Komodo Dragons and Relatives - the Monitor Lizards
Ranked #173 in Pets & Animals, #5,417 overall
Leaping Lizards! The Hall Monitor May Not Be What You Were Expecting!
My experience with the Western Pacific monitor lizard, Varanus indicus--also known as the mangrove monitor--has been over 12 years of living on the Western Pacific island of Guam, with side visits to Saipan, Tinian, Rota, Belau (Palau) (The big lizards have been frequently shown on CBS's "reality show"--"Survivor-Micronesia"), Chuuk (Truk), and Pohnapei. I've seen the 12-inch long juveniles near our home, and have encountered the "big ones" in the mangrove swamps and tropical forests of Guam, Palau, and Saipan (and most recently, in the rice paddies and boonies of the Philippines). When you are face to face with a large lizard that doesn't want to back down and go away, it's a whole 'nuther feeling you get in your tummy.
WXMFSBKJBQRW
Also, after working with these critters for a bunch of years, I went and watched the movie Jurassic Park--it was like watching a "reality show"!
“When facing a huge lizard not wanting to go away, it's a whole 'nuther feeling you experience.”
Okay, So You're a SCUBA Diver. And Now You're Stranded on a Remote Island...
So... Do you want to sleep on the beach? Well, I guess it depends... on WHERE that beach is!
Well.... I think being carried away by a strong current while SCUBA diving would be scary enough. The thought of spending a few days on a remote island in the middle of nowhere would also be somewhat daunting. But finding the island inhabited by very large, very hungry, and very curious lizards--namely Komodo Dragons--would really make for an interesting evening.
Small Monitor, Varanus indicus, about 23" long, on the Western Pacific Island of Guam
Monitor Lizard Versus Crocodile and Birds...
But still gets a breakfast of eggs!
Looks like this monitor is an Australian "goanna" and the croc is an Australian Saltwater or Estuarine Crocodile--also called 'Saltie' or "Indo-Pacific Crocodile"...Crocodylus porosus (SCHNEIDER, 1801).
The battle between the Monitors and the Crocodiles got into the news again recently. Unfortunately, the Croc won. And the Croc had help--a 7-year old kid scooted through the security fence at an Australian Zoo and Reptile Park and not only bashed and killed other lizards with rocks, but also killed the Monitor Lizard (called a "goanna" in Australia). The kid then tossed the dead monitor lizard into the Croc pen... and the Croc had the monitor for dinner. It took a while for the zoo to round up the kid--and they can't get the kid sent to jail because the kid is under age. But the zoo plans on suing the kid's folks.
Monitor Your Stuff!
Monitor Lizard Tote Bag
Tote Bag
Price:
'
Monitor Lizard Rectangle Magnet
Rectangle Magnet
Price:
'
Monitor Lizard Postcards (Package of 8)
Postcards (Package of 8)
Price:
'
Monitor Lizard Mug
Mug
Price:
'
Komodo Dragons -- Biggest of the Monitors -- What they do best: EAT and FIGHT!
And... some of their other relatives---also eating... hey, eating is fascinating, right?
If You Are Going to Have a Komodo In Your House...
(Other than the commode in the bathroom!) Here's the way to do it!
A Different Kind of Lizard
These critters aren't like the iguanas and other lizards...They are "Old World Lizards"
Although lizards in general have received the greatest attention among reptiles with regard to population dynamics, most of these studies have been limited to specific life-history aspects of a few species within the families Iguanidae and Agamidae. These studies have dealt with mostly temperate environments; quantitative studies in the tropics have not been undertaken. Varanids are tropical and subtropical old-world lizards. And because they attain large sizes, are difficult to maintain in controlled experimental environments, and tend to have low population densities in the wild, the monitors have not been the subject of extensive ecological studies. 
When Hiking in the Boonies, Be Careful When Going Under Trees! Mangrove Monitor, Limestone Forest, Guam
Good Reading on Lizards! The Big Kind!
Big Lizard Stuff for the Lizard Lovers!
Carnivore, Omnivore... hey, when it's got a hold of your foot, does it matter?
