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Varanus storri, also known as Storr's monitors, are among the smallest Australian monitors, with a typical snout-vent length (excluding the tail) of around 12cm in adults, although there can be some variation in size based on locality.

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The coloration of Storr's monitors varies based on the population locality. Generally, they have a dark brown to reddish-brown color on their back, sometimes shading to grey in the center. The rest of the pattern can consist of dark brown or black flecking, and they may even have ocelli (eye-like spots). The underside can range from greyish to light creams or pale golds. Some individuals may have a dark streak between the eye and ear, similar to ackies monitors. Physically, Storr's monitors have a stocky body and a robust tail with spines similar to acanthurus monitors.

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Storr's monitors are distributed in north-eastern Queensland, with a separate pocket population on the Queensland/Northern Territory border region and Mount Isa. Previously, they were considered a subspecies called Varanus storri ocreatus, but it has now been reclassified as Varanus ocreatus.

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In the wild, Storr's monitors inhabit tropical savannah habitats and are usually found directly under rocks or in short burrows beneath them. In the Mount Isa region, they are more associated with rock piles.

Storr's monitors are generally abundant in the Australian reptile hobby, although some recognized localities may be harder to find. In captivity, their personality can be similar to ackies monitors, with some individuals being more bold than others. They are easily habituated to human contact, and tong and hand feeding can be established with most individuals.

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It's important to note that while Storr's monitors can be found in larger communities in the wild, we have found that adult Storr's monitors should only be kept in pairs. Keeping multiple animals together may result in brutal fighting, particularly between females.

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Here are some guidelines for their husbandry:

Enclosure size: A relatively small enclosure of around 60cm x 60cm is suitable for this species. Since they are terrestrial, vertical height is not an issue.

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Substrate and furnishings: Sand and soil substrate are suitable for Storr's monitors. Providing plenty of hollows for hides or flat rocks for them to burrow under is important. Scattering leaf litter on the flooring can help keep them occupied and encourage foraging.

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Temperatures and lighting: Adequate UVB lighting is essential. A basking hot spot with a bright lamp directed onto a rock or tiles should have a temperature of around 50-65°C. The ambient heat gradient over the rest of the enclosure should be around 28-33°C during the warmer active months.

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Humidity: Storr's monitors benefit from regular misting, especially during the warmer months, as they come from a tropical savannah environment. Providing a humidity hide is generally recommended.

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Feeding: The bulk of their diet should consist of crickets, wood roaches, and other insects. Regular dusting of calcium powder and vitamins is necessary. Occasionally, you can include chopped pinkie mice, lean turkey or chicken mince, chopped chicken hearts, boiled chicken eggs, quail eggs, and chopped day-old quail. Maintaining a well-balanced variety is important.

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Life span: Storr's monitors have an average recorded captive life span of around 10-12 years.