Monitor Lizard

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Quite a number of Varanus monitor lizards species are frequently seen in the wild; nonetheless watching them is still an exciting experience for  they are elegant and prehistoric looking and not much is known about them despite their widespread occurrence. The Clouded Monitor (Varanus bengalensis), a largely grey or brown lizard with yellow spottings is perhaps the most likely to be encountered. Others like the Water Monitor (Varanus salvator) are also quite common but they are restricted near rivers. 

Varanus, Monitor lizard
A monitor lizard watching its surrounding

Found not only in damp location, but also nearby dry scrubs, plantations and villages, the Clouded Monitor is a successful creature when it comes to adapting near man made habitat. One possible factor for its extensive distribution is perhaps it wide range of foods including small reptiles and mammals, fishes and crustaceans, and also carrion.


These reptiles may appear formidable, especially the larger sized individuals, due to its komodo-like appearance coupled with long claws and sharp teeth. However it rarely attacks humans if ever, on the contrary it usually scurries though the bushes or dives into the water when disturbed. But like any animals, it does bite when it feels threatened. People are known to be bitten when trying to catch this monster reptile, and some were whipped with its long tail, delivering a painful blow.

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