Gillens Monitor/Pygmy Mulga Monitor (Varanus gilleni)

Gillen’s Monitor (Varanus gilleni) for Sale

The Gillen’s monitor, also known as the pygmy mulga monitor, is one of Australia’s smallest goannas, with all the intelligence and character of a monitor in a manageable size. Native to the arid mulga woodlands of central and western Australia, it’s a tree-climbing species that spends its days moving between branches, hollow limbs and loose bark, hunting insects and small lizards. It’s active, curious and fascinating to watch: a great step up for keepers ready for their first monitor.

Quick facts

• Scientific name: Varanus gilleni
• Common names: Gillen’s monitor, pygmy mulga monitor, Gillen’s goanna
• Adult size: about 35–40cm including the tail
• Lifespan: 8–15+ years with good care
• Native range: arid mulga woodland of central and western Australia
• Activity: active by day, climbing
• Experience level: intermediate
• Licence: [NSW licence class, e.g. R2]

Hand-picked for you
We don’t keep reptiles crammed into a small shop. We work with more than 80 trusted breeders across Australia, inspect each monitor in its home setup and choose the healthiest, calmest animal for you. Collect it from the breeder, or we’ll deliver it at no extra cost (air freight excepted). Reptiles are sold online only, due to permit requirements.

Gillen’s Monitor Care Guide

Enclosure
Gillen’s monitors are climbers, so height matters. Juveniles can start in a 60x45x90cm enclosure, while adults do best in a tall enclosure around 90x60x120cm. Use a secure, lockable enclosure.

Climbing and hides
Stack cork bark, branches and hollow logs vertically, with hides at several heights. Gillen’s monitors love tight, enclosed refuges, like hollow branches and cork tubes, where they can wedge themselves in.

Basking spot
Monitors need a very hot basking surface: around 45–55°C on a horizontal branch or rock directly under the basking lamp. Without enough heat they can’t digest properly.

Temperature
Ambient 26–30°C by day, with a cool end to escape the heat. At night, lights off and temperatures can drop to around 18–22°C. Run every heat source through a thermostat.

Lighting
UVB is recommended for all monitors: use a strong UVB light (10–12%) on a 12-hour timer.

Humidity
Keep it low and dry, as this is a desert species. Provide one slightly humid hide to help shedding.

Substrate
Our Arid Substrate Mix or Australian Desert Sand, with rocks and leaf litter on top.

Diet
Mostly live insects (crickets, woodies and roaches), with an occasional small rodent for adults.

• Juveniles: daily
• Adults: 3–4 times a week, in moderate amounts

Dust insects with calcium. Don’t overfeed adults, as Gillen’s monitors gain weight easily.

Water
Keep a shallow water bowl available, and refresh it regularly.

Handling
Often flighty when young, but most settle well with calm, regular handling. Give your monitor time to settle in before handling, and support its body.

Gillen’s monitor FAQ

How big do Gillen’s monitors get?
Around 35–40cm including the tail, which makes them one of Australia’s smallest monitors.

Are Gillen’s monitors good for beginners?
They’re a great first monitor for keepers with some reptile experience. They’re small and manageable, but need a very hot basking spot, strong UVB and lots of climbing space.

How hot should a Gillen’s monitor’s basking spot be?
Around 45–55°C on the basking surface, with a much cooler end to retreat to.

What size enclosure does a Gillen’s monitor need?
Juveniles can start in 60x45x90cm. Adults need a tall enclosure around 90x60x120cm.

Everything you need: Gillen’s Monitor Bioactive Enclosure Kit, Electronic Reptile Thermostat, Feeder Woodies (Nauphoeta cinerea).