Posted on June 23, 2010 - by admin
Pebble Dragon
DISPLAYS THE IMAGE URL SPECIFIED IN THE CUSTOM FIELD
Tympanocryptis cephalus or Pebble Dragon
This truly earless pebble dragon has large pale blotches across the top and side of its tail. It feeds on small insects and while normally active during daylight hours, it has been known to be active on warm nights. The males of this species tend to be slightly smaller than the females, but they have longer hind legs. (more…)
Posted on June 24, 2010 - by admin
Thick-tailed Gecko
DISPLAYS THE IMAGE URL SPECIFIED IN THE CUSTOM FIELD
Underwoodisaurus milii or Thick tailed Gecko
The thick tailed gecko inhabits many environments including wet and dry sclerophyll forest, open grasslands, scrubland and even desert, particularly those areas associated with rock outcrops. It is found in south-east Queensland, and extends down over much of southern Australia except the far southeast and southwest. It is often found in backyards, sheltering under logs and rocks. Its scientific name (Underwoodisaurus) isn’t referring to where this gecko likes to shelter. Rather, it is named after a Mr Underwood, with Underwoodisaurus meaning ‘Underwood’s lizard’. (more…)
Posted on June 25, 2010 - by admin
Ridge-tailed Monitor
DISPLAYS THE IMAGE URL SPECIFIED IN THE CUSTOM FIELD
Varanus acanthurus or Ridge tailed Monitor
The Ridge tailed monitor is one of Australia’s smaller Monitor species, growing to only 78 cm long, most of which is tail. They are found in the desert areas in Queensland, the Northern Territory, and Western Australia. Their diet includes grasshoppers, cockroaches and beetles. The scales on the tail of the Ridge Tailed monitor are raised and pointed, hence its common name. This helps the monitor anchor itself in the rock crevices it calls home. This anchoring makes it impossible for hungry predators to extract and eat the lizards. (more…)
Posted on June 26, 2010 - by admin
Perentie Monitor
DISPLAYS THE IMAGE URL SPECIFIED IN THE CUSTOM FIELD
Varanus giganteus or Perentie Monitor
The Perentie Monitor is Australia’s largest, and indeed our largest lizard. Its scientific name, ‘Varanus giganteus’ literally means ‘giant monitor’. As they get to a length of 2.5 metres and a weight of 15 kilograms, it’s easy to see why this name is well deserved. At this size, Perentie monitor lizards are able to prey on animals such as rabbits, and even small kangaroos. Their powerful claws make them a formidable predator. Their strong, whip-like tail can also be used as a weapon. As an aggressive display, a Perentie monitor will distend its neck pouch and make a loud hissing noise. (more…)
Posted on June 27, 2010 - by admin
Mangrove Monitor
DISPLAYS THE IMAGE URL SPECIFIED IN THE CUSTOM FIELD
Varanus indicus or Mangrove Monitor
Did you know…
- The mangrove monitor is one of Australia’s most beautiful goanna species.
- Mangrove monitor live along the coast of northern Australia.
- Mangrove monitor lizards are also found in Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea and the western Pacific islands.
- Mangrove monitor eat fish, crabs, insects, birds, mammals and other reptiles. They will also dig up and eat turtle eggs.
- Female mangrove monitor lizards will lay their eggs in a burrow in soil, or in the rotting centre of a fallen tree. (more…)
Posted on June 28, 2010 - by admin
Mertens’ Water Monitor
DISPLAYS THE IMAGE URL SPECIFIED IN THE CUSTOM FIELD
Varanus mertensi or Mertens Water Monitor
Mertens Water Monitor is an aquatic lizard. The word goanna is often used for these and other Australian species of lizard with a forked tongue. The word Goanna originates from South America. These monitors love to bask on rocks,
logs, and branches that are overhanging the water. If the animal becomes alarmed, the water is a close and safe haven for the animal to retreat to. Their tail is flat like a paddle, which is used for swimming, and sometimes herding fish into areas that make catching easy. Mertens Water Monitor can remain submerged for up to 30 minutes. (more…)
Posted on June 29, 2010 - by admin
Spotted Tree Monitor
DISPLAYS THE IMAGE URL SPECIFIED IN THE CUSTOM FIELD
Varanus scalaris or Spotted Tree Monitor
- This specie is found in northern Australian tropics.
Posted on June 30, 2010 - by admin
Spencer’s Monitor
DISPLAYS THE IMAGE URL SPECIFIED IN THE CUSTOM FIELD
Varanus spenceri or Spencers Monitor
When well fed, spencers monitor can become quite bulky. But when times are lean, Spencers Monitors can tolerate quite severe emaciation. Adults of this species eat lizards, snakes, large insects, and small mammals. Juveniles will eat smaller insects, such as grasshoppers, and small reptiles like geckoes and skinks. Living in the drought-prone Black Soil Plains of arid Australia, these animals have had to become accustomed to a Feast-or-Famine lifestyle – gorging when food is plentiful during a rainy spell, then surviving on their stored fat supplies when the going gets tough. (more…)
