Water Monitor | 台北市立動物園資訊網

Thewatermonitor'srangeislimitedtotheeasternhalfofsouthernAfrica...beenrecordedeatingeverythingfromfrogs,crabs,invertebratesandlizards,tosmall ...

The water monitor is one of the most striking members of the Reptile family and is second in size only to the Nile crocodile. Including the tail, large adults can reach lengths of up to nearly 2.5 meters. Its body is adorned with beautiful yellow patterning, aiding it to be well camouflaged in its preferred habitat close to bodies of water and reed beds. Although usually found close to water, these monitors are not water dependent and will actively forage for food on land, travelling large distances from water if need be. They are also capable of climbing trees but are usually found basking on riverbanks. The streamlined shape of the body is perfect for a semi-aquatic lifestyle and it uses its long, strong tail to propel itself through the water with consummate ease. The water monitors range is limited to the eastern half of southern Africa (including South Africa, Mozambique and Zimbabwe), and the eastern extrem...