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Description
Peacock Monitor
Scientific Name: Varanus auffenbergi
Common Name: Peacock Monitor, Auffenberg’s Monitor
Species Overview
Size: Adults typically reach 24 to 28 inches (61 to 71 cm) in total length, with slender bodies and proportionally long tails.
Appearance: The Peacock Monitor is a striking, small-bodied species distinguished by its vivid blue ocelli (eye-like spots) along the back and tail, which give the species its common name. These iridescent markings stand out against a dark brown or charcoal base colour. The head is narrow, the body sleek, and the tail extremely long and whiplike, aiding in climbing and balance. Juveniles exhibit brighter markings, which may soften slightly with age but remain highly distinctive.
Distribution: Endemic to the Indonesian island of Roti, a small island southwest of Timor.
Habitat: This species occupies dry tropical forests, rocky outcrops, and wooded areas with abundant climbing surfaces. Their native environment includes strong seasonal shifts in humidity and rainfall, alongside warm temperatures and rugged terrain.
Behaviour: Peacock Monitors are diurnal, alert, and agile. They are highly arboreal, often climbing trees, rock faces, and vertical structures. In the wild, they feed on insects, small reptiles, eggs, and other small prey items. They are naturally cautious but can become confident and bold in captivity with regular care and stable conditions.
Captive Care
Enclosure: Provide an enclosure at least 4 × 2 × 4 feet (120 × 60 × 120 cm), though larger custom enclosures are highly recommended due to this species’ active and arboreal nature. Include numerous vertical climbing structures, branches, cork rounds, ledges, and basking platforms. A deep soil–sand substrate mixture is recommended to support digging and humidity retention. Good ventilation is essential, especially in taller enclosures.
Temperature and Humidity:
Basking area: 120 to 135°F (49 to 57°C)
Ambient daytime: 82 to 90°F (28 to 32°C)
Cooler zones: 75 to 80°F (24 to 27°C)
Night temperatures: 70 to 75°F (21 to 24°C)
Humidity: 50 to 70%, maintained through daily misting while allowing natural airflow and partial drying between cycles.
Lighting: Provide full-spectrum lighting with a strong UVB source appropriate for diurnal monitors. Bright lighting promotes natural activity levels and strong basking responses.
Diet: Offer a varied insect diet including roaches, crickets, black soldier fly larvae, silkworms, hornworms, and the occasional pinky mouse or quail egg. As with all smaller monitors, insects should be gut-loaded and dusted with calcium and multivitamins on a routine schedule.
Behaviour in Captivity: Peacock Monitors are intelligent, curious, and highly active. With appropriate space and complex climbing structures, they become excellent display animals. While they may tolerate brief handling, they generally prefer interaction on their terms and thrive best in enriched environments with minimal direct restraint.
Special Considerations:
• Provide abundant vertical space and climbing options.
• Ensure deep substrate to encourage digging and humidity regulation.
• Secure the enclosure thoroughly; this species is quick and agile.
• Offer enrichment such as scent trails, varied perch heights, and hidden feeding opportunities.
Taxonomy Note
The Peacock Monitor belongs to the Varanus timorensis complex, a group of small, arboreal monitors from the Lesser Sunda Islands. It is one of the most visually distinctive members due to its blue ocelli and elegant build.
Genetics Note
There are no recognised morphs for Varanus auffenbergi. Natural variation occurs in the brightness of the blue ocelli, background colour tone, and overall pattern intensity. These differences reflect normal individual and locality-based variation rather than selective breeding.