Ackie Monitor

Description:

The Ackie monitor, also known as the spiny-tailed monitor or ridge-tailed monitor (Varanus acanthurus), is a species of small to medium-sized monitor lizard native to northern Australia

Appearance:

• Ackie monitors have a compact body with strong legs and a long, tapering tail.
• They are typically brown or reddish-brown in color, with darker bands or spots and distinctive yellow or cream-colored markings on their throats.
• Their tails are characterized by prominent spiny ridges, which give them their common name "spiny-tailed monitor."

Habitat:

• Ackie monitors inhabit a variety of arid and semi-arid habitats, including rocky outcrops, scrubland, and desert regions.
• They are excellent climbers and are often found basking on rocks or hiding in crevices.

Diet:

• Ackie monitors are carnivorous, feeding primarily on a diet of insects, small rodents, birds, and reptiles.
• In captivity, they can be fed a variety of live prey items such as crickets, roaches, mealworms, and small mice, as well as occasional treats like eggs or pinkie mice.

Lifespan:

• Ackie monitors have a relatively long lifespan compared to other monitor species, with individuals living 15-20 years or more in captivity when provided with proper care.

Care Requirements:

• Enclosure: Provide a spacious enclosure with plenty of hiding spots, climbing branches, and basking areas. A combination of substrate such as sand, soil, and rocks can be used to mimic their natural habitat.
• Temperature and Lighting: Maintain a temperature gradient within the enclosure, with basking spots reaching around 120°F (49°C) and cooler areas around 80-90°F (27-32°C). Use UVB lighting to provide essential UV radiation for vitamin D3 synthesis.
• Humidity: Ackie monitors require a relatively dry environment with low humidity levels. Provide a shallow water dish for drinking and soaking, but avoid creating a consistently damp environment.
• Diet: Offer a varied diet of live prey items dusted with calcium and vitamin supplements to ensure nutritional balance.
• Handling: Ackie monitors can be shy and skittish, so handling should be done gently and with care. Handle them regularly to help them become accustomed to human interaction.