Description
Scientific name: Varanus salvator
Life span: 15-20 years
The Asian water monitor is the second biggest species of monitor lizard. Although it is said to reach a maximum length of 3 meters, the majority of adults are no longer than 1.5 meters. They have a black temporal stripe with a yellow border that extends behind their eyes. This monitor has an extremely long neck and an extended snout. The nostrils are located toward the tip of the nose. The tail bears a dorsal keel and is laterally flattened. The Water Monitor often has a black or dark brown appearance, with yellow markings on its underside. With age, the species’ characteristic yellow patterns start to fade. They are also known as Sumatran water monitors.
Native Region/Habitat
The Asian water monitor is distributed across southeast and south Asia. It inhabits a variety of environments and is semi-aquatic. They are usually found in wetlands and along riverbanks. Its extensive range is due to the fact that it is a species that depends on water and is known to traverse expansive lengths of water.
Behavior
Water monitors use their jaws, claws, and tails to protect themselves. They have strong swimming abilities and can navigate the water utilizing the elevated fin on their tails. When a water monitor comes across a smaller prey item, it will grip it in its jaws before forcefully thrashing its neck, shattering its organs and vertebrae, and leaving the prey dead or crippled. It will subsequently be swallowed whole by the lizard.
Many monitor owners report that their lizard is amiable and enjoys human companionship. This assertion needs to be considered in light of the fact that this monitor lizard is not a pet that appreciates being handled frequently. Asian water monitors may bite, and the wound they leave behind can be very painful, and occasionally toxic. They are very clever and inquisitive animals that like being given the room they need to live as naturally as possible.
Care As a pet/In captivity
One of the most fascinating and difficult features of caring for a water monitor is its enormous size. An enclosure the size of a 40-gallon terrarium may initially accommodate a hatchling monitor. Asian water monitors require a sizable container with room to move about. You should aim to construct the largest cage possible for these lizards since they need a lot of room to climb, bask, and explore. There should be many stimulating elements in your enclosure to stimulate both the body and the mind. The enclosure’s internal temperature should stay around 80-85°F. The temperature in the basking area should be regulated between 125 – 140 °F. A sizable area of pure water should also be present in the tank of water monitors.
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