Salvator Water Monitor

             Salvator Water Monitor

SPECIES: Salvator Water Monitor (Varanus salvator)

STATUS: Least Concern

HABITAT: Live mainly around bodies of water in and around tropical forest, mangrove swamps and areas of thick vegetation.

GENERAL: Salvator Water Monitors average a length of around 5 ft. but lengths of up to 8 ft. are not uncommon. Being able to reach lengths of eight feet makes them the second largest lizard in the world, the Komodo Dragon being the largest. 

These monitors are excellent swimmers and when threatened will dive into the water and can stay underwater for up to 30 minutes without coming up for air.

Salvator Water Monitors are carnivorous and will eat any animal it may come across, living or dead and have been known to dig up bodies and consume them. They will also eat birds eggs, fish, frogs, lizards, crabs, insects and spiders.