Tree monitors are widely considered one of the most intelligent and colorful monitor groups in the world. They're highly specialized and fully arboreal, with taxonomical adaptations you won't find in ground-dwelling monitors, including prehensile tails for gripping branches and enough dexterity in their toes and claws to pull prey out of crevices and bark. That mix of intelligence, color, and specialized anatomy is what makes them one of the most rewarding monitor groups to keep.
Quality captive bred animals hatched in our facility.
Green Tree Monitor
Varanus prasinus. Native to New Guinea, reaching 30 to 39 inches. Green to turquoise coloration with dark banding, the most established tree monitor species in the hobby.
Blue Tree Monitor
Varanus macraei. Native to Batanta Island, Indonesia, males reaching up to 3.5 feet. Black with striking blue ocellations and a light blue snout tip.
Yellow Tree Monitor
Varanus reisingeri. Native to Misool Island, Indonesia. Closely related to the green tree monitor, with brighter yellow spotting over a dark base.
Black Tree Monitor
Varanus beccarii. Native to the Aru Islands, Indonesia, reaching 35 to 47 inches. The only tree monitor species that turns completely black as an adult.
Gold-Spotted Tree Monitor
Varanus boehmei. Native to Halmahera and Ternate Islands, Indonesia, reaching about 3.3 feet. Closely related to the black tree monitor, known for its golden speckled markings.
Biak Tree Monitor
Varanus kordensis. Native to Biak Island, Indonesia, reaching up to 35 inches. Yellow-green with a black netted pattern across the back.
Tree Monitor Questions
Are your tree monitors captive bred?
Most of our tree monitors are bred and hatched in-house. We also occasionally offer long-term captive adults that have already been established in captivity for a year or more. Either way, none of our tree monitors are fresh wild caught imports.
What's the difference between captive bred and wild caught tree monitors?
A big one. Wild caught tree monitors are collected by hand from trees and often go days without water during transport, which is extremely stressful and can cause lasting organ damage, especially for a group as sensitive to stress as tree monitors. Captive bred and long-term captive tree monitors avoid all of that. They're calmer, adjust to captivity far better, and are much less likely to carry parasites or disease. Every tree monitor we sell is either bred and hatched in our own facility or a long-term captive adult established for a year or more, never a fresh wild caught import. Read more in our Tree Monitor Care Guide.
Which tree monitor species do you have available?
Green tree monitors (Varanus prasinus) are available now. Blue, yellow, black, gold-spotted, and Biak are in active production, reach out to be notified when one becomes available.
What size enclosure do tree monitors need?
Babies start at a minimum 3x2x3 or 18x18x36 with plenty of horizontal branches; adults need at least 4'W x 4'H x 2'D.
What do tree monitors eat?
Insects, dusted with Arcadia calcium/multivitamin powder, fed every other day.
What temperature and humidity do tree monitors need?
75°F ambient with a 90 to 95°F basking spot, and humidity around 80% with ample airflow.
What kind of lighting do tree monitors need?
6% UVB, positioned 6 to 8 inches from the basking spot.
Are tree monitors easy to handle?
Generally skittish, but each monitor has its own personality, and some grow more comfortable with consistent, careful handling.
How does shipping work for tree monitors?
We ship nationwide via FedEx overnight.
How does the Live Arrival Guarantee work?
All reptiles are guaranteed within 24 hours of pickup. Let us know if there are any issues and we make it right every time.
Want the full breakdown, enclosure setup, diet, temperature, humidity, lighting and handling all in one place? Read our complete Tree Monitor Care Guide.
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