavy furnishings must be securely attached.

Prehensile tail

The Blue Tree Monitor’s tail is an important climbing adaptation.

The animal may wrap it around branches for additional support.

Provide sufficient space around climbing routes to allow normal tail movement.

Never pull or restrain a monitor by its tail.

Elevated retreats

Hollow cork tubes and enclosed branches provide valuable security.

Some individuals spend considerable time inside elevated shelters, particularly when newly introduced to an enclosure.

These retreats should remain accessible for inspection without requiring the animal to be forcibly extracted.

TEMPERATURE AND HEATING

Blue Tree Monitors require a warm tropical environment with access to intense basking heat.

However, the entire enclosure should not be maintained at basking temperatures.

A carefully designed thermal gradient allows the animal to regulate its own body temperature.

Recommended temperatures

Location Temperature
Basking surface Approximately 45–55°C
Warm-side ambient air 28–32°C
Cool-side ambient air 24–27°C
Night-time Approximately 22–25°C

These figures are practical starting ranges. Individual systems should be adjusted according to measured temperatures, animal behaviour and veterinary or specialist advice.

Basking provision

Overhead halogen flood lamps are suitable for creating a basking area.

The basking surface should be broad enough for the animal to warm a substantial portion of its body.

Avoid concentrating excessive heat into a very small area.

Basking branches should be positioned securely beneath the heating system.

The animal must not be able to touch exposed lamps or other dangerously hot equipment.

Thermostatic control

Use a suitable dimming thermostat to control basking equipment.

Temperature monitoring should include:

  • An infrared thermometer for basking surfaces
  • Digital probes for warm-side air
  • Digital probes for cooler areas
  • Periodic checks inside elevated retreats

Temperature probes must be positioned carefully.

A thermostat probe located in a cool area may allow the basking surface to become dangerously hot.

Night-time temperatures

A moderate overnight temperature reduction is appropriate.

Additional heat may be required during winter in Ireland, particularly in buildings where room temperatures fall substantially overnight.

A thermostatically controlled non-light-emitting heat source can be used when necessary.

Avoid coloured night-time lamps.

Provide a normal period of darkness.

LIGHTING AND UVB

Blue Tree Monitors are diurnal reptiles that encounter natural daylight and ultraviolet radiation.

Appropriate lighting supports normal activity, environmental awareness and vitamin D metabolism.

Reptile Community recommends providing a quality linear T5 UVB system alongside bright visible lighting.

UVB provision

A practical initial target is a UV Index of approximately 2.0–3.5 at the animal’s back in the principal basking area.

This is a provisional husbandry recommendation rather than a scientifically established species-specific requirement.

The animal must also have access to shaded retreats with very low or negligible UV exposure.

Suitable lighting equipment

Depending on enclosure height, lamp placement and intervening mesh, suitable systems may include:

  • Arcadia ProT5 6% UVB
  • Arcadia ProT5 12% UVB
  • Equivalent reputable linear T5 UVB systems

The correct lamp strength depends on the actual installation.

What this means in practice

A stronger UVB lamp mounted high above the basking area may produce similar exposure to a weaker lamp mounted closer.

Reflectors, mesh and distance can substantially alter the UV Index reaching the animal.

Blue Tree Monitors climb extensively, so measurements should be taken at the highest accessible basking positions.

A branch positioned unexpectedly close to the UVB lamp may expose the animal to excessive radiation.

Where possible, use a Solarmeter 6.5 to measure the UV Index at the height of the monitor’s back.

Ensure that the animal can retreat into shade whenever it chooses.

Visible lighting

Bright white LED lighting can help reproduce a well-illuminated daytime environment.

The enclosure should contain both brighter areas and shaded sections.

A photoperiod of approximately 11–13 hours is a reasonable starting point, with gradual seasonal variation if desired.

HUMIDITY AND HYDRATION

Humidity management is particularly important for Blue Tree Monitors.

