Monitor Care & Natural History; Zoo & Pet Experiences

[Striped marsh]

Very interesting, Lace monitors have interested me a lot I always head up to north Victoria and the Northern Territory in search of reptiles, lace monitors seem to be the most common to find

[findiviglio]

Very interesting, Lace monitors have interested me a lot I always head up to north Victoria and the Northern Territory in search of reptiles, lace monitors seem to be the most common to find

Thank you...I'm jealous - lace monitors as "common"! They are so impressive in captivity, can't wait to get to Australia to see them in the wild. Enjoy, Frank

[Lixra]

Thank you...I'm jealous - lace monitors as "common"! They are so impressive in captivity, can't wait to get to Australia to see them in the wild. Enjoy, Frank

The common lace monitors I wish!

On a plus side, the breeder we got our little sulphur water girl off of has just gotten a pair of these! My husband's a professional photographer so he's invited us over to do a photo shoot with them as well with his Beaded lizards, and Black Salvator! I honestly can't wait! But they day this guy gets Mertens is the day I move in with him

[findiviglio]

The common lace monitors I wish!

On a plus side, the breeder we got our little sulphur water girl off of has just gotten a pair of these! My husband's a professional photographer so he's invited us over to do a photo shoot with them as well with his Beaded lizards, and Black Salvator! I honestly can't wait! But they day this guy gets Mertens is the day I move in with him

I've not seen a black Salvator (melanisitc?)...would appreciate seeing a photo if time permits. Merten's are one of my fav's as well...at home on land,water, trees,...truly amazing; had the good fortune of breeding them at the Bx Zoo, made for a great exhibit when given a large glass fronted pond; You might enjoy this article (link to Pt I within text). pl keep me posted, enjoy, Frank

[Lixra]

I believe it is melanistic, yes. My husband was the one who spoke to him about going over to take pictures and I believe the phrase he used was just "black salvator". I know there's a (supspecies?) of water monitor Varanus salvator komaini, that's referred to as a "Black Monitor" so that might be it as well, don't know if you've had any experience with that particular one at all. I will, of course, share any pictures I get while I'm there

As far as my "top 5" ... as far as ones one could keep in captivity, because then obviously Komodo's would be on the list

1. Varanus salvator
2. Varanus mertensi
3. Varanus varius
4. Varanus giganteus
5. Varanus panoptes

[findiviglio]

I believe it is melanistic, yes. My husband was the one who spoke to him about going over to take pictures and I believe the phrase he used was just "black salvator". I know there's a (supspecies?) of water monitor Varanus salvator komaini, that's referred to as a "Black Monitor" so that might be it as well, don't know if you've had any experience with that particular one at all. I will, of course, share any pictures I get while I'm there

As far as my "top 5" ... as far as ones one could keep in captivity, because then obviously Komodo's would be on the list


1. Varanus salvator
2. Varanus mertensi
3. Varanus varius
4. Varanus giganteus
5. Varanus panoptes

Thanks...look forward to your photos; I cared for V. salvtor & varius for a time, also V. salvatorii (at Staten Is Zoo)...all quite amazing, very quick to pick up on routines, note changes, "predict" in a sense (wild V. varius (?) have been seen to head away from prey, circle around and ambush at burrow!); enjoy, Frank

[Lixra]

In regards to the salvators you've worked with, I remember you saying you had done research in their intelligence and wasn't sure if you could shed some light on something for me. Our male (Darwin, about 5.5 ft long including tail) has done something with us since day 1 (we've had him for about 3 years now), which I can only relate to as a "sighing" noise. It's definitely not hissing (he's very mellow and tame and seems to like attention) and our thoughts on it was, it was his way of trying to communicate with us. The reason we think this, is the length and loudness of the "sigh", varies depending on his mood so to speak. He does a very loud short one, if we're moving him from some place he wants to go or shouldn't be going, and a softer longer sigh if we're in his room talking to him or giving him a bath (things he seems to enjoy).

I didn't know if you've noticed this with other salvators you've worked with, or any other large monitor for that matter.