Finding A Timor Monitor: A Comprehensive Guide

The Timor monitor, or Varanus timorensis, is a species of small monitor lizard native to the Indonesian islands of Timor, Savu, Rote, and East Timor. They are also found in parts of Papua New Guinea and Northern Australia. Timor monitors are semi-arboreal and prefer tropical forest habitats, but have adapted to live in rock walls in deforested areas. They are agile, intelligent, and fast predators with excellent eyesight and hearing. They are also sun-loving creatures, and can be found basking in the sun on the ground or on tree branches.

Where to buy a Timor monitor

Captive-bred lizards are integral to the future of the market as they help protect wild populations. If you're looking to buy a Timor monitor, there are several online retailers that have them available.

Backwater Reptiles

Backwater Reptiles offers several Varanus timorensis, or Timor monitors, for sale, claiming to have the internet's lowest prices. They charge a flat rate of $44.99 for overnight delivery to your doorstep, and accept VISA, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, and Paypal. They do not ship internationally.

Upriva Reptiles

Upriva Reptiles also has several Varanus timorensis for sale, also claiming to have the internet's lowest prices. They charge the same flat rate of $44.99 for overnight delivery, and have a similar delivery schedule to Backwater Reptiles.

Big Apple Herp

Big Apple Herp offers a range of monitor lizards for sale, including the Asian Water Monitor, the Yellow Tree Monitor, and the Brown Roughneck Monitor. They charge a flat rate of $47.95 for priority overnight delivery, and you can text them for a better price.

Considerations

Before buying a lizard, it is important to do your research and ensure you have the proper setup and equipment to care for your new pet. This includes a suitable enclosure, food, and knowledge of the specific requirements of the species.

How to care for a Timor monitor

The Timor monitor, or Varanus timorensis, is a dwarf species of monitor lizard native to the Indonesian islands of Timor, Savu, Rote, and East Timor. They are a relatively small species, growing to a maximum length of 2 feet and weighing between 100 and 350 grams. In captivity, they can live between 15 and 20 years with proper care.

Housing

Timor monitors are semi-arboreal, ground-dwelling lizards that love to climb trees and explore their surroundings. As such, they require a large enclosure with plenty of space to move around and climb. For a single adult monitor, the enclosure should be no smaller than 5 feet long by 2 feet wide by 4 feet high. The enclosure should also include a deep substrate layer (at least 12 inches deep) and plenty of sturdy climbing areas. It is important to note that males should not be housed together, and if housing more than one lizard in the same enclosure, ensure there is enough space for all individuals.

Temperature, Lighting, and Humidity

As diurnal lizards, Timor monitors are most active during the day and require exposure to sunlight or UVB lighting. Their enclosure should have an ambient temperature of around 82-85 degrees Fahrenheit, with a basking spot of up to 120 -175 degrees Fahrenheit. They also require high humidity levels of 70-85% to stay healthy, with peaks of 90%.

Diet

Timor monitors are insectivores and require a varied diet of live invertebrate prey. Juveniles should be fed crickets or roaches 4 times a week, while adults should be fed 3-4 times a week. Hornworms, mealworms, and superworms can be given once a week, and small mice and waxworms can be given as occasional treats. It is important to ensure that feeders are no wider than the lizard's head. Calcium and vitamin supplements should also be provided to prevent deficiencies.

Handling

Timor monitors are generally shy and flighty and may be difficult to tame, especially if they are wild-caught. They are not recommended for children and should only be handled by knowledgeable and experienced adults. One way to interact and build trust with your monitor is through hand-feeding with a pair of feeding tweezers.

How to sex a Timor monitor

The Timor monitor, or spotted tree monitor, is a dwarf species of monitor lizard native to the Indonesian islands of Timor, Savu, and Rote, and to East Timor. They are small lizards, growing to a maximum of 61 cm (around 2 feet) and weighing between 100 and 350 g.

To sex a Timor monitor, you can request a male or female lizard when ordering medium or adult-sized animals from a breeder. However, it is important to note that the sex of the lizard cannot be guaranteed. Someone experienced with reptiles will attempt to select the specific lizard you are requesting.

