Savannah monitor
The savannah monitor (or Bosc's monitor) is a medium-sized monitor lizard from Africa. Its scientific name is Varanus exanthematicus.
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Its range extends throughout sub-Saharan Africa, from Senegal east to Sudan and south almost to the Congo River and Great Rift Valley.[1] It is a ground-dwelling species which shelters in burrows, although it is sometimes found in bushes or low trees.[2]
Information about the diet of Savannah monitors in the wild has been recorded in Senegal [3] and Ghana.[1][4] It feeds almost exclusively on arthropods and molluscs.
Savannah Monitor Media
Varanus exanthematicus skull (cropped)
Graph showing bite force of the savannah monitor while feeding
Captive savannah monitor, wearing a reptile harness
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References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Bennett, Daniel (2004). "Chapter 5.2: Varanus exanthematicus". In Pianka, Eric R. (ed.). Varanoid Lizards of the World. Indiana University Press. pp. 95–103. ISBN 0-253-34366-6.
- ↑ Bennett, Daniel; Ravi Thakoordyal (2003). The Savannah monitor, the truth about Varanus exanthematicus. UK: Viper Press. p. 84. ISBN 0-9526632-9-5.
- ↑ Cisse, M (1972). "L'alimentaire des Varanides au Senegal". Bulletin l'Institute Fond. Afr. Noire. 34: 503–515.
- ↑ Bennett, Daniel (2000). "Preliminary data on the diet of juvenile Varanus exanthematicus in the coastal plain of Ghana". Herpetological Journal. 10: 75–76.