The fifth limb

Did you know the Emerald Tree Monitor is one of the few Varanus species to actually use its tail as an extra limb? I thought it kind of obvious, but there I was wrong.
For the Varanus it is a nice treat after some 60 million years of evolutionary promotion. Btw. the tail is 2/3 of its total length. It uses its tail 100% in trees, prefering mangroves, rain forests, or even palm or cacao plantations.

comments (7)

Joost Thissen

Lion

Nice picture and beautiful animal, therefore promoted!
I also didn't know that using the tail was not very common. Posted 12 years ago
1. Ludo Sak
  
  Lion
  
  Thanks Joost for the promotion! Yes, we live and learn, a beautiful thing too, isn't it? Posted 12 years ago

Ludo Sak

Lion

Thanks EAmer, for your vote! Appreciated at this late hour of 'day':) Posted 12 years ago

karin65207

Musk Oxen

what a wonderful picture. is this animal living in your house or did you find it outdoors? Posted 12 years ago
1. Ludo Sak
  
  Lion
  
  Hi Karin, thanks for the compliment! I shot this picture in a small reptilian zoo in Tilburg, so neither of both;) Posted 12 years ago

abhitap

Lion

beautiful.. Posted 10 years ago
1. Ludo Sak
  
  Lion
  
  And so mysterious to behold. What would be on its mind? Posted 10 years ago

The Emerald Tree Monitor

The Emerald Tree monitor, or the Green Tree monitor, is a small-to-medium-sized arboreal monitor lizard. It is known for its unusual coloration, which consists of shades from green to turquoise, topped with dark, transverse dorsal banding. This coloration helps camouflage it in its arboreal habitat.

Info 6 1

Similar species: Snakes And Lizards

Species identified by Ludo Sak