Varanus salvadorii

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Not to be confused with
Varanus salvator
.

Varanus salvadorii

Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Family: Varanidae
Genus: Varanus
Subgenus: Papusaurus
Species:
V. salvadorii
Binomial name
Varanus salvadorii
Estimated range of V. salvadorii, indicated by green[3]
Synonyms[4]

The crocodile monitor (Varanus salvadorii), also known as the Papuan monitor or Salvadori's monitor, is a species of monitor lizard endemic to New Guinea. It is the largest monitor lizard in New Guinea and is one of the longest lizards, verified at up to 255 cm (100 in). Its tail is exceptionally long, with some specimens having been claimed to exceed the length of the Komodo dragon, however less massive.

Crocodile monitors are

prey
. Like all monitors, it has anatomical features that enable it to breathe more easily when running than other lizards, and is sometimes considered one of the most agile monitor species.

Crocodile monitors are threatened by deforestation and poaching, and are protected by CITES. Little is known of its reproduction and development, as it is difficult to breed in captivity. Attempts at captive breeding have been mostly unsuccessful. In New Guinea, the lizard is sometimes hunted and skinned by tribesmen to make drums. It is described as an evil spirit that "climbs trees, walks upright, breathes fire, and kills men", yet the local people maintain that it gives warnings if crocodiles are nearby.

Taxonomy

Varanus salvadorii was first described as Monitor salvadorii by

snout-to-vent length of 48 cm (19 in), and a 114 cm (45 in) long tail.[5] It was subordinated to the genus Varanus under the name Varanus salvadorii by George Albert Boulenger in 1885.[6]

There are no formally recognized subspecies of V. salvadorii, but the captive reptiles market distinguishes those from Sorong, Jayapura and Merauke based on the color of their snout and the overall brightness of their color pattern.[7]

Etymology

The generic name, Varanus, is derived from the

Latinization of Tommaso Salvadori,[8] an Italian ornithologist who worked in New Guinea.[2]

Evolution

The genus

Varanus originated in Asia about 40 million years ago (Mya). Around 15 Mya, a tectonic connection between Australia and Southeast Asia allowed the varanids to spread into what is now the Indonesian archipelago.[9]

Based upon DNA sequences of three nuclear and two mitochondrial genes, cladistic analysis identifies the crocodile monitor as a member of a species cluster that includes the lace monitor (V. varius) and the Komodo dragon (V. komodoensis).[10] Morphological considerations suggest that the megalania (V. priscus) was also a member of the group.[11] Monitors apparently colonized Australasia from Asia about 32 Mya; the varius clade then arose about 17 Mya.[10]

Distribution

The largest of the seven species of monitors found on the island of New Guinea, crocodile monitors occur in both the state

West Papua. It inhabits the high and low canopies of the lowland rainforests and coastal mangrove swamps, sometimes venturing out of these areas during floods in the rainy seasons. No detailed field investigation data are available for V. salvadorii, so the full extent of its range is unknown.[3][5] Its remote and generally inaccessible habitat is an obstacle to detailed study of this monitor in its natural habitat.[3][5]

Biology and morphology

Detail of bulbous snout — taken at Cologne Zoo

A characteristic feature of the crocodile monitor is its blunt, bulbous snout, which makes it look different from every other monitor on New Guinea, and suggested the common name "tree crocodile".[5] The body of the lizard is dark green with rings of yellow spots.[12] The tail is banded yellow and black and is extremely long.

