Salvator Water Monitors

Salvator Water Monitors (Varanus salvator) is one of the largest lizards in the world and belongs to the Varanidae family. This family group is made up of about 50 different lizard species, including the iconic Komodo dragon. Water monitors are reptiles that date back millions of years ago.

They have an extremely muscular build with strong, powerful tails. Water monitors are often recognized because of their dark brown or blackish coloration and have yellow spots on their undersides, though sometimes these spots disappear gradually with age. Asian water monitors have very long necks and an elongated snout. They use their powerful jaws, serrated teeth, and sharp claws not only to eat but also to defend themselves against predators.

They are semi-aquatic animals so they spend much of their day around the water. Asian water monitors can live in both fresh and saltwater but they are also very speedy and agile and have been known to climb trees easily.