Description
Bosc Monitor (Varanus exanthematicus)
The Bosc Monitor, also known as the Savannah Monitor, is a powerful and intelligent lizard known for its sturdy build, curious nature, and impressive presence. Native to the grasslands and savannahs of Africa, this species is popular among experienced reptile keepers who can provide the large enclosure and specialised care it requires.
Habitat
Bosc Monitors require a spacious, warm, and dry environment that mimics their natural African habitat.
- Enclosure: Very large vivarium (minimum 6ft x 3ft x 3ft for adults, larger preferred)
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Temperature:
- Basking spot: 45–55°C
- Warm side: 30–35°C
- Cool side: 24–28°C
- Lighting: High-output UVB lighting is essential
- Humidity: Moderate (40–60%) with access to a humid hide
- Decor: Strong hides, climbing structures, basking platforms, and digging areas
Feeding
These monitors are active predators with a strong appetite and require a varied, high-protein diet.
- Diet: Insects such as roaches, locusts, crickets, snails, and occasional appropriately sized rodents or eggs
- Calcium and vitamin supplementation should be provided regularly
General Care
Bosc Monitors are highly intelligent and rewarding to keep but demand significant time, space, and commitment.
- Temperament: Can become calm with regular interaction, but naturally strong and defensive when young
- Handling: Possible with patience and trust-building, but requires confidence and experience
- Lifespan: 10–15+ years with proper care
- Maintenance: Requires regular cleaning, strong heating, and close monitoring of diet to prevent obesity
Why Choose a Bosc Monitor?
- Large, impressive display reptile
- Intelligent and interactive species
- Strong feeding response and fascinating behaviour
- Rewarding for dedicated, experienced keepers
A true statement reptile, the Bosc Monitor is perfect for keepers looking for a bold, intelligent, and highly engaging lizard that stands out in any reptile collection.
Whether you’re collecting from our store, ordering dry goods, arranging local delivery or having livestock delivered nationwide, we’ve made it simple to choose the right option.
Click & Collect
FREE COLLECTION FROM OUR STORE
Place your order online and select Click & Collect at checkout.
Livestock will normally be bagged when you arrive, helping to minimise the amount of time animals spend packaged. If you’d prefer your livestock to be ready beforehand, simply contact us in advance.
Local Delivery
DELIVERED BY TROPICAL SUPPLIES • WITHIN 25 MILES
Order from our in-store range and have it delivered directly to you using our own local delivery service.
Minimum order: £50
Local Delivery Charges:
Up to 5 miles — FREE
5–10 miles — £10
10–15 miles — £15
15–20 miles — £20
20–25 miles — £25
Distances are measured “as the crow flies” rather than by road.
Once your order has been placed, we’ll contact you to arrange a suitable delivery date and time. We often combine nearby orders into efficient delivery runs, so local delivery may take a little longer during busy periods.
Ordering a large aquarium?
Please make sure someone is available to help unload the aquarium from our van when we arrive.
Dry Goods Delivery
DX Express
0–75kg • Usually 1 working day
Orders placed before 12 noon may be dispatched the same day on our current dispatch days.
Express Pallet
75–500kg • Usually 1–3 working days
Designed for larger and heavier orders that cannot be sent using our standard parcel service.
Please note: We currently dispatch parcels Wednesday to Friday.
Adding Something to an Existing Order?
If your original order hasn’t been dispatched yet, simply place the additional items as a Click & Collect order and leave us a note asking us to combine them with your existing order.
Available to Order
See something you want that we don’t currently have on the shelf? Many of our products can be quickly sourced from our suppliers.
Products marked Available to Order are not currently held in stock at our store but are available for us to order on your behalf.
Most items arrive with us within a few days and usually no longer than a week, depending on supplier availability.
Once your item arrives with us, we’ll either dispatch your order or let you know it’s ready for collection, depending on the delivery option you selected.
After receiving your order, we’ll check availability with our supplier. If there are any issues or expected delays, we’ll contact you to let you know.
Nationwide Livestock Delivery
Have your new livestock delivered safely to your door using our specialist livestock delivery service.
Minimum livestock order: £50
Thursday Delivery — £24
Order by: Wednesday, 12 noon
Dispatched: Wednesday afternoon
Delivered: Thursday before 1pm
Friday Delivery — £24
Order by: Thursday, 12 noon
Dispatched: Thursday afternoon
Delivered: Friday before 1pm
Saturday Delivery — £29
Order by: Friday, 12 noon
Dispatched: Friday afternoon
Delivered: Saturday before 1pm
Add Dry Goods to Your Livestock Order
You can include dry goods with your livestock delivery, making it easy to top up food, treatments, equipment and other supplies at the same time.
Please note: Frozen food cannot be shipped with livestock and must be ordered separately.
Already Placed Your Order?
No problem. If your livestock order hasn’t been dispatched yet, place another order using Click & Collect and leave us a note asking us to combine it with your existing order.
Payment & Security
Your payment information is processed securely. We do not store credit card details nor have access to your credit card information.