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Bengal Monitor

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Bengal Monitor

Class

Reptilia

Order

Squamata

Suborder

Lacertilia

Family

Varanidae

Scientific Name

Varanus bengalensis

Name in English

Bengal monitor

Local Names

  

Introduction

Similar to the water monitor, the Bengal monitor is also referred to as the common Indian monitor. It is one of the monitor lizards found in the Udawalawe National Park.

Physical Attributes

The colour of these creatures vary from brown to grey and they grow up to 7 kilograms in weight. The females are lesser in size than the males and the average length of a Bengal monitor is two to four feet.

Habitat and Environment

Forests as well as other habitats such as deserts are known to possess the Bengal monitor. The Udawalawe National Park provides easy access to witness these creatures in the wild. Tropical forests, scrublands, and grasslands of Udawalawe are frequented by this monitor lizard.

Lifespan and Reproduction

Female Bengal monitors lay eggs and the number of offspring could be even more than 20. The pregnancy or gestation period can vary from four to eight months.

Behaviour and Feeding

It is classified as a semi-aquatic reptile and it feeds on almost all small creatures such as birds, fish, lizards, and snakes.

Cultural and Conservation Status

The International Union for Conservation of Nature lists the water monitor as “least concern” and this creature is easily recognised throughout Sri Lanka.

References

  http://www.redorbit.com/education/reference_library/animal_kingdom/reptilia/2577972/bengal_monitor/

  http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/164579/0

  http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/accounts/Varanus_bengalensis/