The species originates from a humid tropical environment, but continuously saturated surfaces and stagnant air should be avoided.

Recommended humidity

A practical starting range is approximately 60–80% relative humidity, with natural daily fluctuations.

Humidity may rise temporarily following misting and decline as the enclosure dries.

These figures should not be treated as rigid limits.

The animal should have access to sheltered, humid retreats while also being able to occupy drier, well-ventilated branches.

Misting

An automated misting system can be useful, particularly in larger enclosures.

Short misting sessions may be scheduled according to measured humidity, enclosure ventilation and the animal’s drinking behaviour.

Manual misting is also suitable when performed consistently.

Avoid keeping the entire enclosure permanently wet.

Drinking behaviour

Tree monitors may drink droplets from leaves, branches and enclosure surfaces.

Provide opportunities for this natural behaviour.

However, misting should not replace access to clean drinking water.

A secure water bowl should always be available.

Water bowl placement

An elevated bowl may be useful for animals that spend most of their time above ground.

Ensure that it is stable, accessible and easy to clean.

Drainage

A well-designed drainage system is valuable in humid enclosures.

Excess water should not accumulate beneath the substrate.

Persistent standing water can create hygiene problems and damage enclosure materials.

SUBSTRATE

Although Blue Tree Monitors spend much of their time above ground, substrate remains an important component of enclosure management.

A suitable substrate can help maintain environmental humidity and provide a naturalistic appearance.

Possible ingredients include:

  • Reptile-safe topsoil
  • Coco coir
  • Orchid bark
  • Leaf litter
  • Suitable moisture-retaining organic material

The mixture should retain some moisture without remaining saturated.

A drainage layer may be beneficial in heavily planted or regularly misted enclosures.

Avoid chemically treated wood products, fertilised compost and substrates containing pesticides.

Bioactive systems

A carefully established bioactive enclosure may be suitable.

Springtails and appropriate isopods can contribute to the breakdown of organic waste.

However, bioactive systems do not eliminate the need for routine cleaning.

Faeces, uneaten food and heavily contaminated material should still be removed.

Live plants must be selected carefully and protected against damage from climbing animals.

FEEDING AND NUTRITION

Blue Tree Monitors are active predators.

Their natural diet includes insects and other small animals encountered within forest vegetation.

Captive diets should emphasise variety, appropriate prey size and nutritional balance.

Suitable feeder insects

  • Crickets
  • Locusts
  • Appropriately sized cockroaches
  • Silkworms
  • Black soldier fly larvae
  • Suitable captive-produced insect larvae
  • Other appropriate feeder invertebrates

A varied insect-based diet should form the foundation of routine feeding.

Juvenile feeding

Growing juveniles generally require more frequent meals.

Small, appropriately sized insects may be offered daily or every other day.

Feeding frequency should be adjusted according to growth, appetite and body condition.

Adult feeding

Adults may be offered meals approximately three or four times weekly as an initial schedule.

Individual requirements vary considerably.

Feeding should be adjusted according to:

  • Body weight
  • Body condition
  • Activity
  • Age
  • Reproductive status
  • Seasonal changes

Avoid using appetite alone to determine food quantity.

Vertebrate prey

Small vertebrates may be accepted and can form part of a varied diet.

However, frequent feeding of calorie-dense rodents is unnecessary and may contribute to obesity.

Whole prey should be appropriately sized.

Plain muscle meat should not be used as a staple diet.

Eggs

Egg may occasionally be offered as dietary variety.

It should not displace a nutritionally balanced insect-based feeding programme.

Gut-loading

Feeder insects should be appropriately gut-loaded before use.

Commercial gut-loading products and suitable fresh foods can improve nutritional quality.

A varied, well-maintained feeder colony is preferable to relying on poorly nourished insects.

CALCIUM AND VITAMIN SUPPLEMENTATION

Appropriate calcium and vitamin provision is important for skeletal health, growth and reproduction.

Many commercially available feeder insects have an unfavourable calcium-to-phosphorus ratio.

