The numbers
Enclosure
Room-sized, tall (arboreal climbing)
Temperature
cool 27 °C (80 °F) / night ≥ 21–24 °C
Humidity
60–80% day, up to 100% night
UVB
Strong T5 (UVI 3–4); replace ~6 mo
Identity
Family / Order
Iguanidae / Squamata
Origin
Adult size
1.5–1.8 m incl. tail (up to 2 m)
Lifespan (captivity)
15–20 yrs (up to 25)
Activity
Diurnal; arboreal herbivore
Temperament
Large; males territorial in breeding season
Price (THB)
~500–3,000 (cheap → grows huge)
Enclosure and conditions
Basking
35–49 °C (100–120 °F)
Cool side
27 °C (80 °F)
Night
≥ 21–24 °C
Humidity
60–80% day, up to 100% night
UVB (required)
Strong T5 (UVI 3–4); replace ~6 mo
Min. size
Room-sized, tall (arboreal climbing)
Furnishings
Sturdy branches at basking height
Water
Large + daily misting
Diet
Diet type
Strict herbivore
Grasses & greens
70% dark leafy greens (collard, dandelion, turnip, mustard)
Avoid
No animal protein; fruit < 10%
Calcium
Supplement + strong UVB critical
Behaviour and handling
Handling
Can tame young; males aggressive in season
Defense
Tail whip + claws + bite
Cohabitation
Solo
Climbing
Arboreal — needs height
Children
Adult only (large)
Reproduction
Sexual maturity
~2–3 yrs
Clutch
20–40+ eggs
Incubation
~90–120 days
Common health problems
Metabolic bone disease
Signsvery common; soft/swollen jaw, weak limbs
Preventstrong UVB + calcium + correct diet
Kidney disease
Signsfrom animal protein / dehydration
Preventstrict herbivore diet + hydration
Thermal burns
Signsfrom unguarded heat sources
Preventguard all heat elements
Egg-binding (♀)
Signsstraining, lethargy
Preventlay site; vet if straining
When to see a vet
This is not veterinary advice. If red flags appear (open-mouth breathing, months of weight loss, 'stargazing', persistent regurgitation) consult a qualified exotic (herp) veterinarian. Quarantine new arrivals 30–90 days.
Good to know
- Grows from a tiny hatchling to 1.5 m+ — one of the most abandoned/rehomed reptiles.
- Has a 'third eye' (parietal eye) on top of the head that senses light.
- A strict vegetarian giant — never feed it meat or insects.
Common questions
Does it stay small?
No — 1.5 m+, needs a room-sized space.
Can I feed it meat/insects?
No — strict herbivore; protein harms the kidneys.
Beginner pet?
No — big, long-lived, demanding.
What it needs
- Room-sized tall enclosure
- Strong T5 UVB (UVI 3–4)
- High-wattage basking + guard/thermostat
- Misting system
- Greens + calcium
- Large water tub
- Hygro/thermometer