Varanus timorensis
| Timor Monitor | |
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| Species: | V. timorensis
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| Varanus timorensis Gary, 1831
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Monitor timorensis | |
The Timor Monitor or Spotted Tree Monitor (Varanus timorensis) is a species of small monitor lizard native to the island of west and east Timor.
Description
The Timor Monitor is generally a dark green or almost black in color, with bright gold-yellow spotting all along its back and a lighter straw-yellow coloring on its underside. They have a pointed nose, excellent eyesight, very good hearing, sharp teeth, and a long tail. They also have long, sharp claws well suited for climbing. The species grows to a maximum length of 61cm, and weigh about 100 to 350 grams.
Behavior
Timor monitors are arboreal, diurnal lizards. Their diet consists of a variety of invertebrates, plus other lizards such as geckos, etc. Breeding takes place from December to March, and clutches of up to 11 eggs are laid and incubate for three to four months, depending on the average temperature. Hatchlings are approximately 5 inches long, but grow quickly.
Geographic distribution
The Timor Monitor is found in Indonesia, specifically the islands of Timor, Savu and Rote, and in East Timor.
In captivity
The Timor Monitor is frequently captive bred, but also imported for the exotic pet trade. The wild caught specimens can be nervous, and difficult to handle, but captive raised one's tame down. Its small size makes it an attractive choice for any Varanid enthusiast. They are easy to house in a vivarium oriented towards vertical climbing space (30-55 gallon), ample hiding spots, a basking spot of between 95-100F, with the ambient temperature between 75-90F, and a medium sized bowl of water for the occassional soak. They readily feed on a diet of commercially available crickets, roaches, mealworms and the rare pinkie mouse.
References
- Cogger, H. (1967). Australian Reptiles in Colour. Sydney: A. H. & A. W. Reed, ISBN 0-589-07012-6
- King, Dennis & Green, Brian. 1999. Goannas: The Biology of Varanid Lizards. University of New South Wales Press. ISBN 0-86840-456-X
- Species Varanus timorensis at The Reptile Database