The Black-tailed Monitor (Varanus tristis orientalis), also known as the Freckled Monitor, is a slender, fast and semi-arboreal goanna from tropical and subtropical Australia. Quick and agile, it climbs tree trunks and rocky outcrops as readily as it forages on the ground. Adults reach 55 to 75 cm and are well-suited to keepers who want an active, engaging monitor that uses its enclosure dynamically.
A wildlife keeper's licence is required in Queensland. See our Queensland Reptile Licence Guide.
Enclosure
Unlike most ground-dwelling monitors, the Black-tailed Monitor benefits from both floor space and height. An enclosure around 150 x 60 x 90 cm allows for ground-level foraging and elevated climbing and basking. Provide sturdy climbing branches, cork bark panels on the walls, a deep burrowing substrate on the floor, several hides, and a water bowl. A secure lid is essential.
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Heating
- Basking surface temperature: 50 to 60°C at the hot zone (measure with an infrared temperature gun)
- Warm ambient: 28 to 32°C
- Cool end: 25 to 28°C
- Night: allow to drop to 20 to 22°C
Use a cluster of basking lamps directed at a prominent basking branch or flat surface near the top of the warm end. Connect all heat sources to a thermostat and verify with a thermometer and infrared gun. Browse our heating and thermostat range.
UVB Lighting
Strong UVB is required. Use a T5 high-output UVB tube on a 10 to 12 hour cycle, replaced every 6 to 12 months. Browse our UVB lighting range.
Feeding
Primarily insectivorous with vertebrate prey for adults.
- Juveniles: feed daily with a variety of gut-loaded live insects.
- Adults: every 2 to 3 days, varying the diet between insects, occasional small rodents, and lean meat. Avoid overfeeding.
Dust insects with calcium at every feeding and use a reptile multivitamin periodically. Never feed by hand: monitors do not always distinguish food from fingers. Browse our live feeders and frozen feeders.
Handling and Temperament
Black-tailed Monitors are fast and can be flighty, particularly as juveniles. Many settle with consistent, calm handling into confident, interactive animals, though individuals vary. Keep handling sessions unhurried, support the body fully, and never feed from the hand. Give a new animal several weeks to acclimatise before attempting regular handling.
Quick Reference
| Parameter | Target |
|---|---|
| Adult size | 55 to 75 cm |
| Lifespan | 15+ years |
| Enclosure (adult) | 150 x 60 x 90 cm (floor + height) |
| Basking surface | 50 to 60°C (measure with IR gun) |
| Warm ambient | 28 to 32°C |
| Cool end | 25 to 28°C |
| Night | 20 to 22°C |
| UVB | T5 high-output, 10 to 12 hrs/day |
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Disclaimer
This guide is provided for general educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Individual animals vary and outcomes cannot be guaranteed. Always consult a qualified reptile vet for health concerns. A Queensland wildlife keeper's licence is required to purchase and keep Black-tailed Monitors.
