Cuming's water monitor
A species of Monitor lizards, Also known as Philippine water monitor Scientific name : Varanus cumingi Genus : Monitor lizards
Cuming's water monitor, A species of Monitor lizards
Also known as:
Philippine water monitor
Scientific name: Varanus cumingi
Genus: Monitor lizards
Content
Description General Info
Photo By Vachovec1 , used under CC-BY-SA-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original 
Description
The yellow-headed water monitor (Varanus cumingi), also commonly known as the Philippine water monitor or Cuming's water monitor, is a large species of monitor lizard previously recognized as a subspecies of the water monitor (Varanus salvator), but today commonly acknowledged as a species in its own right. It feeds on birds, fish, mammals, and carrion. The species thrives in forest and water margins in tropical refuges.
General Info
Lifespan
8-15 years
Diet
Cuming's water monitor is a carnivore, primarily preying on amphibians and birds. The species also consumes rodents, insects, and crustaceans, revealing its opportunistic eating habits and varied diet.
Appearance
Cuming's water monitor is a sizeable monitor lizard with an elongated body, sturdy limbs, and a powerful tail, often longer than the body itself. Its skin exhibits a patterned array of yellow blotches or bands on a dark green or black backdrop. It possesses a lengthy, forked tongue, a distinguishing feature of monitor lizards. Notably, there are no significant differences in appearance due to age, gender, or subspecies.
Behavior
Cuming's water monitor displays semi-aquatic behavior, often residing along river banks which is useful for escaping predators. Its social structure is largely solitary, with numbered interactions often igniting territorial disputes over resources. Known to be an adept climber, cuming's water monitor utilizes this ability in foraging and defence efforts.
Population
Increasing
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
Monitor lizards Genus
Monitor lizards Species
Cuming's water monitor 
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