A suitable calcium supplement can help address this imbalance.

A reptile multivitamin may also be used according to the manufacturer’s instructions and the animal’s diet.

Vitamin D3 supplementation should be considered alongside UVB exposure.

Excessive supplementation can cause harm.

There is insufficient species-specific evidence to establish one universal supplementation schedule for all Blue Tree Monitors.

Monitor body condition and seek veterinary guidance where nutritional concerns arise.

BEHAVIOUR AND INTELLIGENCE

Blue Tree Monitors are intelligent, visually alert and highly inquisitive.

They may spend substantial periods observing activity outside their enclosure.

Many individuals develop predictable routines and become familiar with their keeper.

However, behaviour varies considerably between animals.

Newly acquired individuals may remain hidden for extended periods.

Natural behaviours

  • Climbing
  • Basking
  • Investigating branches
  • Searching for prey
  • Exploring hollow retreats
  • Tongue-flicking
  • Resting in elevated locations
  • Moving between shaded and exposed areas

Enrichment

Environmental enrichment should encourage natural behaviours.

Suitable methods include:

  • Varying safe feeding locations
  • Introducing new climbing textures
  • Providing additional elevated retreats
  • Offering appropriately controlled hunting opportunities
  • Using safe feeding puzzles
  • Periodically changing minor furnishings

Avoid excessive environmental disruption.

Familiar hiding places are particularly important for nervous animals.

HANDLING AND TEMPERAMENT

Blue Tree Monitors are not generally suitable for frequent forced handling.

They are exceptionally agile and can move rapidly when startled.

Some captive-bred individuals become confident around their keepers and may voluntarily approach or climb onto an offered branch.

Others remain cautious.

Building trust

A gradual, predictable approach is preferable.

Begin by allowing the animal to become accustomed to routine enclosure maintenance.

Avoid pursuing it through the enclosure.

Voluntary interaction may develop through consistent feeding routines and calm behaviour.

Safe transfers

When relocation is necessary, a secure transfer container or removable branch can reduce stress.

Avoid restraining the tail or pulling the animal from a hollow retreat.

Bites and scratches

Blue Tree Monitors possess sharp teeth and claws.

Monitor lizards also have venom-associated oral glands.

Bites can cause puncture wounds, bleeding and local swelling.

Avoid hand-feeding and use appropriate hygiene precautions.

Seek medical attention for significant wounds or concerning symptoms.

COHABITATION

Individual housing is the recommended default.

Although compatible pairs may be maintained successfully by experienced breeders, aggression and competition can occur.

Male monitors may be territorial.

Females may experience stress from persistent male attention.

Risks of group housing

  • Competition for basking locations
  • Restricted access to food
  • Aggression
  • Chronic stress
  • Injuries
  • Reproductive harassment

Where group housing is attempted, provide substantial additional space and multiple essential resources.

Separate accommodation must always be available.

Successful breeding does not necessarily demonstrate that permanent cohabitation is appropriate.

CLEANING AND ROUTINE MAINTENANCE

Routine maintenance should be carried out with minimal unnecessary disturbance.

Daily checks

  • Replace drinking water
  • Remove visible waste
  • Check temperatures
  • Observe humidity
  • Check misting equipment
  • Remove uneaten insects
  • Confirm enclosure security
  • Observe the animal’s behaviour

Weekly checks

  • Inspect branches and mounting points
  • Clean contaminated surfaces
  • Examine substrate condition
  • Check drainage
  • Inspect ventilation openings
  • Assess body condition

Periodic maintenance

Replace or refresh substrate when required.

Clean water delivery equipment to prevent biofilm accumulation.

Check UVB output and replace lamps according to measured performance and manufacturer guidance.

Inspect electrical equipment for moisture damage.

COMMON HEALTH CONCERNS

Dehydration

Inadequate access to water or inappropriate humidity management can contribute to dehydration.

Possible signs include reduced activity, abnormal skin appearance, weight loss and changes in urate production.

