Africa's smallest varanid can be found in the grasslands of Western Africa. This is not a desert monitor by any stretch nor does it inhabit rainforests.

In the wild savannah monitors can reach lengths of up to 100 cm but in captivity adults have been known to exceed those measurements.

This monitor does well on a diet of insects and rodents when proper conditions are provided. Savannahs are one of the most prolific breeders in the varanid world yet captive breedings are still a rarity.

Provided with enough room these lizards make excellent additions to any collection.

Our trio was raised right here at TMS from the time they were about 5 inches long. Our female's bronze base color is accented by her numerous ocelli. She is being raised in hopes that she will produce offspring with the same characteristics.

The male in an impressive, dominant animal that is always on the hunt and very inquisitive. His silver skin is in direct contrast to the female and equally stunning. This male should sire some impressive offspring.

Slender and graceful, these jet black tree dwellers are truly a sight to see when housed in a spacious enclosure. Agile and acrobatic, they can often be seen jumping and hanging from limbs when not basking or hidden away in a tight crevice.

Known to be found on the Aru Islands this monitor was built for a life in the trees. Like most Indonesian species this tree dweller requires a stable environment high in humidity.

Black tree monitors are known to reach adult sizes from 90-100 cm TL. Much of this is comprised of prehensile tail.

In captivity Varanus beccarii accepts insects and small rodents along with other whole prey items. Clean water should be available at all times to avoid dehydration.

Although not for the novice keeper, black tree monitors do make great captives as long as proper husbandry practices are adhered to. An arboreal cage would suit this monitor best. Provide as many tight hiding places as possible at all levels of the enclosure.

The group male is one of the largest beccari we have ever seen. He is well muscled and often sits at the highest vantage point in the cage.

The females have been in our care for some time now and are becoming bolder and more outgoing which is a good sign for us.

The more we learn about these monitors the higher they move up our list of favorites.

This elegant Australian monitor is one of the quickest monitors we have ever kept. They hunt insects with stealth and speed that makes them a joy to watch.

Known in it's native Australia by such names as Mournful Goanna and Racehorse Goanna this ubiquitous monitor is spread across most of it's homeland except for the far south and south-east.

Although considered to be a small monitor they can reach sizes of 60-70 cm TL by adulthood.

Fed a diet of supplemented insects and pinkie mice these dwarf monitors are known to reproduce prolifically.

Requiring a set up very similar to Varanus acanthurus most keepers will be able to provide suitable caging for this facinating small monitor. They are very adaptable and take will to both terrestrial and arboreal cages that provide them tight areas to escape to.

The origial two animals in our group turned out to both be males which became apparent at just a few months old. We acquired a female and she has integrated into the group well.

Varanus tristis is an incredible monitor and we are sure they will become a favorite once a few more people start keeping them and seeing for themselves what an awesome little monitor they are.

Ackies have long been a foundation species at TMS. One of our all time favorite species to keep, breed, and raise. Our ackies tend to be very orange with almost white oceilli that make for a visually pleasing animal.

Another Australian native that is widespread throughout the northern and central part of the continent.

Typically smaller than their red cousins (Varanus acanthurus acanthurus) our yellow ackies tend to reach adult sizes of 35-40 cm TL.

Yellow ackies do very well on an all insect based diet that is supplemented with vitamin/calcium dusting. Pinkies are also accepted and relished buy our group.

Caging requirements are no different than any other dwarf species. Tight hiding places, deep burrowable substrate and fresh water are key elements to success.

When it comes to character these guys take the cake. Always running up to an open cage door to see what's going on. A must have monitor!

Females are capable of laying clutches every few months and are sure to give you many chances at hatching babies of your own.

We've wanted these small monitors for some time and finally have them. Without a doubt, these are the most elegant small monitor around. There outgoing attitude makes them irrestible to anyone that has had the pleasure of handling one. They often run up your arm and sit on your shoulder when you open their cage door.

Yet another Australial gem. Kimberley's are known to inhabit the extreme north of Western Australia and the Northern Territory. Their grace and beauty make them one of the most sought after varanids in the hobby. The color and pattern are rarely captured in photographs and need to be seen to be appreciate to the fullest.

This stunning monitor reaches 60-70 cm TL.

An insect and rodent based diet serves them well in captivity. Although sometimes a challenging feeder, kimberleys are worth the effort.

Our male and female are both very mellow and a joy to keep. When it comes to beauty, Kimberleys are second to none.

Their slender build and extreme contrast in pattern are sure to catch your eye and pique your interest.

Still very rare in private collections, this monitor is for the discerning keeper who wants to add rarity to their collection that will set them apart from the crowd..

These medium sized Indonesian monitors are colorful and interesting to observe. Juveniles can be flighty but normally calm down as they get older. Being an Indonesian species, humidty and constant temperatures play an important role.

Size seems to vary with locale. Typically peach throated reach 100-120 cm TL.

Feeding on mice and insects peach throated monitors grow rapidly. Other whole prey such as frogs, crayfish, and fish have also been offered and devoured.

Keep an eye on this species! More to come.