Description:
Scientific name: Varanus cumingi
Life span: up to 15-20 years
The Yellow-headed water monitor lizard has a yellow-colored body with dark black patches. This monitor lives in water and is found in both large and medium sizes. The adult yellow-headed water monitor grows up to 4-4.4 feet. The length from the snout to the vent is about 60cm. The body weight for this monitor is approximately 2-2.5 kilograms.
Native Region/Habitat
The Yellow-headed water monitor lizard is native to the Philippines. It is found in forests, mangroves, fish ponds, and water margins in tropical refuges.
Behavior:
The yellow-headed water monitors are diurnal predators. They love to eat fish, small lizards, small rodents, arthropods, and amphibians. During the breeding season, the female lays 4- 20 eggs in burrows and the incubation time for these eggs will be 160-220 days. In captivity, there must be a nesting box or a substrate for the eggs, clutches, and hatchlings to prevent them from the harsh conditions of the environment. As hatchlings, they enjoy burrowing in deep areas of the substrate, and as they age, supplying them with those areas for hatching could be a fine idea as well as for the benefits of humidity.
Care As a pet/In captivity:
Due to their high levels of activity, Yellow-headed water monitor lizards do not do well in small spaces. Adults require specially made cages that are at a minimum of 240 cm in length, 120cm in width, and 120cm in height, with greater height being preferred. The cage has to be placed in a home location that is calm. The enclosure must have a large area of water as these monitors love to submerge in water. There should be a 50-80 degree Celcius area for basking. The remaining part of the enclosure may be between 80-85 degrees. Always have a large, full water dish available. Keep in mind to do a daily water change.
Table
