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Water monitor

Varanus salvator

Description:

The Water monitor, (Varanus salvator) is a large species of monitor lizard capable of growing to 3.21 metres (10.5 ft) in length, with the average size of most adults at 1.5 metres (4.9 ft) long.[1] Maximum weight of Varanus salvator can be over 25 kilograms (55 lb), but most are half that size. Their body is muscular with a long, powerful, laterally compressed tail. Water monitors are one of the most common monitor lizards found throughout Asia, and range from Sri Lanka, India, Indochina, the Malay Peninsula and various islands of Indonesia, living in areas close to water. In Thailand, the word water monitor or actually local word 'เหี้ย' (hia) is used as an insulting word for bad and evil things including a bad person. Its name is also considered a word bringing a bad luck, so some people prefer to call them 'ตัวเงินตัวทอง' which means 'silver and gold' in Thai to avoid the jinx.

Habitat:

As well as swimming and diving. And preferred to stay in the water. Can adapt to different environments as well. Even in a large city. Especially at the park.

Notes:

died on the road

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AnuwatMooKramkeaw
Spotted by
AnuwatMooKramkeaw

สระบุรี, Saraburi, Thailand

Spotted on Jul 28, 2012
Submitted on Jul 28, 2012

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