The Desert Monitor prefers dry, sandy, or rocky deserts, as well as scrublands and semi-desert plains. It is commonly found in areas with loose soil, which allows it to dig deep burrows for shelter from extreme temperatures. These burrows help protect the lizard from the intense daytime heat and the cold nights typical of desert climates. Although it thrives in very dry conditions, it is sometimes also found near oases or areas with sparse vegetation, where prey is more abundant.