Abstract:
The Blue tree monitor, Varanus macraei Böhme & Jacobs, 2001 is a tree monitor species favored
by reptile keepers. Successful captive breeding was reported from hobbyists and zoos in Europe shortly
after its scientific description. Meanwhile, commercial farming to supply international demands has been
progressing in Indonesia. However, such successful ex-situ breeding efforts have not yet been documented
or published in Indonesia thus far. Therefore, in this, study we describe for the first time the mating
behavior and reproduction of a V. macraei couple in an in-country outdoor facility, which is a common
husbandry practice for monitor lizard breeders in Indonesia. The male started to approach the female at
the beginning of the dry season, in May, with the female showing defensive behavior towards the male,
both before mating and after laying eggs, pointing to a seasonal reproductive behavior. Monitor lizards
were observed being active during the daytime. Eggs were laid by mid-July 2020. Two of the six eggs
laid were revealed to be fertile and hatched after about 23 weeks (5.6 months). The two hatchlings were
reared in an indoor enclosure, but only one survived, which showed to be a male.