Its teeth are long, straight, and sharp. Its claws are prominent and strongly curved.[13] Males reach a considerably larger size than females in both weight and length, and also tend to have a more robust head.[7]

Like many monitor species, the crocodile monitor has mammal-like

aerobic abilities; a positive pressure gular pump in the animal's throat assists lung ventilation.[3][14] Unlike most lizards that cannot breathe efficiently while running, because of Carrier's constraint, the gular pump of monitor lizards enables them to overcome the effect of one lung at a time being compressed by their running gait.[14][15] The evolutionary development of the gular pump is functionally analogous to that of the diaphragm in mammals, which ventilates the lung independently of locomotion. Even amongst monitors, the crocodile monitor is one of the most agile species, quickly running up tree trunks and leaping from branch to branch.[3][14] Investigation supports the idea that gular breathing is an evolutionary development that masks the effect of Carrier's constraint.[14]

Size

Crocodile monitors are unique among

extant varanid species in that the animal's tail is much longer than the snout-to-vent length in both juveniles and adults. The tail generally is 2–2.7 times the snout-to-vent length.[5][16][17]

Crocodile monitors upon hatching measure about 45 cm (18 in) long and they reach maturity when about 170 cm (67 in).[16] Reports of the maximal length vary greatly and are the subject of much dispute. It possibly attains the greatest length among extant species of lizards, although it is considerably less massive than the Komodo dragon.[18] Crocodile monitors have been confirmed to reach up to 255 cm (100 in) in length (record by a specimen at Museum Koenig).[16][19] Some have been claimed to be much larger, including an individual from Konedobu that reportedly was 323 cm (127 in) long, one from Kikori that reportedly was 427 cm (168 in) and an individual from Port Moresby that reportedly was 475 cm (187 in) long, but these sizes are unverified.[7][18]

Claims of crocodile monitors attaining large weights also are unverified; the species is much more slender than Komodo dragons of comparable length.

arboreal species.[7] Ten specimens were found to weigh only 5 to 6.38 kg (11.0 to 14.1 lb) at a length of 1.16 to 2.25 m (3 ft 10 in to 7 ft 5 in),[23] and a review of healthy adults in captivity found that a typical weight was up to 6 kg (13 lb).[7] The average size of crocodile monitors caught in one study was 99.2 cm (39.1 in) with a weight of 2.02 kg (4.5 lb), but these must have been young specimens.[24]

Behavior

Oklahoma City Zoo

The crocodile monitor is a highly

prehensile grip. The primary function of the tail, however, is as a counterbalance when leaping from branch to branch.[3] As in some other Varanus species, the tail also may be used for defense, as captive specimens may attempt to lash keepers with their tails.[25] This species occasionally is seen in the pet trade, but has a reputation for aggression and unpredictability.[5] Although they are known to rest and bask in trees, they sleep on the ground or submerged in water.[3]

These monitors rise up on their hind legs to check their surroundings, behaviour that also has been documented in Gould's monitors (V. gouldii).[6] They are known to exhibit a warning posture, in which they carry their tails rolled up behind them. According to native belief, they give a warning call if they see crocodiles.[6] In general crocodile monitors avoid human contact, but their bite is capable of causing infection, like the Komodo dragon's.[6] One fatality was reported from a bite in 1983 when a Papuan woman was bitten and later died from an infection.[5]

Diet

The teeth of crocodile monitors do not resemble those of other monitor species, which typically are blunt, peglike, and face slightly rearward.

eggs, small mammals (such as rats and bandicoots), frogs, reptiles, and carrion.[13][26][27] Natives have reported that it can take down pigs, deer, and hunting dogs, and hauls its prey into the canopy to consume it.[3] Captive specimens have been known to eat fish, frogs, rodents, chickens, and dog food.[5][28]

This species has been observed hunting prey in a unique fashion for monitor lizards.[3] Rather than following its prey to ambush it from behind, the crocodile monitor may stalk its prey and anticipate where it will run, meeting it headlong.[3]

Reproduction

Reproduction of crocodile monitors has only been observed in captivity, so nothing is known about its reproduction in the wild. The egg clutches, comprising four to 12 eggs, are deposited around October to January, with the eggs showing a remarkable difference in dimensions, a phenomenon for which no explanation is known. Dimensions may vary from 7.5 cm × 3.4 cm to 10 cm × 4.5 cm (3.0 in × 1.3 in to 3.9 in × 1.8 in), while weight may vary from 43.3 to 60.8 g (1.53 to 2.14 oz). Most clutches laid in captivity have been infertile, and only four successful breedings have been documented thus far. Hatchlings are about 18 in (46 cm) long and weigh around 56 g (2.0 oz). Like those of many other monitors, hatchling crocodile monitors are more colourful than adults, and feed primarily on insects and small reptiles.[3][29]

