Asian Water Monitor Skull Replica

Description

Asian water monitor skull replica information

Asian water monitor skull replica measures 5.5 inches. Asian water monitor skull is a museum-quality polyurethane resin cast. 2-part skull (separate cranium & jaw). Made in USA.

Distribution and habitat

The Asian water monitor is also called common water monitor, is a large varanid lizard native to South and Southeast Asia. It is one of the most common monitor lizards in Asia, ranging from Sri Lanka and coastal northeast India to Indochina, Malay Peninsula, and Indonesian islands where it lives close to water.

Venom

The possibility of venom of the Asian water monitor is widely debated. Previously, venom was thought to be unique to snakes and venomous lizards.

The after-effects of a the Asian water monitor’s bite were thought to be due to oral bacteria alone, but recent studies have shown venom glands are likely to be present in the mouths of several, if not all, of the species.

Diet

The Asian water monitor is carnivorous and consumes a wide range of prey.

• Fish & frogs
• Rodents & insects
• Birds & their eggs
• Mollouscs & turtles
• Lizards & snakes
• Young crocodiles & crocodile eggs
• Monkeys & small deer

Behavior and ecology

Asian water monitors are semiaquatic and opportunistic; they inhabit a variety of natural habitats though predominantly this species resides in primary forests and mangrove swamps.

Asian water monitors defend themselves using their tails, claws, and jaws. They are excellent swimmers, using the raised fin on their tails to steer through water.

Scientific classification:

• • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Chordata
  • Class: Reptilia
  • Order: Squamata
  • Suborder: Anguimorpha
  • Family: Varanidae
  • Genus: Varanus
  • Subgenus: Soterosaurus
  • Species: V. salvator
  • Binomial name: Varanus salvator (Laurenti, 1768)
  • Conservation status: Least concern (IUCN 3.1)

Complete your exhibit with our high-quality komodo dragon female skeleton, komodo dragon male skull, and the komodo dragon female skull specimens. Shop for more museum-quality replicas in our reptile replica store.