Scientific Name: Varanus salvator
Family: Veranidae
Adult Size: Average 3 to 5 feet in length. Maximum lengths of 8 1/2 to 9 feet
Average Life-Span: about 25 years
Range: Eastern India and Sri Lanka, eastward throughout south-east Asia, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines
Habitat: Permanent water sources including rivers, lakes and streams in tropical forests
The Asian water monitor is the 3rd largest species of lizard in the world, with the largest specimen recorded being over 10 feet in length and weighing in at a whopping 125 pounds. These are formidable animals and should never be taken lightly, however with proper care and socialization I've seen quite a few individuals that were quite easy going and tame. Because of their huge size, Asian water monitors require spacious, well-constructed enclosures; preferably outdoors if you live in a warm climate, if not, it may be best to convert a small bedroom into an enclosure. As their name implies, water monitors are semi-aquatic and captive specimens need to be provided with an area of water large enough for them to be able to submerge their entire bodies in, along with sturdy climbing branches for exercise and basking.
Asian water monitors are indiscriminate feeders, meaning that they will consume anything they deem edible that they come across in the wild, including rodents, insects, fish, refuse from landfills, beached whales and even the toxic marine cane toad, from which they seem to get no ill effects from. Now, this doesn't mean to just go ahead and feed them garbage and toads, but to try and provide them a varied diet which should include rodents, fish, crustaceans and large insects. Water monitors require moderate to high temperatures in the range of 82 and 90 degrees F with a warmer basking spot up to 95 or 97 degrees. Not in any way for the beginner but I've seen many experienced keepers turn these giant lizards into cherished family pets, and you can expect them to be with you for quite a while.
Very happy to see this blog.Thank u. I live in a village in Assam (India). I suddenly saw a monitor at my home this morning.It was crossing my private road.I stopped my bike and wait.It was black and large weighing 2-3 kg.When it saw me it jumped into my water pond.I was really lucky to see it
ReplyDeleteSo glad so many people love these lizards as much as I do. Sadly, the only reptiles I ever had were at a young age, Leonardo the anole, and Crush a tiny sawback turtle.
ReplyDeleteWhen I get my own place, I want to get a monitor lizard even though I don't have much expertise at handling reptiles such as this, however with continuing to research and look up people's experiences I have confidence that I could own one one day. C:
I think despite my older sister's chagrin I would start out with a ball python as they're small and I heard they're good reptiles to start out with.
P.s. I love that picture I have it saved on my PC. And now I have it on my phone. xD Lucky little boy.
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