Reptile · Monitor
Green tree monitor care guide
Varanus prasinus
The green tree monitor is a expert-level monitor from New Guinea. Adults reach 80–100 cm and live 10–15 years in captivity. Tall, humid, planted enclosure with many perches.
- Enclosure 120 × 60 × 180 cm
- Temp Basking 40–45°C, ambient 27–30°C
- Humidity 70–90%
How much does a green tree monitor cost in Canada?
Green tree monitor quick facts
- Skill level
- Expert
- Adult size
- 80–100 cm
- Lifespan
- 10–15 years
- Activity
- Diurnal
- Native range
- New Guinea
- 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
- Bioactive style
- Tropical arboreal
Green 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 green tree monitor eat?
Insectivore – roaches, locusts, crickets. Juveniles daily, adults 4–5 times a week.
Handling, temperament & health
Shy and stress-prone; display animal.
Health watch: Dehydration and parasites in imports.
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 green 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
Green tree monitor FAQ
Is the green tree monitor good for beginners?
No – the green tree monitor is a specialist animal for expert keepers only. Shy and stress-prone; display animal.
What size enclosure does a green 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 green tree monitor cost in Canada?
Typically $1500–3500 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 green tree monitor need?
Temperature: Basking 40–45°C, ambient 27–30°C. Humidity: 70–90%.
What does a green tree monitor eat?
Insectivore – roaches, locusts, crickets. 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.