Peacock Monitor (Varanus auffenbergi)

Common Name: Peacock Monitor
Scientific Name: Varanus auffenbergi
Source: CB22

Adult Size: 45-60cm total length
Native Range: Rote (Roti) Island, Lesser Sunda Islands, Indonesia

Enclosure: Secure arboreal vivarium with height, cork tubes/branches and dense cover; minimum ~90 × 60 × 90 cm for one adult (larger strongly preferred)
Heating: Basking 40°C; ambient 26-30 °C; night drop 22-24 °C

Humidity: 60-85% with strong airflow; aim for a humidity swing rather than constantly wet air/substrate

UVB: low output

Diet: Primarily invertebrates (roaches, crickets, locusts, larvae); feed juveniles little-and-often, adults 2–3× weekly

Water: Fresh water available at all times; misting to support drinking and humidity cycles

ABOUT THIS SPECIES

The Peacock Monitor is a small, micro-endemic Odatria monitor from Rote Island, known for its crisp “pin-spot/peacock” patterning and alert, fast-moving behaviour. It spends much of its time climbing and perching, but will also use ground space to forage, so a setup with vertical structure plus open areas tends to bring out natural routines.

This species thrives when it can move between bright, warm perches and deep cover - think cork hollows, tight crevices, and dense planting rather than being kept on display with nowhere to disappear. Like many island monitors, individuals can be wary at first; consistent enclosure structure and predictable day/night cycles usually make the biggest difference to how confidently they utilise the space.