Black Rough-Necked Monitor Care & Natural History

[findiviglio]

Hi, Frank Indiviglio here. I’m a herpetologist, zoologist and book author, recently retired from a career spent at several zoos, aquarium, and museums, including over 20 years with the Bronx Zoo.
Although the Black Rough Neck Monitor, Varanus rudicollis, is rarely-seen in the wild, captive-bred individuals are often available. This striking lizard utilizes a variety of very different habitats, so in a suitably large enclosure one can expect to see a many interesting behaviors. This is definitely a species worth studying carefully, as we still have much to learn. I’ve always wanted to feature them in large zoo exhibits, but was not able to drum up much interest, unfortunately. Private keepers, however, have added greatly to what is known of this under-appreciated monitor.
Black Rough Neck Monitors remind me of Merten’s Water Monitors, Vanaus mersentsi, in general body form and especially in their ability to move about in trees, water and on land with equal ease (Note: the photo below is of a Merten’s Water Monitor; please click here for photos of Rough Neck Monitors). Read the rest of this article here Black Rough Neck Monitor Care and History | That Reptile Blog
Please also check out my posts on Twitter http://bitly.com/JP27Nj and Facebook http://on.fb.me/KckP1m

My Bio, with photos of animals I’ve been lucky enough to work with: That Pet Place welcomes Zoologist/Herpetologist Frank Indiviglio to That Reptile Blog | That Reptile Blog

Best Regards, Frank Indiviglio

[Mentat]

Nice article Frank! This is one of the monitor species I like a lot !

[findiviglio]

Nice article Frank! This is one of the monitor species I like a lot !

Much appreciated, Carlos! Me too - they "do it all", at home on land, in water, up trees....best, frank