The Timor Monitor or Spotted Tree Monitor (Varanus timorensis) is a species of small monitor lizard native to Indonesia, New Guinea and Australia.

Description

The Timor Monitor is generally a dark green or almost black in color, with bright gold-yellow spotting all along its back and a lighter straw-yellow coloring on its underside. They have a pointed nose, excellent eyesight, sharp teeth, and a long tail. They also have long, sharp claws well suited for climbing. The species grows to a length of 20-28 inches (50-70 cm).

Behavior

Timor monitors are arboreal, diurnal lizards. Their diet consists of a variety of things, including: insects, scorpions, small rodents, and other reptiles, such as geckos and small snakes. Breeding takes place from December to March, and clutches of up to 11 eggs are laid and incubate for three to four months, depending on the average temperature. Hatchlings are approximiately 2 inches (5 cm) long, but grow quickly.

Geographic distribution

The Timor Monitor is found in Indonesia, specifically the islands of Timor, Savu and Rote, in Samoa, in southern New Guinea, and Australia in North Territory, Queensland, West Australia.

In captivity

The Timor Monitor is frequently captive bred and available in the exotic pet trade. The species can be nervous, and difficult to handle, but its small size makes it an attracting choice for a Varanid lizard. They are easy to house in a vivarium with plenty of climbing space and they readily feed on a diet of commercially available crickets and rodents.

References

• Cogger, H. (1967). Australian Reptiles in Colour. Sydney: A. H. & A. W. Reed, ISBN 0-589-07012-6
• King, Dennis & Green, Brian. 1999. Goannas: The Biology of Varanid Lizards. University of New South Wales Press. ISBN 0-86840-456-X
• Timor Monitor, Varanus timorensis