Reptile · Monitor
Timor monitor care guide
Varanus timorensis
The timor monitor is a intermediate-level monitor from Timor, Indonesia. Adults reach 50–60 cm and live 12–15 years in captivity. Arboreal; give vertical cork tubes.
- Enclosure 120 × 60 × 120 cm
- Temp Basking 50°C, cool 26°C
- Humidity 50–70%
How much does a timor monitor cost in Canada?
Timor monitor quick facts
- Skill level
- Intermediate
- Adult size
- 50–60 cm
- Lifespan
- 12–15 years
- Activity
- Diurnal
- Native range
- Timor, Indonesia
- 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
Timor 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 timor monitor eat?
Insectivore – roaches, crickets, occasional egg. Juveniles daily, adults 4–5 times a week.
Handling, temperament & health
Nervous; captive-bred are calmer.
Health watch: Parasites in imports and obesity.
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 timor 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
Timor monitor FAQ
Is the timor monitor good for beginners?
The timor monitor is best for keepers with some experience (intermediate). Nervous; captive-bred are calmer.
What size enclosure does a timor 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 timor monitor cost in Canada?
Typically $400–900 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 timor monitor need?
Temperature: Basking 50°C, cool 26°C. Humidity: 50–70%.
What does a timor 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.