Asian Water Monitor - Varanus salvator

The Asian Water Monitor - Varanus salvator - is a large lizard which is native to South and Southeast Asia. They have various other names such as Rice Lizard, Ring Lizard, Plain Lizard, Malayan Water Monitor, etc. In Thailand, the local word for the Water Monitor is 'hia' which is also used as an insulting word for bad and evil things so some prefer to call them 'silver and gold'. Adults can grow up to 2 mtrs (6ft 7in) but this one was more like 75cm (30in) long. They will eat fish, crabs, frogs, birds, rodents, cats and even small dogs but are only preyed upon by saltwater crocodiles. They will attack humans if they feel threatened and they can inflict serious injury. I saw this one climbing a tree just outside our hotel in Khao Lak, Thailand. I did get full body shots but found this portrait more interesting.

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