Knowra Asian water monitor Asian water monitor The Asian water monitor (Varanus salvator) is a large semiaquatic lizard native to South and Southeast Asia. It is an adaptable predator and scavenger, often living near waterways and human settlements.
Varanidae : Varanidae is the family of monitor lizards, a group of large, active reptiles found in Africa, Asia, and Oceania. The Asian water monitor is one of the largest and most widespread members of this family.
Carnivore : A carnivore is an animal that obtains food by eating other animals. The monitor eats a wide range of animal prey, from invertebrates to vertebrates.
Urban wildlife : Urban wildlife consists of wild animals living in or adapting to towns and cities. Water monitors can persist in cities where drains, canals, and refuse provide habitat and food.
Varanus salvator macromaculatus : Varanus salvator macromaculatus is a subspecies of Asian water monitor found across mainland Southeast Asia. It represents the widespread mainland form within the species' diverse range.
Squamata : Squamata is the reptile order containing lizards, snakes, and amphisbaenians. Its flexible skull and scaly body place it within this diverse reptile order.
Scavenging : Scavenging is feeding on dead organisms that an animal did not kill itself. It readily consumes carrion as well as captured prey.
Human–wildlife conflict : Human–wildlife conflict occurs when wildlife and human activities cause harm or competition for resources. Large monitors may raid poultry or waste, while people may fear or injure them.
Varanus salvator komaini : Varanus salvator komaini is a dwarf subspecies of Asian water monitor native to southern Thailand. Its unusually small size illustrates the marked variation recognized among water monitor populations.
Tongue-flicking : Tongue-flicking collects airborne chemical particles for analysis by sensory organs in the roof of the mouth. It uses repeated tongue-flicks to detect prey and other animals through chemical cues.
Olfaction : Olfaction is the detection and interpretation of chemical signals through the sense of smell. Chemical sensing helps it locate food, including prey hidden from view.
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