Reptile · Monitor
Blue tree monitor care guide
Varanus macraei
The blue tree monitor is a expert-level monitor from Batanta Island, Indonesia. Adults reach 90–110 cm and live 10–15 years in captivity. Very tall humid enclosure; buy captive-bred only.
- Enclosure 120 × 60 × 180 cm
- Temp Basking 40–45°C, ambient 27–30°C
- Humidity 70–90%
How much does a blue tree monitor cost in Canada?
Blue tree monitor quick facts
- Skill level
- Expert
- Adult size
- 90–110 cm
- Lifespan
- 10–15 years
- Activity
- Diurnal
- Native range
- Batanta Island, Indonesia
- Minimum enclosure
- 120 × 60 × 180 cm (47 × 24 × 71 in, ≈ 342 US gal)
- Housing
- Best kept alone.
- Temperature
- Basking 40–45°C, ambient 27–30°C
- Humidity
- 70–90%
- UVB
- Required
- Diet
- Insectivore – roaches, locusts, crickets, occasional pinky
- Bioactive style
- Tropical arboreal
Blue tree monitor enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 120 × 60 × 180 cm (47 × 24 × 71 inches). Best kept alone. This species suits a tropical arboreal bioactive build.
- Leaf litter2 cm
- Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix15 cm
- Drainage – clay bio balls5 cm
Most of the action is vertical – keep the soil moist but not wet, and focus on perches and dense planting.
Temperature: Basking 40–45°C, ambient 27–30°C. Humidity: 70–90%. UVB: Required.
What does a blue tree monitor eat?
Insectivore – roaches, locusts, crickets, occasional pinky. Juveniles daily, adults 4–5 times a week.
Handling, temperament & health
Nervous but some captive-bred tame down.
Health watch: Dehydration and stress.
Cleaning & maintenance schedule
Daily
- Mist to raise humidity – usually a heavy evening misting with a dry-down by day.
- Check temperatures at perch height.
Weekly
- Feed; remove uneaten food (and diet dishes after 24–48 h).
- Check the drainage layer and prune vines.
- Look for stuck shed on toes and tails.
Monthly
- Top up leaf litter.
- Check branches and mounts are still secure.
- Clean glass, vents and misting nozzles.
Yearly
- Refresh the top of the soil in open areas.
- Replace UVB bulbs (if used) on schedule.
Recommended for a blue tree monitor bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (120 × 60 × 180 cm).
Clay Bio Balls
Drainage layer, 5 cm
Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix
Bioactive soil layer, 15 cm
Magnolia Leaves 10/Pack
Leaf litter – food and cover for the clean-up crew
Fresh Sphagnum Moss Container
Moss for humidity pockets and planting
Cork Bark Backgrounds
Turns the back wall into climbing space
Cork Bark Tubes
A “tree trunk” to climb and hide in
Yamuna Spiderwood
Arboreal species prefer diagonal and horizontal perches
Cork Branches
More climbing routes
Blue tree monitor FAQ
Is the blue tree monitor good for beginners?
No – the blue tree monitor is a specialist animal for expert keepers only. Nervous but some captive-bred tame down.
What size enclosure does a blue tree monitor need?
At least 120 × 60 × 180 cm (about 47 × 24 × 71 inches, roughly 342 US gallons) for one adult. Best kept alone.
How much does a blue tree monitor cost in Canada?
Typically $3000–7000 CAD to buy, about $2150–3700 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $600–900 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a blue tree monitor need?
Temperature: Basking 40–45°C, ambient 27–30°C. Humidity: 70–90%.
What does a blue tree monitor eat?
Insectivore – roaches, locusts, crickets, occasional pinky. Juveniles daily, adults 4–5 times a week.
Similar species
This care sheet is general guidance from One Bioactive, not veterinary advice. Needs vary with age, locality and individual animals – confirm with your breeder and an exotics vet. Prices are typical Canadian ranges in CAD and change over time.