Fun Facts!

When male Dumeril’s monitors challenge each other, they stand on their hind legs and use their front legs to battle their opponent, trying to push them over.
Baby Dumeril's monitors are bright orange in color - their less conspicuous coloration and pattern develops as they grow into adulthood.

Dumeril’s Monitor

Varanus dumerilii

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION

This member of the lizard family is generally mottled tan, gray or olive in color, and is usually about three to four feet long, but some have been known to reach six feet in length.

HABITAT

They are found in the mangrove swamps of Southeast Asia.

DIET IN THE WILD

While they prefer crabs, they will also dine on insects, snails, frogs, fish, shellfish and smaller rodents.

BEHAVIOR

Dumeril's monitors are slow and methodical. They hunt for food and prefers to do so in mangrove swamps. If necessary, they can remain submerged for over an hour. They are good climbers, but they also like to burrow, and often will burrow to lay their eggs.

STATUS IN THE WILD / CONSERVATION EFFORTS

Protected in some areas, the Dumeril’s monitor, like many other animals, is threatened more by destruction of habitat than predators or disease. No conservation efforts are in place.

LIFE SPAN

Over 20 years in captivity.