Best Places To Buy Pet Crocodile Monitor Lizards

Crocodile monitors, or Varanus Salvadorii, are large lizards native to New Guinea. They are arboreal, meaning they live in trees, and are the longest lizards in the world, with some sources claiming they can grow up to 13 feet in length. They have distinctive dark green bodies with yellow spots and stripes, powerful tails, and sharp, serrated teeth. In the wild, they feed on birds, small mammals, eggs, and carrion, and are considered apex predators in their ecosystem. Due to their aggressive nature, they are not commonly kept as pets, but some specialty reptile breeders do offer them for sale. If you are considering purchasing a crocodile monitor, it is important to be aware of the ethical concerns surrounding the trade of this endangered species, as well as the potential risks and challenges of keeping such a large, wild animal in captivity.

Online reptile retailers

Crocodile monitors, or Varanus Salvadorii, are available from a number of online reptile retailers. One of the top results for this species is Backwater Reptiles, which offers a live arrival guarantee for the animal, as well as a 100% ironclad guarantee. Backwater Reptiles also offers overnight delivery to your doorstep for a flat rate of $44.99, and accepts a range of payment methods including VISA, Mastercard, and PayPal.

Another online retailer, MorphMarket, offers captive-bred animals from thousands of breeders worldwide. While they do not provide specific details on their crocodile monitor listings, they do offer a range of other monitor lizards for sale, including the Savannah monitor and the Nile monitor.

It is important to note that crocodile monitors are protected by the CITES agreement and are difficult to breed in captivity. They are also a species that is threatened by deforestation and poaching, so it is important to do your research before purchasing one as a pet.

In addition to the two retailers mentioned, a simple Google search will yield a number of other online retailers that offer crocodile monitors for sale, with prices ranging from $499.99 to $1,999.99.

US pet laws

The sale and possession of exotic animals in the United States is regulated by a patchwork of federal, state, and local laws that generally vary by community and by animal. While some states may allow the ownership of a croc monitor, others may prohibit it.

Alabama

Alabama prohibits the personal possession of numerous exotic animals, including any species of bird, mammal, reptile, or amphibian listed as injurious wildlife under the U.S. Fish and Wildlife's Lacey Act (18 U.S.C. 42).

Alaska

Alaska law states that no person may possess, import, release, or export live game animals as pets. Live game animals are defined as any species of bird, reptile, and mammal, including feral domestic animals, not listed as domestic.

Arizona

Arizona prohibits certain wildlife, including Mexican beaded lizards, giant or marine toads, and desert tortoises.

Arkansas

Arkansas allows over 100 different species to be kept without a permit, including Indian and green peafowls, long-tailed chinchillas, Bactrian and Dromedary camels, and African mud turtles.

California

California law states that it is unlawful for persons to possess most exotic species unless it is for commercial purposes. Persons may, however, possess up to six live native reptiles and unregulated wildlife.

Colorado

Colorado prohibits some animals from being pets, including tropical and non-native venomous snakes, which require a license.

Connecticut

Connecticut law states that all persons must obtain a permit before they can possess a live wild mammal or hybrid of a wild animal. It is also illegal to possess, sell, or exhibit any poisonous snake not native to or generally found in the state.

Delaware

Delaware law states that it is generally required to possess a permit to possess wild and exotic animals.

Florida

Florida passed state regulations in 2010 prohibiting the importation, sale, use, and release of non-native species. The regulations include a ban on capturing, keeping, possessing, transporting, or exhibiting venomous reptiles or reptiles of concern.

Georgia

Georgia law states that it is unlawful for persons to possess inherently dangerous animals as pets. Inherently dangerous animals include, but are not limited to, the following orders: Marsupialia (kangaroos); Primates (chimpanzees, gorillas, macaques); Carnivora (canines, felines); Proboscidae (elephants); and Crocodylia (crocodiles, alligators, cobras, all poisonous rear-fanged species).

Hawaii

Hawaii law states that it is

Shipping costs

When it comes to shipping costs for purchasing a croc monitor lizard, there are a few factors to consider. Firstly, it is important to find a reputable seller or breeder who adheres to ethical practices and provides a safe and healthy environment for the lizards. It is recommended to research the seller's reputation and read reviews from previous customers to ensure the lizards are sourced and treated responsibly.

