Native to the Aru Islands, the Black Tree Monitor was once considered a subspecies or even just a color morph of the Green Tree Monitor. They are now recognized as a species distinct from other monitors. Many varanids have an unclear taxonomy, meaning that there may be other lizards closely related to the black tree monitor. This is not generally considered the case. Most Black Tree Monitors available for purchase by private owners are caught in the wild.
Captive breeding is rare and difficult to accomplish.
It can be very difficult to obtain a female Black Tree Monitor. Average Black Tree Monitors should be kept at a temperature of around 85 degrees Fahrenheit, with a basking area of between 100 and 110 degrees Fahrenheit. They should not be able to come in direct contact with the heat source, as they may burn themselves and not know it. The enclosure should not be hot everywhere, as this will place undue stress on the animal. They should also be provided with fluorescent lights that provide twelve hours of light a day.