Cult of the Green Iguana

African Bullfrog

the second largest frog, it makes a watertight cocoon during the dry season to prevent the loss of body fluids. Before aestivating they fill their urinary bladder with water.

Green Iguana

Crocodile Monitors

Crocodile Monitor

Scientific name: Varanus salvadorii
Family: Varandae
Order: Squamata
Class: Reptilia

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS:

Scientific name: Varanus salvadorii
Family: Varandae
Order: Squamata
Class: Reptilia

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS:

Crocodile monitors are known to grow to over 3 meters (almost 10 feet) and there is speculation that there may be specimens with a length of 12 feet or more measured from the head to the tip of its tail. Many consider it the longest lizard in the world, although the Komodo Dragon is much heavier and can have a maximum length which is similar. Like all other monitor lizards of the Varandae family, the crocodile monitor can be distinguished by it's long thin forked tongue; the only other reptiles to share this common trait are snakes. It possess long sharp teeth, which enables it to easily hold its prey within its mouth while climbing up and down trees. Crocodile monitors also have 5 strongly clawed digits on its 4 appendages.
Its smooth skin is sought after by natives of Papua New Guinea, for the skin of Kundu Drums. Its head and neck are long, and are both covered by overlapping polygonal shaped scales. The crocodile monitor also has a particularly long and sturdy tail that may be aptly used in self-defense.
The skin of the crocodile monitor is predominately black covered with white specks or dots on its body. The most distinguishable aspect of this lizard, apart from other members of the Varandae family; is its exceptionally long and sleek body.

DISTRIBUTION and HABITAT:

The crocodile monitor is found exclusively in Papua New Guinea. It is a rather docile animal which is easily domesticated and may be kept around the world as a household pet. In its natural habitat, as a tree dweller, the Salvadori monitor may be found in the upper jungle canopies of Papua New Guinea.

Crocodile monitor meets Zoo volunteers

BEHAVIOR:

Despite the crocodile monitor's docile demeanor, it should not be mistaken as a harmless animal. Its powerful tail can inflict considerable damage. Amongst the tribes people of New Guinea, the crocodile monitor is greatly feared, as they believe the lizards to be man-eaters.

Like other animals who live in trees in their natural habitat, the Salvadori monitor is quite alert and other times flighty. Like most other Monitor Lizards, the Salvadori monitor prefers to evacuate the area in caution rather than confront a threat. Despite the Salvadori monitor's docile demeanor, do not mistake it as being a harmless animal, with its powerful tail the Salvadori monitor may inflict considerable damage.

DIET:

Within its natural habitat, the Salvadori monitor feeds mostly on carrion and other small reptiles; but outside of its habitat as a pet it may eat mice, rats and fowl.

REPRODUCTION:

The crocodile monitor reproduces by laying eggs.
In fair to ideal settings the Salvadori monitor's life expectancy may range between 12 - 20 years. The Salvadori monitor, is rare, but not considered endangered, unlike some members of monitor lizards.
Wild Population: Unknown.
Suggested Reading:
Auffenberg, W., 1981, The Behavioral Ecology of the Komodo Monitor, Univ. Press of Fla.
Owerkowicz, E.L., 1999, Contribution of Gular Pumping to Lung Ventilation in Monitor Lizards, Science. vol. 284(5420), 1661-1662.
http://reptileexotics.com/salvadori.html