The Pacific monitor lizard Varanus indicus (Daudin) or mangrove monitor lizard has a major predatory role in Micronesian forests (Western Pacific Ocean Islands)--it feeds on reptile and bird eggs, land snails, rodents, insects, crabs, small lizards, and carrion. Evidence in the research library of the University of Guam Marine Laboratory also indicates that the monitors also feed on fish--fish specimens preserved in the research library had been regurgitated by a cornered monitor in Palau. However, little ecological work with this animal has been done. Existing studies of Varanus indicus involve aspects of the monitor's feeding habits and food preferences and the lizard's utility as a rat control agent. But since rats are generally nocturnal (active at night) and since the monitors are active during the day, this application for "biological control" is a bit "misguided". Dragon Wear ... or Dragon Decoration - (Just not for your Kimono!)
And their bigger relatives, the Komodos, don't need a male to have fertile eggs!
If just one escaped into the boonies near your house... sounds sort of like a movie about *big* lizards...
Varanids (and other families of lizards) have been assumed to have life-history and population characteristics similar to those of the Iguanids and Agamids. However, Dr. Walter Auffenberg, an expert in reptiles and particularly the Komodo Dragons, showed in comprehensive studies that the social and feeding behaviors of Varanus komodoensis (Ouwens) differ significantly from those of Iguanids and Agamids. There is only one genus, Varanus, in the Varanid family, and thus there are many physiological and behavioral similarities between all members of the family Varanidae. Dr. Auffenberg recently passed away a few years ago. I had corresponded with Dr. Auffenberg when I was working on my MS in Biology and studying these animals. He'll be greatly missed. Can't Get Enough Video Clips of These Critters? Check These Out!
You are Goanna Have to Click on the Pics Below to Get the Vids!
More Lizard Info
Like Lizard Literature? Like Looking at Lizards? Lurking with Lizards? Look at these Lizard Links!
- The Australian Goannas - The Outback Link
- This webpage has some nice pictures of the Australian goannas. Australia has about 25 different monitor lizard species (all called "goannas" by the Aussies) that range from less than a foot long to those more than a length of two meters (over 7 feet). You can read more about them here.
- Honolulu Zoo Komodo Dragons
- Wow! Lizards in the Tropics... Lizards in Paradise. Unlike Geckos, these fellows don't walk up your walls and across the ceiling. Nope. They just knock the door down and have you for dinner. Just kidding. They'd probably knock first.
- Komodo Dragon Central
- Ya wanna know about da *big lizards*?--this is the place!
All sorts of goodies and interesting websites. - Little Monitor Lizard Book
- This is a very informative site about monitor lizards--many pictures and attributed references!
- America's Venomous Lizards--Gila Monsters and Mexican Beaded Lizards
- This Squidoo provides information about some of the largest and yet rarely seen lizards of the Southwest American Deserts. The Gila Monsters and Mexican Beaded Lizards are noted for being venomous lizards--their bites are extremely painful and can be deadly!
- Wild-Herps.Com--The Aussie Varanus giganteus Goanna
- This is a great website that has some cool pictures of Australia's largest monitor lizard--a "goanna" called the "Perentie" -- these monitors can reach more than a length of 2 meters (about 7 feet).
- Komodo Dragons of Indonesia
- This awesome Squidoo lens describes a personal visit to the Indonesian islands that are home to the Komodo Dragons. Cool pictures and stories! Check it out!
- The Mighty Komodo Dragon at its Smallest!
- Baby Komodo dragon--recently hatched at the Singapore Zoo--Pictures of the world's biggest lizard when it's the smallest. Cool pics!
Monitor Lizards--a throwback to the dinosaur days....
On Guam, I've encountered monitor lizards in mangrove swamps as well as deep within the limestone forests. Every time it has been an exciting experience--even if a bit disconcerting. If you surprise one, it usually hisses and makes a more threatening posture (yes, they make noise--a very scary noise if you are face to face with one) to try to scare you off (and they usually are good at that--especially the big ones! If the hissing and defensive posture do not scare you off, the monitor will try to scramble noisily through the underbrush.If in a dense tangle of roots in a mangrove swamp or in the thick underbrush of a limestone forest, the monitor lizards can easily evade capture through the tightest maze and quickly avoid any further encounter.
If cornered, however, they can become quite formidable. Their saliva contains a nasty mix of decaying tissue and bacteria (and now scientists have discovered that they may also have venom glands that produce an addition to the toxic brew in their mouth). When a monitor bites any prey, the prey succumbs eventually to the toxic saliva--anaphylactic shock sets in--and then its wound puts off a stench from its decay such that the lizards will be able to find their kill, dead or still alive (but barely).
Obviously, you do not want to be bitten by a monitor--in particular the Komodo Dragons--but any monitor can cause some serious damage. Their teeth are sharp and serated... used for ripping flesh. They can take a critical chunk of flesh when they bite.
