Storr's Monitor (Varanus storri) is one of Australia's smallest goannas, a compact, sturdy and surprisingly bold rock-dweller from arid northern Australia. It packs significant personality into a small package and is an excellent choice for keepers who want the genuine monitor experience without the space demands of a larger species. Adults reach 35 to 45 cm.
Despite the smaller size, Storr's Monitors share the same demanding heat requirements as larger arid monitors and must be kept accordingly. A wildlife keeper's licence is required in Queensland. See our Queensland Reptile Licence Guide.
Enclosure
A single adult or pair can be comfortably housed in an enclosure around 120 x 60 x 60 cm, though larger is always better. Provide a deep sand and soil substrate for burrowing (at least 10 to 15 cm deep), securely stacked rock formations creating crevices and basking platforms, a water bowl, and several hides. A secure lid is essential.
Browse our enclosures and reptile supplies.
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 multiple basking lamps directed at a rock surface to create a broad, hot basking zone. All heat sources must be connected to a thermostat. Browse our heating and thermostat range.
UVB Lighting
Strong UVB is required. Use a T5 high-output UVB tube run for 10 to 12 hours per day, replaced every 6 to 12 months. Browse our UVB lighting range.
Feeding
Primarily insectivorous. Offer a variety of gut-loaded live insects including crickets, woodies, roaches, and the occasional small prey item for adults.
- Juveniles: feed daily.
- Adults: every 2 to 3 days. Avoid obesity by adjusting feeding to the animal's activity level and body condition.
Dust insects with calcium at every feeding and use a reptile multivitamin periodically. Browse our live feeders.
Handling and Temperament
Storr's Monitors are bold and active. Many become quite tame with regular, calm interaction and will approach their keeper confidently. Keep handling sessions calm and never feed by hand: monitors do not always distinguish food from fingers. Give a new animal several weeks to settle before attempting regular handling.
Breeding
Storr's Monitors breed readily in captivity following a winter cooling period. Females lay small clutches of eggs in moist substrate, which can be incubated at around 28 to 30°C. Provide a deep, moist nesting area in the enclosure.
Quick Reference
| Parameter | Target |
|---|---|
| Adult size | 35 to 45 cm |
| Lifespan | 10 to 15+ years |
| Enclosure (adult) | 120 x 60 x 60 cm minimum |
| 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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- Enclosures and Reptile Supplies
- UVB Lighting
- Heating and Thermostats
- Live Feeders
- Reptile Supplements
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 Storr's Monitors.
