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Asian Water Monitor

(Varanus salvator)

 

Category: Reptiles

 

 

The Asian water monitor is the third longest lizard in the world, able to reach lengths of 9 feet, though 3-5 feet is the normal range. They inhabit tropical forests in eastern India and Sri Lanka, eastward through southeast Asia, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. They are excellent swimmers and eat a wide range of foods, including fish, rodents, eggs, and carrion.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_monitor

http://www.reptilesmagazine.com/Lizard-Species/Asian-Water-Monitor/

 

Data & Facts

Scientific Classification
Kingdom - Animalia
Phylum - Chordata
Class - Sauropsida
Order - Squamata
Family - Varanidae
Genus - Varanus
Species - V. salvator

 
Did you know?
Interesting Animal Facts

The report of my breath was an exaggeration

For years, the Komodo dragon was accused of having a mouth so filthy that even if you escaped its terrible bite, you were doomed to eventually die from the ensuing bacterial infection. However, recent studies on Komodo dragons demonstrated that this was unfair, as they have mouths cleaner than many mammalian carnivores. It turns out the reality is worse than the myth: they have poison glands! Komodo dragons produce a venom that sends prey into shock while keeping its blood from clotting. A deer or pig who “escapes” will run off and go into shock, often bleeding out from its wounds within 3 hours, leaving an easy treat for the dragon.

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