So it's best to avoid being bitten. Although they may seem slow, they can speed to 30 miles per hour in short spurts. They can also lunge with their long necks. So, if you have one in your close proximity, take care around them. They can be relatively docile indoors, but if they get outdoors in the sunlight, they can become irritable and more aggressive.
Large Mangrove Monitor on Papaya Tree, Limestone Forest, Mangilao, Guam
More Monitor Lizard Links That You Can Monitor!
- Crocodile Monitors? Bigger than Komodo Dragons?
- Can there be a monitor lizard larger than the Komodo Dragon? This website seems to support that idea--with the "Crocodile Monitors" of the swamps of Papua New Guinea.
- List of Australian Monitor Lizards
- This website provides a long list of the Australian monitor lizards. It shows the range/territory of each of the lizards listed and also provides great pictures of the lizards.
- More Images by Dave on Goodies!
- Not only can you find Lizard Pictures here, but other images on Goodies from CafePress!
- Ya Wanna See a Live One? How About Vegas? Las Vegas, NV.
- It's interesting that you can see a live one while visiting Las Vegas -- This website points you to the one at the Casino/Hotel Mandalay Bay.
- Mr. Komodo goes to Washington. Actually, it's MRS. Komodo!
- The National Zoo in Washington D.C. has a Komodo Dragon facility ... and you can see a most recent group of baby Komodo dragons here.
- Canadian Dragons - Komodo Dragons... Yup. They're Alive...
- You can also see Komodo Dragons at the Toronto Zoo. Totally Cool (in more ways than one)!
- National Public Radio--Sounds of the Wild
- This NPR website has a photo of an Australian goanna (monitor lizard) and a recording of the sound these things make when they are threatened or are about to have you over for dinner!
- Park Ranger Mauled by Komodo Dragon in Indonesia
- On February 25, 2009, a park ranger in Indonesia was mauled by a Komodo Dragon. You can read more about it here.
- Komodo National Park - Official Website
- This is the website for Komodo National Park in Indonesia. Lots of info on the Komodo Dragons here!
- Photo of Monitor Lizard (Varanus indicus) Attacking and Eating a Snake (Boiga irregularis)
- This photo shows a Micronesian mangrove monitor (Varanus indicus) attacking and eating a brown tree snake (Boiga irregularis). Battle of the reptiles!
Living Dragons!
Funky Big Lizard and Creepy Crawly Movies---Vote For Your Favorite!
Some are better than others. Sometimes even the old Godzilla Movies might make these look cheesy!
Did you know? If you can't find what you're looking for here, just click on one of the items below and then, once their webpage displays, enter some keywords in the search-box that further define the item. Chances are good that the special thing you've always wanted will appear on the screen (or perhaps a good selection of things that come close!).
Curse Of the Komodo
This flick is a fun romp... unfortunately, it has more...0 points
Komodo vs. Cobra
This one is preposterous. Funky acting and funky f more...0 points
Komodos Can Kill With One Bite--Just the Bacterial Mess In Their Mouth Will Kill Ya!
And, maybe, just maybe, there might be some venom involved...
Monitor Your Goodies Here!
Mangrove Monitor on Beach Strand, Tumon, Guam
Parting Shots--Making Jurassic Park Jealous.... Some Cool Videos of Monitor Lizards!
Komodo dragon
Uploaded by HarrieMotion
Monitor Lizard
Uploaded by hwdilg
Well, You Won't Want to Hug a Real One, But if You Insist on Hugging a Komodo...
No, I didn't say, "Hug a commode"... that's something different! --aaargh!--
No... if you want to hug a Komodo Dragon or one of its cousins, then you need one of the following critters... they are more hugable--and they won't bite you if you squeeze 'em a bit hard! Be sure to remember, however--just because you can hug the plushies does not mean that you'd EVER want to hug a real one of these lizards. Like I mentioned above, the bites of these lizards can be dangerous and cause a fatal infection. If these are for kids, be sure to let them know not to pick up real lizards (particularly if you live in any areas in which Komodo Dragons or their cousins live or where Gila Monsters live).
Komodo Dragon (Incredible Creatures)
Safari Ltd. has used only the best artists to crea more...2 points
Plush Komodo Dragon
This unusual plush animal features scale-patterned more...1 point
KOMODO DRAGON by Safari, Ltd.
