Water Monitor Lizard (Varanus salvator)

Water Monitor Lizard (Varanus salvator)

About Water Monitor Lizard (Varanus salvator)

Kingdom: Animals
Phylum: Chordates
Class: Reptiles
Order: Lizards and Snakes
Family: Monitor

Varanus salvator is semi-aquatic and has a wide range of habitats. They are frequently seen on river banks and in swamps. The Water Monitor is a water-dependent species and has been known to cross large stretches of water, explaining its wide distribution.(Taylor, 1966).

Though also found on flat land, a typical burrow is in a river bank. The entrance starts on a downward slope but then increases forming a shallow pool of water. The average length is about 9.5 m, the average depth is about 2 m, and the average temperature is around 26 degrees Celsius (Traeholt, 1995).

Terrestrial Biomes: forest

Aquatic Biomes: rivers and streams

The Regents of the University of Michigan and its licensors

Lifelists

Trips

Visits

2013-02-02

Pak Thale, Thailand
2013-02-10

Khao Yai National Park, Thailand
2016-02-22

Singapore Botanic Gardens, Singapore
2023-03-15

Pulau Ubin, Singapore
2023-03-23

Kinabatangan River, Malaysia
2023-03-24

Kinabatangan River, Malaysia
2024-09-04

Pasir Ris Park, Singapore
2025-08-09

Putrajaya Wetland Park, Malaysia
2025-08-26

Ipoh, Malaysia
2025-09-02

Taman Tasik Taiping, Malaysia