Keeping my distance from this cutie in Sri Lanka

Varanus bengalensis, Bengal monitor, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bengal_monitor

Pretty sure I got the ID right, but it could also be Varanus salvator, if anyone knows a way to distinguish them better.

comments (3)

Ferdy Christant

Lion

Here's a decent article:
https://wildlifesos.org/rescue/meet-the-monitor-lizards-of-india/

Useful image:
https://wildlifesos.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Monitor-Lizard-CreativeFINAL_kvodcm.jpg

Looks like size/weight and habitat are the main differences. Posted one year ago
1. jerclarke
  
  Giant Tortoise
  
  Thanks Ferdy! I think I got it right. You've seen them too, right? I'm jealous of all the great captures you got when you were in Sri Lanka :) Posted one year ago
2. 1. Ferdy Christant
    
    Lion
    
    Had to look it up because it was a long time ago :)
    
    https://www.jungledragon.com/specie/3207/photos
    Some of the above photos are indeed by myself. Thanks for the kind words. Posted one year ago

The Bengal monitor (Indian monitor)

The Bengal monitor or common Indian monitor, is a monitor lizard found widely distributed over South Asia. This large lizard is mainly terrestrial, and grows to about 175 cm from the tip of the snout to the end of the tail. Young monitors may be more arboreal, but adults mainly hunt on the ground, preying mainly on arthropods, but also taking small terrestrial vertebrates, ground birds, eggs and fish.

Info 30 0

Similar species: Snakes And Lizards

Species identified by jerclarke