The Wild Safari hand-painted, authentic, and affor more...1 point
Komodo Dragon Cuddlekins (Large)
This 12-inch komodo dragon is made from very soft more...1 point
Ty Beanie Babies Bali the Komodo Dragon
Ty Beanie Babies Bali the Komodo Dragon1 point
Business End of a Mangrove Monitor, Beach Strand, Tumon, Guam
Want Lizards on Your Shirt? On Your Mug? Here's the Place to Get Them!
The Search for the Philippine "Bayawak" or "Waran"
I spent the last three weeks of 2008 in the Philippine Islands--always hoping to see a Philippine "Bayawak"
.
The Closest Thing I Saw In the Philippines that Resembled a Philippine Bayawak (or "Waran")--a Carving of a Komodo Dragon at a Beachside Bar on the Island of Boracay!
Traveling along the roads and in the fields of the Philippine islands of Luzon, Panay, and Boracay, I thought I'd get many sightings of the Philippine monitor lizards known as "Bayawak" in Luzon and "Waran" in Panay and Boracay.
Unfortunately, I only got a brief glimpse of a bayawak on Luzon, in Mabalacat, Pampanga province while I was walking along the berm of a fish-farm pond next to some rice paddies. The bayawak was sunning itself on the berm and I accidentally stepped on some palm fronds that had landed on the trail. The rattling of the palm fronds startled the large lizard and it dived off the berm into the underbrush next to the rice paddies. I didn't have time to get my camera up to my eyes to get a shot of it.
A few days later, I was walking along a dirt path on Boracay island and heard rustling in the underbrush next to the path. It could have been a "waran", but it could also have been a monkey or a chicken or even a dog. I didn't want to stick my hand or head in there to find out. (This is a dangerous thing to do if one is not familiar with the wildlife in the area.)
And... a few days later, I was back on Luzon and in Dau, Mabalacat, Pampanga... a cousin and I drove up the MacArthur Highway from Dau to the town of Conception, where we were told I could get pictures of bayawak and cobra. It turns out that this place was a barbeque joint... and the only pictures I could get of a bayawak or cobra was if they were barbequed and on my plate (800 pesos a plate). Ah, no. I passed. (But I DID get a great picture of the giant cement cobra in front of the place that advertised the delicacies served within!
If Find a Large Log in the Forest, and You Notice it Staring At You.... Uh, Hope You Can Run or Climb Trees FAST!
Ah Well, Some Folks Mistakenly Call These Things "Kimono Dragons"... I Don't Have 'Em on My Kimono...
However, if you'd like these critters on other types of clothing and cool stuff... check out the following goodies!
Anyway, some folks were nice enough to let us use their pics of these monitor lizards on goodies that you can snag for your wardrobe! Nope... I don't see any kimonos in there, but ya got hoodies, T-shirts, and caps... and even undies...
I guess that's so you can MONITOR your situation, eh?
Enjoy!
(Note also... that if you don't see what you were looking for with the following images, you can enter a more specific search term in the search entry box at the Zazzle page when you get there from here. You'll be surprised at what pops up!)
When resting, Komodos like to prop their heads on rock or tree stump platforms for easy observation of their surroundings.
Komodo Dragon showing interest in something moving in the jungle.
Komodo Dragon resting on a rock platform with a view of a watering hole. Perfect location for its prey.
Want to create a Squidoo lens experience of your own? Get started here!
Just click on the icon below -- it's easy, it's fast, and best of all, it's FUN!
Squid graphic courtesy of Squidoo Squid Graphics For Your Lenses! by GreekGeek.
Don't Speak with a Forked Tongue! Just Write a Note and Say "Hi!"
-
Reply
-
BryanLSC
Feb 13, 2012 @ 11:22 am | delete
- My first book is about dinosaurs and I have loved reptiles since. And since the komodo dragon resembles dinosaurs the most, it's simply my favourite reptile! KD is such a cool animal; it's got that swagger that's just so cool... Would love to do a lens on KD myself! But this is really a great lens! Hard to beat this lens! Kudos!
-
-
Reply
-
agoofyidea
Feb 6, 2012 @ 9:35 am | delete
- Komodo Dragons are my favorite reptile so I had to read your lens when I saw it. Great pictures and video. They are remarkable creatures.
-
-
Reply
-
RezaonHaider2020
Jan 28, 2012 @ 12:51 am | delete
- Ow ow ow. Looks like I am browsing a dangerous Lens.. Ha ha. Nice Lens
-
-
Reply
-
jimmyworldstar
Jan 27, 2012 @ 6:46 pm | delete
- Komodo dragons look like oversized lizards to me. I think I read somewhere also that they're descendents of reptiles from around dinosaur times.
