In recent years, our compatriots have begun to show increased interest in exotic animals. Instead of the usual dogs and cats, terrariums populated by amphibians and reptiles began to appear in the houses. The Crane lizard is especially popular. After reading this article, you will learn about the features of the content of representatives of this species.
Short description
The short and relatively heavy body of the Cape monitor lizard is covered with small scales of brownish-brown hue with yellowish spots and stripes. The lower body is lighter in color. The length of these lizards along with the tail, covered with yellow and brown rings, is 1.5-2 meters. On the small legs of the reptile there are quite long fingers and claws.
The Cape lizard has a short head, on which obliquely set nostrils are located, looking more like gaps. On the upper edge of the tail compressed from the sides there is a double ridge.
Behavioral Features
Immediately make a reservation that a smuggled Cape monitor lizard at home very poorly adapts to coexistence with people. The so-called divorced individuals quickly become tame. However, do not forget that, by their nature, they are predators requiring extremely careful handling. An angry monitor lizard can bite a person badly. Moreover, in this case it will be quite difficult to open its powerful jaws. The bites of this reptile do not pose a serious threat. The only thing to be wary of is the possibility of introducing any kind of infection.
Natural habitat
These reptiles are widespread on the African continent. They can be seen in Nigeria, Kenya, Ethiopia and Sudan. The natural habitat of these lizards are foothills, rocky savannas, dry forests and semi-desert biotopes. They lead a land-based lifestyle and exhibit daily activity. The shelters of Cape monitor lizards often become self-dug or already-made burrows that previously belonged to rodents. Often these reptiles settle in crevices, among stones and at the roots of bushes or trees. Locals often see them near rivers or lakes.
In the heat, the Cape lizard hides in its shelter, leaving it only after the onset of coolness. This lizard is very attached to its territory and always adheres to the boundaries of its possessions. The basis of the diet of reptiles living in the wild is carrion. In addition, crayfish, frogs, insects, and even small mammals can become their prey. Lizards often climb small trees and lurk their prey there. When they are full, they lie down to digest swallowed pieces of food half asleep. During this period, the activity of lizards decreases to almost zero.
How to choose a Cape monitor lizard?
For a better and faster adaptation, it is better to acquire a young individual. The best time for such a purchase falls on the end of summer and autumn.
When choosing a future pet, you need to pay special attention to the appearance and behavior of the individual you like. The reptile should be active and curious. Once in the native terrarium, the lizard must be interested in the food lying there. In human hands, a healthy lizard will make active attempts to free itself.
Before buying, it is advisable to inspect the mouth, nostrils and eyes of the reptile. A well-developed healthy Cape monitor lizard has a clear oral cavity of a light lilac-pink hue. Red or gray color indicates the presence of diseases. It is perfectly normal for a lizard to hiss. This is considered a sign of discontent. Among other things, it is recommended to carefully examine the claws and fingers of the reptile. They should not have any visible damage or defects.
Cape monitor lizard: content in the terrarium
It should be understood that this reptile will require considerable material and time costs about the future owner. Where this reptile will live, it is imperative to maintain a certain temperature regime. First of all, it is necessary to acquire a horizontal type terrarium, in which the Cape monitor lizard will live.
Keeping at home is a rather troublesome task. The size of the terrarium should be one and a half to two lengths of the lizard. In addition, it must be additionally equipped with a thermal mat or incandescent lamp. The daytime temperature in the terrarium should be 28 degrees, the nighttime temperature should be at least 20. It is advisable to equip some kind of shelter for the reptile like a solid stone grotto or house. So she will feel safer. The bottom of the terrarium can be covered with an artificial lawn with a two-millimeter pile or covered with coarse gravel or sand. Immediately you need to place a small reservoir, the dimensions of which must correspond to the dimensions of the reptile. Those who are interested in how to teach a Cape monitor lizard to the toilet should not worry. Young instinctively defecate in water. Therefore, a daily morning fifteen-minute bath will save you from fussing with cleaning the terrarium and washing the trays.
How to feed the reptile?
Many inexperienced owners make gross mistakes in compiling the diet of their pet. This often leads to the death of the lizard. Those to whom their lizard (Cape) are dear should approach with maximum responsibility the issues connected with its nutrition. The basis of the diet of tamed reptiles should be slugs, snails, cockroaches, earthworms, locusts and crickets. Occasionally, you can treat your pet to chicken, lean fish, mice or frogs.
In addition, it is advisable to add fortified foods in which calcium is present to the main menu. Growing reptiles need to be fed in small portions several times a day. Adults need only be fed two to three times a week. Otherwise, they may face obesity.
Taming
Varan Cape has a fairly high intelligence, so it is very easy and quick to socialize. It will not be difficult for the owner to control the predictable behavior of his pet. It is necessary to philosophically treat aggressive stances and tail strikes, not allowing the reptile to take a dominant position. At first, the baby can hiss bypass your hand with outstretched food. It is very important to show maximum patience and over time he will get used to take food. If he managed to bite you, then you need to not painfully, but noticeably click on his nose. The kid will quickly remember this lesson and next time will carefully think about whether to show aggression.
A few words about walking
Some owners regularly walk their monitor lizards. To do this, you need to purchase a correctly sized harness for kittens. Lizards masterfully know how to back up, so they can not be left on the street unattended. Walking with the reptile is desirable in warm weather.
In the summer, sunbaths are shown to the monitor lizard. But to accustom a lizard, accustomed to artificial ultraviolet, to the real sun should be gradually, so as not to cause burns. At first, you can limit yourself to fifteen-minute walks, gradually increasing the time spent in the fresh air.