Quote Originally Posted by Lixra View Post
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