Asian water monitor
A species of Monitor lizards, Also known as Malayan water monitor, Rice lizard, Plain lizard, Water monitor Scientific name : Varanus salvator Genus : Monitor lizards
Asian water monitor, A species of Monitor lizards
Also known as:
Malayan water monitor, Rice lizard, Plain lizard, Water monitor
Scientific name: Varanus salvator
Genus: Monitor lizards
Content
Description General Info
, used under Attribution /Cropped and compressed from original 
Description
Varanus salvator, commonly known as the water monitor or common water monitor, is a large lizard native to South and Southeast Asia. Water monitors are one of the most common monitor lizards found throughout Asia. They range from Sri Lanka and coastal northeast India to Indochina, the Malay Peninsula, and various islands of Indonesia, living in areas close to water. The Asian water monitor was described by Laurenti in 1768 and is among the largest squamate...
General Info
Lifespan
20-25 years
Diet
Asian water monitor's diet primarily consists of small animals including insects, birds, fish, and rodents. Its exceptional swimming and climbing abilities allow it to hunt in diverse ecosystems, making it a prolific predator.
Appearance
Asian water monitor is a large, elongated lizard with a muscular body and robust, clawed feet. Its skin, patterned with black and yellow crossbands, is water-resistant and rough to the touch. The animal possesses a powerful tail used for swimming, as well as a tall dorsal crest. The males are generally larger and have more pronounced crests than the females. There aren't significant appearance differences across subspecies.
Behavior
Asian water monitor mainly display a solitary and territorial behavior in their semi-aquatic habitat. They are powerful swimmers, adept climbers and active foragers. Demonstrating a lair-living lifestyle, asian water monitor often returns to the same resting site. They mark and vigorously defend their territory by fighting and inflicting severe wounds.
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
Monitor lizards Genus
Monitor lizards Species
Asian water monitor 
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