Green tree monitors, with their bright green coloration and eye-catching appearance, are becoming increasingly popular pets. But are these lizards actually friendly? While green tree monitors can become acclimated to handling with time and patience, their skittish nature means they are not the most hands-on lizard for novice reptile owners. Understanding the temperament and care requirements of green tree monitors can help you decide if they may be the right pet lizard for you.
Green Tree Monitor Temperament
In the wild, green tree monitors are a wary and skittish species. They live in forests and woodlands across New Guinea and several Indonesian islands. As an arboreal species that spends most of its time in trees and dense vegetation, green tree monitors rely on camouflage and avoidance behaviors to stay safe from predators. When threatened, they are quick to flee and hide.
As pets, green tree monitors tend to be nervous, high-strung lizards, especially when young. They do not enjoy excessive handling and restrain techniques may cause them further stress. With time and regular positive interactions, however, captive-bred green tree monitors can become acclimated to their owner. Even the most habituated green tree monitor will likely never become as docile as a pet bearded dragon or leopard gecko.
Handling a Green Tree Monitor
When green tree monitors are handled, it should always be done gently and deliberately. They dislike being grabbed out of their enclosure and may hiss, gape their mouth, whip their tail, or attempt to bite when feeling threatened. Allow the lizard to walk onto your hand or use a small transport container when removing them from their habitat.
Once being handled, green tree monitors often remain alert and paranoid of perceived dangers around them. Avoid making sudden movements and do not grab at the lizard if it attempts to jump. With regular handling sessions of 5-10 minutes a few times a week, most young green tree monitors will become more tolerant and calm. However, they may never enjoy human interaction the way other lizards do.
Housing Green Tree Monitors
Proper housing is also key to reducing stress and promoting friendly behavior in green tree monitors. As arboreal lizards, green tree monitors need extra height in their enclosures. The minimum recommended size is an 18 x 18 x 36 inch tall terrarium for juveniles, with even larger dimensions preferred. Adults need extra floor space and a height over 4 feet tall.
The enclosure should be decorated primarily with sturdy branches, vines, and live or artificial foliage to replicate their natural habitat. Provide ample hiding opportunities and basking sites at different heights and temperatures.
| Enclosure Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Substrate | Coconut fiber, cypress mulch, orchid bark |
| Hides | Hollow logs, cork bark tubes, artificial foliage |
| Branches | Manzanita, grape vines, ghostwood |
| Plants | Pothos, ficus, dracaena, umbrella plant |
Feeding Green Tree Monitors
Feed your green tree monitor a varied diet every 1-2 days. Juveniles should be fed daily. Adults can manage with less frequent but larger meals. Their diet should consist of:
- Insects – crickets, roaches, mealworms
- Rodents – pinky mice, small hopper mice
- Eggs
- Seafood – shrimp, fish
- Fruit
- Vegetables
Supplement with calcium and vitamins 2-3 times a week. Provide the vitamin supplement Vitamin D3 or allow access to UVB lighting for proper calcium metabolism.
Well-fed green tree monitors are less likely to become stressed or aggressive. However, do not handle them directly after eating since they need heat to properly digest their food.
Signs of Aggression in Green Tree Monitors
Even habituated green tree monitors may become stressed and aggressive in certain situations. Monitor your pet’s body language to identify signs of aggression:
- Hissing
- Mouth gaping
- Tail whipping
- Arching back
- Raised nuchal crest
- Attempting to bite
If your green tree monitor displays these behaviors, cease handling and allow it to calm down in its enclosure. Determine the trigger for the aggression and avoid in the future.
| Cause of Aggression | Solution |
|---|---|
| Overhandling | Reduce handling time and frequency |
| Incorrect restraint | Support body correctly, don’t squeeze |
| Interrupt during shedding | Avoid handling during shed cycles |
| New environment | Allow 2 weeks to acclimate before handling |
| Illness or injury | Have vet examine, isolate to recover |
Are Green Tree Monitors Good Pets?
Green tree monitors can make good pets for dedicated owners willing to provide proper care. However, they are not ideal beginner reptiles due to their skittish nature, specialized arboreal habitat requirements, and demanding diet. Intermediate to advanced reptile enthusiasts will have the best success at habituating green tree monitors into personable captives.
With time and patience during regular handling sessions, green tree monitors can become tolerant of their owners. But even well-acclimated green tree monitors may never enjoy constant petting and cuddling. Their comfort level of human interaction remains lower than many common pet lizards. Providing a stress-free habitat tailored to their needs offers the best chance at a friendly green tree monitor companion.
Conclusion
Green tree monitors are stunning lizards that can become acclimated to calm handling by their owners. However, they tend to be higher-stress captives requiring specialized care. Novice reptile keepers may find other lizard species easier to handle and bond with. With their demanding habitat, diet, and nervous dispositions, green tree monitors are best suited to intermediate and advanced reptile enthusiasts dedicated to providing for their needs.