Additional Resources

Several of these sources were helpful in the creation of this guide and can be used by the reader as additional sources of ackie monitor-specific information:

General Sources

Ackie Monitor Keepers — (Facebook group) A good place to go for ackie monitor-specific questions, to check out what other keepers are doing, and interact with a like-minded community. Created by John Aromando (Professor Herp) and David Archer.

Ackie Monitor Fans — (Facebook group) Another good place to go for ackie monitor-specific questions, to check out what other keepers are doing, and interact with a like-minded community. Created by Jeff Easter (GIS Herps) and Josh Nugent.

“A Guide to Australian Monitors in Captivity” by Danny Brown— (Book) Published in 2012 and now out of print in every format except eBook, this has become something of a collector’s item for monitor keepers. It offers excellent advice on every facet of husbandry specific to Australian monitors, detailing what sets them apart from monitors from other parts of the world.

“Monitor Lizards: Natural History, Captive Care & Breeding” by Bernd Eidenmuller— (Book) This is published by Edition Chimaira, so you know it’s good. Thin enough to be digestible, thick enough to offer excellent insights into a variety of monitors including ackies.

“Reptiles & Amphibians of Australia, Updated Seventh Edition” by Harold G. Cogger — (Book) This is one hefty field guide, packed with detailed information on all Australian reptile and amphibian species described prior to October 2013 — including ackie monitors. Field guides are an invaluable resource for gathering the natural history information necessary to great reptile husbandry.

Relevant Scientific Papers

Brown, D. (2008). A Case of Hermaphroditism in the Ridge Tailed Monitor (Varanus acanthurus) . Biawak, 2(2). http://varanidae.org/Vol_2_No_2_Brown.pdf

Brown, D. (2009). Hemipenal Transillumination as a Sexing Technique in Varanids. Biawak, 3(1). http://varanidae.org/Vol3_No1_Brown.pdf

Doody, J. S., Clulow, S., McHenry, C. R., Brown, M., Vas, G., & Canning, G. (2017). Varanus acanthurus (Spiny-tailed Monitor Lizard). Communal nesting, and commensalism. Herpetological Review, 48(1), 203. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/319035338_Varanus_acanthurus_Spiny-tailed_Monitor_Lizard_Communal_nesting_and_commensalism

Dryden, G., Green, B., King, D., & Losos, J.B. (1990). Water and energy turnover in a small monitor lizards, Varanus acanthurus. Australian Wildlife Research, 17, 641-646.

Horn, H.-G., & Visser, G. J. (1997). Review of reproduction of Monitor lizards Varanus spp in captivity II. International Zoo Yearbook, 1, 227–246. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1748-1090.1997.tb01214.x

Julander, J. (2010). Observation of a Wild Pair of Spiny-tailed Monitors (Varanus acanthurus) Engaged in Breeding Activity. Biawak, 4(4). http://www.varanidae.org/4-4_Julander.pdf

King, D. (2008). The Diet and Foraging Strategy of Varanus acanthurus. Biawak, 2(1). http://varanidae.org/Vol_2_No_1_King.pdf

Kuhn, P., & Julander, J. (1999). The Red Acanthurus Monitor Varanus acanthurus: A Giant Dwarf. The Vivarium, 10(3), 23–26. http://www.kingsnake.com/aho/pdf/menu4/kuhn_undated.pdf

Mendyk, R., Augustine, L. & Baumer, M. (2014). On the thermal husbandry of monitor lizards. Herpetological Review. 45. 619-632. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/287469845_On_the_thermal_husbandry_of_monitor_lizards

Wild Observations

Ackie Monitor Care Manual

  1. Introduction to Ackie Monitors
  2. Varanus acanthurus Subspecies
  3. Shopping List: Supplies You Will Need
  4. How to Select and Buy a Pet Ackie Monitor
  5. Enclosure Size & Roommates
  6. Lighting & UVB Requirements
  7. Heating Requirements
  8. Humidity Requirements
  9. Substrate Options
  10. Environmental Enrichment: Decorating the Enclosure
  11. Feeding Your Ackie Monitor
  12. Handling Tips & Behavioral Notes
  13. General Health Guide
  14. Additional Resources

This page contains affiliate links.