Description:
Scientific name: Varanus juxtindicus
Life span: Up to 12- 20 years
The Rennell island monitor is a large-sized monitor that can grow up to 150 cm in length. The color scheme and pattern of this monitor closely resemble the Varanus indicus monitor. There are no bands visible on its head and tail. They have no discernible pattern on its neck. Just the tip of its tongue is colored. The initial portion of its tail is spherical, smooth, and without keel.
Native Region/Habitat
The Rennell island monitor lizard is native to Renelle island, Nipani, and Solomon Island Archipelago.
Behavior:
Rennell island monitor lizard is an opportunistic carnivore that consumes fish, carrion, mollusks, rodents, insects, crabs, small lizards, and bird and reptile eggs. These monitors are solitary in nature. They love to live alone. If they feel threatened or terrified, it won’t hesitate to bite or scratch them severely. Even so, monitors will retaliate with their tails. You could be targeted before you realize what is happening since these monitors operate rather quickly.
Care As a pet/In captivity:
Larger enclosures are preferable since Renelle monitors require a lot of areas. A minimum enclosure size of 7x 6 x 5 ft is recommended. Again, it would be fantastic if the enclosure could be larger. A lot of enclosure enhancements should be included, like branches for climbing and sunbathing and sizable reptile hides for resting. In order to maintain the health of the lizard, keep the lighting steady in the Rennell monitor’s enclosure.
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