When housing your lizards, it is important to never keep males together. If you are housing more than one lizard in an enclosure, ensure there is enough space for all the lizards to have their own territory.

As a general rule, male monitor lizards can reproduce when they are a little over a foot long, and females when they are a little over a foot and a half long.

How to ship a Timor monitor

Shipping a lizard can be a complex process, and there are several factors to consider when it comes to transporting a Timor monitor. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to ship a Timor monitor safely and securely:

Prepare the necessary supplies and packaging:

Firstly, you will need to obtain a shipping box that meets the required standards. The box should be new and made of cardboard, with a minimum weight capacity of 275 lbs. It must be clean, leak-proof, and escape-proof to ensure safe handling during transport. Make sure to use certified packaging from a reputable company, as boxes from Amazon or even FedEx are not suitable for live animal shipments.

Follow packaging guidelines:

The box should have adequate ventilation to ensure the monitor can breathe comfortably. Use a screwdriver or a pen to create ventilation holes that are large enough for airflow but small enough to prevent escape. Include a "LIVE ANIMALS" label on the box, as well as "This Side Up" on all vertical sides. It is also important to include the common and scientific names of the animal, along with the quantity, on both the box and the bag or cup containing the monitor.

Provide a suitable environment:

Line the box with snug-fitting foam insulation of at least 1/2" thickness, and create a "nest" of padding at the bottom. Place the monitor in a secure bag or cup, ensuring it is escape-proof, and add a piece of paper towel or liner inside. Secure the lid with tape, being careful not to cover any air holes. Place the bag or cup on the nest and add more padding on top and around the sides to provide a comfortable and protected environment for the monitor.

Consider the temperature:

Use heat or cold packs with caution and follow the proper guidelines. Do not use a heat pack if the temperature exceeds 70°F, and never use hand or foot warmers. Avoid shipping in extreme weather conditions, with temperatures above 95°F or below 35°F. Check the temperatures at both the origin and destination to ensure the safety of the animal.

Choose a suitable shipping carrier:

Major carriers such as USPS and UPS prohibit the shipment of snakes and reptiles. FedEx requires a Live Reptile Certification to ship live reptiles, which can be time-consuming and expensive to obtain. Consider using a third-party niche carrier that is pre-certified and has partnerships with FedEx, such as "Ship Your Reptiles" or "Reptiles2You". These companies specialise in shipping reptiles and can provide expert guidance and assistance.

Coordinate the shipping day:

Live animals must be shipped using a priority overnight service, so shipping days are limited to Monday through Wednesday. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are generally the safest days to avoid potential delays. Check the weather conditions and avoid shipping during extreme temperatures or storms that may impact FedEx operations.

Finalise the shipping process:

Carefully review all the packaging and shipping requirements to ensure compliance. Drop off your package at a FedEx Ship Center, but not a FedEx Office store or retail outlet, as they are not authorised to handle live shipments. Alternatively, schedule a pickup with a specialised shipping company for added convenience.

Remember, shipping a Timor monitor requires careful planning and adherence to guidelines to ensure the safety and well-being of the animal. By following these steps, you can confidently navigate the process of shipping your Timor monitor.

Where Timor monitors are found in the wild

The Timor monitor, a dwarf species of monitor lizard, is native to the Indonesian islands of Timor, Savu, and Rote, and to East Timor. They are found in hot, humid, tropical forest habitats, and have adapted to living in rock walls in deforested areas. They enjoy basking in the sun and can be found on the ground or perched on tree branches.

Timor monitors are arboreal, diurnal lizards, meaning they sleep at night and are active during the day. They are agile, strong, and fast, with long, muscular tails, sharp claws, and excellent eyesight and hearing. They are well-suited for climbing and defence, and they live in hollowed trees and branches, where their spotted coloration helps them camouflage into their surroundings.

In the wild, they inhabit warm and moist areas with an abundance of trees, and they are often found in the Northern parts of Australia, parts of Papua New Guinea, and Indonesia. They are known to travel long distances, especially when hunting and chasing prey.

Frequently asked questions