A first in France: the successful reproduction of the majestic Varanus varius at Design Reptiles

🦎 First reproduction in France of Varanus varius

A historic step at Design Reptiles

Chez Design Reptiles, 2023 will remain marked as the year of first and only confirmed French birth of Varanus varius, the variegated monitor lizard. An exceptional event for a species that is as majestic as it is complex to reproduce in captivity.

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🥚 Two friends, valuable lessons

It all starts in May 2022, with the very first egg laid by a female. Two eggs are deposited. Only one is fertilized, but unfortunately, The juvenile is unable to get out of its shell and drowns when hatched. A difficult but instructive loss.

The second egg-laying occurs On the night of July 4, 2022 : this time 7 fertilized eggs are carefully incubated. After Nearly 8 months of waiting, March 1, 2023, 4 small variegated monitor lizards pierce their shells — a first in France. The other three eggs, although developed, will experience the same fate and will not be able to come out alone.

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Among young people, two present a classic coloring and two wear a light Bell-type dress, much appreciated for its contrasting and bright color.

🔬 Incubation protocol

The eggs were incubated on a pearlite/water mix at a ratio of 1:1, in closed boxes, in order to maintain constant humidity. The incubation temperature has been stabilized around 29°C, for a duration of approximately 245 days. This protocol, combined with rigorous monitoring, allowed more than half of the eggs to hatch.

🐣 Behaviour of young people after hatching

Young people put 7 to 10 days to start eating on their own initiative. They showed up Rather fierce the first few weeks, adopting a discreet, sometimes nervous behavior, but faithful to the alert nature of the species. Their acclimatization then took place gradually, through controlled manipulations.

🧠 A youthful passion that has come true

The Varanus varius has always fascinated me. Intelligence, presence, colors, behavior... I've been obsessed with this species since I was a teenager. From the very beginning, I knew that I wanted to pass my Certificate of Capacity (CDC) for her. En 2019, I am welcoming my first specimens. This childhood dream then becomes a long-term breeding project.

Today, this successful birth is the culmination of four years of observations, tests, adjustments and commitment.

📋 Reproduction of Varanus varius : conditions and legal framework

• Incubation : approximately 245 days, stable temperature around 29°C, humidity controlled rigorously.
• Legal conditions : species subject to CDC and AOE in France. Any possession or reproduction requires prefectural authorization.

📌 A project that has only just begun

Beyond personal pride, this success marks the start of a breeding project structured around this emblematic species. We are currently In search of new specimens with new blood, with the aim of developing other breeding lines that are healthy, varied and viable in the long term.

And now?

Young people are growing well and are already showing a lively and curious demeanor, typical of the species. Each observation feeds our knowledge and will allow us to further refine our reproduction protocols. One more advanced data sheet could soon see the light of day on this blog for those who share this same passion.

“Behind every birth, there are years of passion, doubts and perseverance. It will remain engraved.”

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