Description
Scientific Name: Varanus glebopalma
Life span: Up to 20 years ( captivity)
The black-palmed rock monitor is around 100 cm long in total. They have a dark black back on which light brown scales are present. The overall color of the skin ranges from red to grey-brown in color. The scales show a reticulated pattern on the side but the small ocelli of the scales have a small black spot in the center present on the top. Half of its tail is black in color and the other half is creamy-yellow in color. The upper side of the head and appendages have light brown spots.
Native Region/Habitat
The black-palmed rock monitor is native to Australia. Additionally, it may also be found in Queensland, the Northern Territory, and Western Australia. It is found in woodland, rock escarpment, and monsoon forests.
Behavior
Black-palmed rock monitor is highly cautious and fast to move, mainly hunting throughout the day. They are also observed as active lizards during night time so they can also be called nocturnal animals sometimes. Black-palmed rock monitors prey in an opportunistic predator manner. In the wild, they like eating small lizards, insects, and other small animals. Males of black-palmed rock monitor do not tolerate the presence of another male in their territory which depicts that they are very conscious about their territory. In the wild, breeding season occurs between September and October but egg deposition does not deposit in the form of clutches. In captivity, females lay 3- 7 eggs. They are around 85-90 mm in size when they hatch.
Care As a pet/In captivity
Black-palmed rock monitors are rarely kept in captivity. Black-palmed rock monitors different sexes should not be kept together in the same cage as they are known to eat members of their own species. Rock monitors are agile and need an enclosure that gives them enough activity. Heat lamps should be present to provide them a basking temperature. A water bowl should be provided.
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