Crocodile monitor
A species of Monitor lizards Scientific name : Varanus salvadorii Genus : Monitor lizards
Crocodile monitor, A species of Monitor lizards
Scientific name: Varanus salvadorii
Genus: Monitor lizards
Content
Description General Info
Description
Varanus salvadorii is a species of monitor lizard endemic to New Guinea. Its common names include crocodile monitor, Papua(n) monitor, Salvadori's monitor and artellia. It is the largest monitor lizard known from New Guinea, and is one of the longest lizards in the world, verified at up to 244Â cm (8Â ft). The tail of the species is exceptionally long, so that some specimens have been claimed to exceed the length of the world's largest lizard, the Komodo...
General Info
Lifespan
20-25 years
Diet
Crocodile monitor predominantly feeds on small mammals, birds, and eggs. They exhibit arboreal hunting behavior, leaping onto prey from above. Diet also includes carrion, when available.
Appearance
Crocodile monitor have lengthy bodies, reaching up to 8 feet, and elongated necks. Their skin is thick, textured and primarily black, with occasional yellow and gold markings. Additional defining features include large curved claws and a notably long tail, often exceeding the rest of the body in length. No significant differences are found in color or pattern due to age, gender, or subspecies.
Behavior
Crocodile monitor is a solitary and territorial animal, spending most of its day basking on tree branches. It marks its territory through scent and visible scratch marks, defending it fiercely if necessary. It descends only to forage for prey, demonstrating a distinct feeding behavior called 'death roll'.
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
Monitor lizards Genus
Monitor lizards Species
Crocodile monitor