Reptile · Monitor
Spotted tree monitor care guide
Varanus scalaris
The spotted tree monitor is a intermediate-level monitor from Northern Australia, New Guinea. Adults reach 50–60 cm and live 12–15 years in captivity. Arboreal; lots of climbing branches.
- Enclosure 120 × 60 × 120 cm
- Temp Basking 50°C, cool 26°C
- Humidity 50–70%
How much does a spotted tree monitor cost in Canada?
Spotted tree monitor quick facts
- Skill level
- Intermediate
- Adult size
- 50–60 cm
- Lifespan
- 12–15 years
- Activity
- Diurnal
- Native range
- Northern Australia, New Guinea
- Minimum enclosure
- 120 × 60 × 120 cm (47 × 24 × 47 in, ≈ 228 US gal)
- Housing
- Best kept alone.
- Temperature
- Basking 50°C, cool 26°C
- Humidity
- 50–70%
- UVB
- Required
- Diet
- Insectivore – roaches, crickets, occasional egg
- Bioactive style
- Tropical arboreal
Spotted tree monitor enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 120 × 60 × 120 cm (47 × 24 × 47 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 50°C, cool 26°C. Humidity: 50–70%. UVB: Required.
What does a spotted tree monitor eat?
Insectivore – roaches, crickets, occasional egg. Juveniles daily, adults 4–5 times a week.
Handling, temperament & health
Usually tolerant once settled.
Health watch: Obesity and dehydration.
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 spotted tree monitor bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (120 × 60 × 120 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
Spotted tree monitor FAQ
Is the spotted tree monitor good for beginners?
The spotted tree monitor is best for keepers with some experience (intermediate). Usually tolerant once settled.
What size enclosure does a spotted tree monitor need?
At least 120 × 60 × 120 cm (about 47 × 24 × 47 inches, roughly 228 US gallons) for one adult. Best kept alone.
How much does a spotted tree monitor cost in Canada?
Typically $800–2000 CAD to buy, about $1700–2880 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $450–700 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a spotted tree monitor need?
Temperature: Basking 50°C, cool 26°C. Humidity: 50–70%.
What does a spotted tree monitor eat?
Insectivore – roaches, crickets, occasional egg. 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.