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| vertebrates text index | photo index |
| Phylum Chordata > Subphylum Vertebrata > Class Reptilia |
| Malayan
water monitor Varanus salvator Family Varanidae updated Oct 09 Where seen? This large lizard is commonly seen on many of our shores, including our offshore islands. According to Baker, they are found in forests, mangroves, scrubland and beaches where they tend to stay close to water. As well as in large canals in built up areas. |
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mainly terrestrial, it can climb trees and also swims well (keeping
its limbs to the side of the body, and propelling itself with sinuous
undulations of the flattened tail). It can even dive underwater. Features: 2.5-3m long. Among the largest lizards in the world, certainly the largest reptile in our marine habitats. A robust, muscular body with a long tail that is flattened towards the slender tip. It has a slender forked tongue. The nostrils are located close to the tip of the long and slender snout. It has small non-overlapping scales on a thick leathery skin. Hatchlings are black with whitish undersides with rows of bright yellow spots forming bands along the back and tail. This pattern fades in adults which is often plain grey. Non-venomous and shy of humans, it will prefer to flee than to fight. But if cornered, it may bite. So do leave the monitors alone. What does it eat? According to Baker, it eats small animals and fishes and also scavenges on dead animals. According to Cox, it prefers crabs and frogs and also eats eggs, nestling birds and other reptiles and large invertebrates. Young monitor lizards feed on insects. It hunts during the day. Monitor babies: Mama lizard lays 15-30 eggs with a soft leathery shell. |
 Nostrils at the tip of a slender snout.  Small non-overlapping scales. Bands of yellow spots on juveniles that fade in adults. Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Sep 09 |
 To swim, it holds its limbs against its body and propels itself with its tail. Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Sep 09 |
 Changi, Jun 03 |
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 Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Jun 06 |
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 Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Jun 06 |
 Sisters Island, Apr 07 |
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 Chek Jawa, Oct 09 |
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 Pasir Ris Park, Apr 10 |
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Links
References
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Singapore Science Centre. 160 pp.
Vertebrate Study Group, Nature Society (Singapore). 180 pp.
New Holland.|
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