Description
Scientific Name: Varanus kingorum
Life span: up to 20 years
It’s incredible to consider that this little lizard shares a genus with the enormous Komodo dragon. Its overall length ranges from 7 to 9 inches, with the tail accounting for more than half of that. Rusty brown and orange are the predominant colors, while the body is covered with darker reticulations. Small blackish patches occur on much of the dark upper body, as well as at the throat and around the vent, contrasting the creamy underparts.
Native Region/Habitat
Kings’ goanna lives on rocky outcrops in the Kimberley region and surrounding places. The necessary microhabitat is provided by boulders and outcrops, which are typically found in places with rock exfoliators or hillsides with open woodlands and bushes. They can be found in grasslands as well.
Behavior
When approached, the King’s monitor flees into holes, rock cracks, and tiny crevices. Occasionally, members of this species will utilize their long tails to wriggle prey out of small, difficult places. The fact that both hatchlings and adults exhibit this behavior suggests that it is innate rather than taught.
The King’s dwarf monitor lizard is a delight to maintain because it possesses all the desirable traits of monitor lizards, including activity, personality, intellect, and hardiness at a size that is manageable. The King’s dwarf monitors are a pleasure to deal with. Despite the fact that they do spend time in hiding, they are active throughout the day and are often outgoing with humans. They will rapidly come to identify you with food because they are avid feeders, making hand-feeding enjoyable and simple.
Care As a pet/In captivity
Due to the fact that these monitors borrow frequently and frequently conceal in their damp borrows, a thick 30 cm thickness of the substrate is crucial. To create warm shelters, use a variety of piled slate tiles under the basking area. Cork tubes and other similar items also work well. These active monitors will also quickly use the numerous tiny shelves with ramps leading up to them. UV light and a clean water bowl should also be provided.
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