How Do Savannah Monitors Get Along With Bearded Dragons?

Many people opt for reptiles as pets instead of more commons choices such as dogs or cats. Bearded dragons and savannah monitors are among the most common types of lizards kept as pets. Though they may appear to be similar in species and basic needs, bearded dragons and savannah monitors are different in specific care requirements and temperament. Do not assume that bearded dragons and savannah monitors will get along simply because they are both lizards.

  1. Savannah Monitor Requirements

    • Savannah monitors are agile climbers; you'll need to provide a large enclosure with tall sides to prevent their escape. Native to the grasslands of Africa, these reptiles need consistently warm temperatures between 85 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit, with nighttime temperatures of 75 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Typically you can provide these temperatures indoors with the use of substrate heating pads, heat tapes or incandescent lights connected to a thermostat. Savannah monitors also require ultraviolet light and climbing equipment to keep them in good condition. You must train a savannah monitor from an early age to be handled by humans, and you must regularly handle it to keep it tame.

    Bearded Dragon Requirements

    • Bearded dragons are smaller and so do not require as much living space as savannah monitors. Bearded dragons can live in cooler temperatures. Though they enjoy basking areas at temperatures of about 100 to 110 degrees Fahrenheit, areas away from the basking spot can be 75 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. They can tolerate temperatures down to 65 degrees at night, according to the Sunshine Dragons website. Bearded dragons make a better first lizard pet than savannah monitors because they are more docile, less inclined to bite and have fewer care requirements. They welcome handling by their owners.

    Lizard Compatibility

    • Lizards in general are territorial creatures that view other lizards as competition for food and space. Putting two lizards together stresses the animals and can cause aggression and injury to one or both of the animals, according to the Animal World website. Though individual reptiles may get along if raised together, owners should not house different types of lizard together nor leave them unattended in each other̵7;s company.

    Bearded Dragon and Savannah Monitor Compatibility

    • Both bearded dragons and savannah monitors are solitary creatures that prefer their own space. In addition, savannah monitors grow to 4 feet long, easily outweighing the bearded dragon, which grows to only 2 feet long. The savannah monitor is aggressive with other species and can even kill them. The bearded dragon is much less confrontational. Depending on the relative sizes of the two animals, a bearded dragon could also kill a savannah monitor if it is young and small enough. It is advisable to keep these two species apart to avoid injuries.