Conservation

Varanus salvadorii is currently protected under the

Endangered Species Act.[31] It faces threats from deforestation and poaching, as it is hunted and skinned by native peoples, who consider the monitor an evil spirit that "climbs trees, walks upright, breathes fire, and kills men", to make drums .[5][13] In 2008, 52 individuals were maintained at 17 zoological parks in the United States, with an unknown number in private collections.[12]

References

  1. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-1.RLTS.T42485775A42485784.en
    . Retrieved 19 November 2021.
  2. ^
    ISBN 978-0-916984-35-9
    .
  3. ^
    ISBN 978-0-253-34366-6
    .
  4. ^ Varanus salvadorii at the Reptarium.cz Reptile Database
  5. ^ a b c d e f g h i Bayless, Mark K. (June 1, 1998). "The Artellia: Dragons of the Trees". Reptiles. 6 (6): 32–47.
  6. ^
    ISBN 978-0-7603-2579-7
    .
  7. ^
    EAZA
    Reptile Taxon Advisory Group
  8. ISBN 978-1-4214-0135-5
    . (Varanus salvadorii, p. 232).
  9. doi:10.1038/scientificamerican0399-84
    . Retrieved 2006-12-21.
  10. ^
    PMID 22809723
    .
  11. S2CID 84301257
    .
  12. ^ a b "New Guinea Crocodile Monitor". Central Florida Zoo and Botanial Gardens. Archived from the original on May 28, 2008. Retrieved 2008-08-21.
  13. ^ a b c "Crocodile Monitor". Leeward Community College's Zoology 101. Honolulu Zoo. Archived from the original on 2008-10-04. Retrieved 2008-08-21.
  14. ^
    PMID 10356394
    .
  15. ^ Brainerd, E. (1999). "Research by UMass Amherst Biologist Suggests that Lizards Offer Evolutionary Freeze-Frame". UMass Amherst. Archived from the original on 30 June 2009. Retrieved 19 December 2008.
  16. ^
    IUCN
    SSC Monitor Lizard Specialist Group.
  17. ISBN 978-0-86622-634-9
    .
  18. ^
    ISBN 978-0-85112-235-9
    .
  19. ^ Böhme, W.; Ziegler, T. (1997). "Großwarane im Museum Koenig, mit Bemerkungen zu Afrikas größter Echse". Tier und Museum. 5 (3): 65–74.
  20. ^ "ANIMAL BYTES - Crocodile Monitor". Seaworld.org. Archived from the original on 2007-12-14. Retrieved 2013-04-22.
  21. ^ Pianka, E., D. King, R. King. 2004. Varanoid Lizards of the World. Bloomington, IN: Indiana University Press.
  22. JSTOR 1936898
    .
  23. ^ "Varanus salvadorii". Memim Encyclopedia. Retrieved 2015-06-09.
  24. ^ Iyai, D.A., Murwanto, A.G. & Killian, A.M. (2011) Hunting and Ethnozoology Systems of Monitor Lizards (Fam. Varanidae) Utilized by Yaur Tribe at National Park of Cenderawasih Gulf. Biota Vol. 16 (2): 278−286.
  25. ^ Stafford, Grey. "Aloha to three crocodile monitors". Wildlife World Zoo. Archived from the original on July 1, 2009. Retrieved 2008-08-21.
  26. ^ "Varanus salvadorii (Crocodile Monitor)". Animal Diversity Web.
  27. ^ "Varanus Salvadorii".
  28. ISBN 978-0-7876-5362-0
    .
  29. ISBN 978-90-6193-094-5
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  30. ^ "Appendices I, II and III". Retrieved 2008-11-08.
  31. ^ "Crocodile Monitor". Archived from the original on 2007-12-14. Retrieved 2008-12-07.
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