Suspected dehydration should be assessed in conjunction with the animal’s overall health.

Respiratory disease

Persistent dampness, poor ventilation or unsuitable temperatures may contribute to respiratory problems.

Warning signs include abnormal breathing, nasal discharge, wheezing and lethargy.

Veterinary assessment is required.

Metabolic bone disease

Inadequate calcium provision or disrupted vitamin D metabolism can affect skeletal health.

Possible signs include weakness, abnormal posture, tremors and skeletal deformities.

Thermal burns

Exposed lamps or incorrectly positioned heating equipment can cause serious injuries.

All heat sources must be safely installed and regularly checked.

Retained shed

Inadequate hydration, environmental problems or underlying illness may contribute to shedding difficulties.

Particular attention should be paid to toes and the tail.

Do not forcibly remove attached skin.

Obesity

Excessive feeding of calorie-dense prey can result in weight gain.

Regular body-condition assessment is important.

Parasites

Internal and external parasites may affect both wild-origin and captive-bred animals.

Unexplained weight loss, abnormal droppings or reduced appetite warrant investigation.

Stress-related problems

Persistent hiding, repeated escape attempts, refusal to feed or unusual defensive behaviour may indicate environmental or health problems.

Consider enclosure security, visual exposure, temperatures, available retreats and recent changes.

QUARANTINE

New Blue Tree Monitors should undergo an appropriate quarantine period before being introduced into an established collection.

A commonly used starting period is 60–90 days.

Longer quarantine may be necessary depending on origin, veterinary findings and health history.

Provide correct environmental conditions throughout quarantine.

A simplified enclosure can make monitoring easier, but it must still contain secure elevated retreats and climbing opportunities.

Record:

  • Feeding
  • Body weight
  • Droppings
  • Shedding
  • Hydration
  • Activity
  • Signs of illness

Use separate cleaning equipment and follow appropriate hygiene procedures.

Veterinary examination and faecal testing are advisable where indicated.

BREEDING

Blue Tree Monitors have been bred successfully in specialist captive collections.

However, breeding requires careful preparation and should not be attempted simply because a male and female are available.

Sexual maturity

Age at maturity varies with growth, nutrition and individual development.

Breeding animals should be fully mature, healthy and in appropriate body condition.

Sex determination

Males may develop more substantial heads and broader tail bases.

However, external sex differences are not always reliable.

Experienced veterinary assessment may be necessary.

Introducing breeding animals

Introductions should be carefully supervised.

Monitor behaviour for signs of aggression or persistent harassment.

Provide multiple retreats and escape routes.

Animals should be separated immediately if significant aggression occurs.

Courtship

Courtship may involve following, tongue-flicking and physical contact.

Females may become more secretive or change their behaviour during reproductive activity.

Nesting

Gravid females require access to a suitable nesting area.

Although the species is predominantly arboreal, females may descend to investigate nesting substrate.

Provide a secure container containing appropriately moist, stable substrate.

The container should be deep enough to permit natural excavation.

Clutch size

Captive reports commonly describe relatively small clutches, often around 2–6 eggs.

Clutch size varies with female condition and individual circumstances.

Incubation

Successful captive incubation has been reported at temperatures around 28–30°C.

Incubation duration varies and may extend over several months.

Eggs require stable conditions and careful moisture management.

They should not be rotated after collection.

Because species-specific incubation records are relatively limited, breeders should consult detailed established breeding accounts rather than relying solely on a general temperature recommendation.

Hatchling care

Hatchlings are small, delicate and exceptionally agile.

They require:

  • Secure, escape-proof accommodation
  • Fine climbing branches
  • Small elevated retreats
  • Appropriate basking opportunities
  • Carefully controlled UVB
  • Reliable hydration
  • Appropriately sized feeder insects

Young animals should be monitored individually to ensure normal feeding and growth.

COMMON HUSBANDRY MISTAKES

Insufficient enclosure height

Blue Tree Monitors require meaningful vertical space.

