Bengal monitor

The Bengal monitor (Varanus bengalensis) is a large monitor lizard native to South and Southeast Asia. It is a mostly terrestrial predator that uses a long, forked tongue to detect chemical cues.

Varanidae: Varanidae is the family of monitor lizards, a group of predatory reptiles found across Africa, Asia, and Oceania. The Bengal monitor belongs to this family of long-bodied, active lizards.
Tropical dry forest: Tropical dry forest is a warm forest biome with a pronounced season of low rainfall. The species commonly occupies these forests as well as other wooded habitats.
Asian water monitor: The Asian water monitor (Varanus salvator) is a large, semiaquatic monitor lizard native to South and Southeast Asia. It shares parts of the Bengal monitor's range but is more strongly associated with waterways.
Varanus bengalensis nebulosus: Varanus bengalensis nebulosus is a traditionally recognized subspecies of Bengal monitor found in parts of Southeast Asia. This named form represents populations toward the eastern part of the species' range.
Varanus: Varanus is the genus containing monitor lizards, including the Bengal monitor and Komodo dragon. Its scientific name places the species within this genus.
Agricultural pest control: Agricultural pest control comprises methods used to reduce organisms that damage crops or stored food. By eating rodents and insects, Bengal monitors can contribute to pest control near farms.
Yellow monitor: The yellow monitor (Varanus flavescens) is a smaller monitor lizard native to parts of South Asia. It is a regional relative that is generally smaller and more associated with wetlands.
Varanus bengalensis bengalensis: Varanus bengalensis bengalensis is the nominate subspecies of Bengal monitor, associated with South Asia. It is the named form associated with the species' western range.
Jacobson's organ: Jacobson's organ is a chemosensory structure in the roof of the mouth that receives chemical particles collected by the tongue. Its forked tongue transfers environmental chemicals to this organ.
Bushmeat: Bushmeat is meat obtained from wild animals hunted for human consumption. Hunting for meat is one source of pressure on some Bengal monitor populations.

Linked from 2 pages

Monitor lizardBroader topic: Its broad range and varied habitat use exemplify the diversity of monitor lizards.