Shipping live animals requires special care and attention to ensure their safety and well-being during transport. Some sellers may offer a live arrival guarantee, ensuring the lizard arrives alive and in good condition. It is worth inquiring about the seller's shipping methods, packaging, and any additional measures they take to minimize stress and potential health risks for the animal during transit.

In terms of cost, shipping charges for croc monitor lizards can vary depending on the seller and your location. Some sellers offer a flat rate for overnight delivery, which is typically in the range of $40 to $50. This price may include special shipping containers, temperature-controlled packaging, and other necessary precautions to ensure the lizard's safety. It is essential to review the seller's shipping information and policies before placing an order.

It is worth noting that some sellers may have restrictions on shipping exotic animals, especially internationally. Be sure to verify the seller's shipping destinations and any applicable restrictions before finalizing your purchase. Additionally, keep in mind that weather conditions can impact the shipping process, and some sellers may delay shipments during extreme weather events to protect the animals' well-being.

When considering the shipping costs, it is important to also factor in the overall price of the lizard, which can vary depending on factors such as age, size, and sex. Additional costs may include specialized enclosures, feeding supplies, and veterinary care, all of which contribute to the overall cost of owning a croc monitor lizard.

Payment methods

When it comes to purchasing a croc monitor lizard, it's important to consider the available payment methods to ensure a smooth transaction. Here is an overview of the payment options you may encounter:

• Credit and Debit Cards: Major credit card companies like VISA, Mastercard, and American Express are widely accepted by many sellers and retailers. These cards offer convenience and security for your purchase. Remember to check with the seller or breeder if they accept your preferred card brand.
• PayPal: PayPal is another popular payment method in the reptile trade. It offers a secure and fast way to send and receive money online. PayPal provides an extra layer of protection for your transactions and is often integrated with various e-commerce platforms.
• Cash: Some sellers or breeders may prefer cash payments, especially for in-person transactions. This method can be convenient if you're picking up your croc monitor lizard directly from the seller's location. However, always exercise caution when carrying large amounts of cash.
• Bank Transfer: Direct bank transfers are also an option when purchasing a croc monitor lizard. This method involves transferring funds directly from your bank account to the seller's account. Make sure you have the seller's correct account details to ensure a smooth transaction.
• Specialty Pet Store Financing: Some specialty pet stores or breeders may offer their own financing options or payment plans. This can be helpful if you're making a large purchase and need to spread out the payments over time. Be sure to carefully review the terms and conditions of any financing plan before committing.
• Checks and Money Orders: While less common, some sellers may accept checks or money orders. However, it's important to note that these methods can take longer to process, and some sellers may not accept them due to the potential for fraud or delays in receiving funds.

It's always a good idea to clarify the accepted payment methods with the seller or breeder before committing to a purchase. Additionally, it's worth mentioning that certain payment methods may vary depending on your location and the seller's preferences.

Captive breeding

Crocodile monitors (Varanus salvadorii) are large, arboreal lizards native to the tropical island of New Guinea. They are highly sought-after in the pet trade, but their reputation for aggression and unpredictability, as well as the difficulty in breeding them in captivity, makes them a challenging reptile to own.

In the wild, crocodile monitors are elusive and prefer to avoid human contact. They inhabit undisturbed forests, including floodplain forests, mangrove swamps, and riparian woodlands close to water. Their preference for seclusion and their fragmented populations make it difficult for scientists to study their reproductive habits in the wild. As a result, most of what we know about their reproduction comes from observations of monitors in captivity.

Crocodile monitors are polygynandrous breeders, meaning that both males and females mate with multiple partners. In captivity, female crocodile monitors lay clutches of four to 12 eggs, typically around October to January. The incubation period for these eggs typically lasts about five to eight months.

Attempts at captive breeding of crocodile monitors have mostly been unsuccessful. Their elusive nature and the difficulty in determining their sex (which requires examining hormones in the blood) present challenges for breeders. In addition, the crocodile monitor is protected under the CITES Appendix II, which requires an exportation permit for international trade, further limiting the opportunities for captive breeding.

Despite these challenges, some breeders and enthusiasts continue to pursue captive breeding of crocodile monitors. They believe that captive breeding is integral to the future of the market, as it can help protect wild populations and provide an outlet for those fascinated by these prehistoric creatures.

Frequently asked questions