A low terrestrial enclosure does not provide appropriate opportunities for natural climbing behaviour.

Sparse furnishings

An enclosure containing only a few exposed branches may leave the animal feeling insecure.

Dense cover and elevated retreats are important.

Constantly saturated conditions

High humidity does not mean that every surface should remain wet.

Ventilation and periodic drying are essential.

Inadequate drinking opportunities

Misting alone may not provide reliable hydration.

Fresh drinking water should remain available.

Excessively low basking temperatures

Warm ambient air does not replace a suitable basking surface.

The animal requires access to a properly measured thermal gradient.

Unsafe UVB placement

Tree monitors can climb close to lighting equipment.

All accessible UVB exposure levels must be considered during installation.

Excessive handling

Repeated forced handling can undermine confidence and increase stress.

Poor enclosure security

Small openings and unsecured doors create a serious escape risk.

Overfeeding vertebrate prey

A diet dominated by rodents can contribute to obesity and nutritional imbalance.

Unsupervised cohabitation

Aggression and competition may develop even between animals that previously appeared compatible.

CONSERVATION AND RESPONSIBLE CAPTIVE BREEDING

Blue Tree Monitors have a particularly restricted natural distribution.

This makes wild populations potentially vulnerable to habitat disturbance and collection pressure.

The species has attracted considerable interest in the international reptile trade because of its unusual colouration.

Captive breeding is therefore an important consideration for responsible specialist collections.

Prospective keepers should seek animals with clear legal provenance and reliable captive-breeding documentation.

Wild-caught specimens may present additional challenges associated with stress, parasites, dehydration and adaptation to captivity.

A responsible captive-breeding programme should prioritise:

  • Animal welfare
  • Reliable identification
  • Documented parentage
  • Genetic diversity
  • Accurate record keeping
  • Suitable long-term accommodation
  • Compliance with wildlife-trade legislation

LEGAL AND CITES INFORMATION

CITES: Appendix II

EU Wildlife Trade Regulations: Annex B

Blue Tree Monitors are subject to international wildlife-trade controls.

In Ireland, keepers should retain documentation demonstrating lawful acquisition and origin.

Commercial trade, importation and international movement may involve additional requirements depending on the circumstances.

CITES Appendix II does not automatically prohibit trade, but regulated international movements require appropriate documentation.

EU Annex B controls also apply.

Requirements for movements within the EU differ from those governing imports from outside the EU.

The relevant Irish authorities should be consulted before undertaking regulated movements or commercial activities.

For current information, contact the National Parks and Wildlife Service and the Irish CITES Management Authority.

HUSBANDRY SUMMARY

Requirement Recommended guidance
Scientific name Varanus macraei
Common name Blue Tree Monitor
Native range Batanta Island, Indonesia
Adult size Approximately 90–110 cm
Lifespan Potentially 10–15+ years
Adult enclosure 4 × 2 × 5 ft minimum recommendation
Preferred enclosure 5 × 3 × 6 ft or larger
Basking surface 45–55°C
Warm-side air 28–32°C
Cool-side air 24–27°C
Night temperature 22–25°C
UVB Linear T5
Initial basking UVI target Approximately 2.0–3.5
Humidity Approximately 60–80%, with fluctuations
Substrate Moisture-retaining tropical mixture
Diet Primarily varied invertebrates
Water Constant access plus drinking droplets
Activity Diurnal
Lifestyle Highly arboreal
Cohabitation Individual housing recommended
Experience level Advanced
CITES Appendix II
EU listing Annex B

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

This care sheet provides general husbandry guidance and does not replace species-specific research or veterinary advice. Individual requirements may vary.

Always check current legislation governing the acquisition, collection, import, transport, keeping, breeding or sale of reptiles in your jurisdiction.

If you have concerns about an animal’s health or care, consult a suitably experienced exotic or reptile veterinarian.

Information correct at the date of publication.

reptilecommunity.com | Revised: October 2026