-
-
Reply
-
Nimsrules Jan 26, 2012 @ 12:40 pm | delete
- Komodo Dragons and Monitor Lizards = fTw
-
-
Reply
-
girlfriendfactory
Jan 26, 2012 @ 12:09 am | delete
- I've always loved these giant lizards (Komodo dragons especially). This is a terrific lens and it can be found among the other blessed lenses at Flyby Wingings They may call me an aimless wanderer, but not all who wander are aimless and I'm glad I wandered upon this! ~Ren
-
-
Reply
-
NeverTooLate2012
Jan 24, 2012 @ 1:18 pm | delete
- Good lens. Good pics, good sense of humor, just good!
-
-
Reply
-
jasmineann
Jan 24, 2012 @ 10:41 am | delete
- Really fascinating page on Komodo dragons, I enjoyed reading it.
-
-
Reply
-
ErHawkns7100
Nov 15, 2011 @ 9:17 pm | delete
- Great lens.
-
-
Reply
-
MiddleSister
Oct 15, 2011 @ 7:22 pm | delete
- Hi! Komodos are so gross with their drooly, germy, spitty mouths. EEEEEeeeeeew!
-
-
Reply
-
goo2eyes
Sep 10, 2011 @ 4:17 pm | delete
- WE CALL THEM BAYAWAK AND THEY STOLE (ATE) OUR CHICKENS.
-
-
Reply
-
whiteskyline
Sep 6, 2011 @ 12:12 am | delete
- These are another one of the lizard family that I love, so cool. I would love to see one of these, from a distance though.
-
-
Reply
-
doubleside
Jul 30, 2011 @ 12:37 am | delete
- Bayawak or Biawak also can be found in many places in Indonesia.
-
-
Reply
-
Goldenpig999
Jun 22, 2011 @ 8:27 am | delete
- Awesome lens on awesome creatures. I have always wanted a nile monitor myself.
-
-
Reply
-
meisgood132
May 5, 2011 @ 10:19 am | delete
- I love this Squidoo lens people think that dragons are just mythical creatures and fail to realise that real dragons do exist.
-
- Load More
by EditorDave
If you need documentation or editorial help, or assistance with financial services, please drop me a note.
Living on Guam is what now "defines" me. ...
more »
- 324 featured lenses
- Winner of 22 trophies!
- Top lens » Submarines! Submersibles! Undersea Boats!
- This lens »
Won purple star
Explore related pages
- Crocodiles, Caimans, Gharials, and Alligators Crocodiles, Caimans, Gharials, and Alligators
- Jurassic Park - Michael Crichton's Imagination Running Wild! Jurassic Park - Michael Crichton's Imagination Running Wild!
- Sharks - The Jaws of the Sea - Endless Eaters Sharks - The Jaws of the Sea - Endless Eaters
- Guam - Where America's Day Begins - A Tropical Paradise! Guam - Where America's Day Begins - A Tropical Paradise!
- Venomous Snakes - Rattlesnakes, Sidewinders, Cottonmouths, Copperheads Venomous Snakes - Rattlesnakes, Sidewinders, Cottonmouths, Copperheads
- Geckos - Wall-Climbing Lizards! Geckos - Wall-Climbing Lizards!
Get to Know These Dragons From Your Home - Komodo Dragons, That Is!
Komodo Dragons: Biology and Conservation (Zoo and Aquarium Biology and Conservation Series)
Amazon Price: $30.46 (as of 02/14/2012)
When I was a biology graduate student, my thesis was going to be on cousins of these creatures--the Komodo Dragons. For advice on my studies, I corresponded with Dr. Walter Auffenberg on these amazing creatures. He has contributed greatly to understanding these interesting and creepy creatures! If you want information on these lizards, get your hands on this book!
Pictures on Dragons that Really Exist!
Komodo Dragons (Predators in the Wild)
Amazon Price: $6.06 (as of 02/14/2012)
This is a rare book... and the pictures are something that will blow your mind. Closeups of nature's largest lizards!
For Young Kids Who Want to Know All They Can About the Dinosaurs That Really Exist!
Komodo Dragons (Bridgestone Books World of Reptiles)
Amazon Price: $15.68 (as of 02/14/2012)
This book has a great collection of amazing pictures of these creatures. For little ones who like getting chills once in a while, this book will do it with the pictures and story information on the living dinosaurs!
