Bengal Monitor

Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Animalia
Phylum:
Chordata
Class:
Reptilia
Order:
Squamata
Family:
Varanidae
Genus:
Varanus
Species:
V. bengalensis
Binomial name
Varanus bengalensis(Daudin, 1802)

Bengal monitor (Varanus bengalensis), also known as the Common Indian Monitor, is a monitor lizard found throughout Bangladesh and India. It measures up to 75 cm in body length with the tail about 100 cm in length. It feeds on small terrestrial vertebrates, ground birds and their eggs, arthropods and fish.
Although not uncommon, Monitor lizards are killed for their meat and skins and are threatened in many places by hunting.
The lizard is known as Guishaap or Goshaap in West Bengal and Bangladesh, and as ghorpad in Maharashtra . The lizards have strong claws and in some parts of India this has led to the myth that they can cling strongly to surfaces. A popular legend in Maharashtra states that Shivaji's general Tanaji Malusare used a monitor with ropes attached for climbing the walls of the Sinhagad fort in the Battle of Sinhagad.[1]
Contents[hide]
1 Identification
2 Reproduction
3 Food
4 Distribution
5 Behavior
6 Notes
7 References
8 External links
//

[edit] Identification

Common Indian Monitor Varanus bengalensis in Hyderabad, India.
Key to South Asian Varanus species from Boulenger, Fauna of British India.[2]
A. Nostril an oblique slit, nearer to orbit than to end of snout; tail round or slightly compressed posteriorly - V. griseus
B. Nostril an oblique slit, tail compressed, keeled above.
a. Nostril a little nearer to end of snout than to orbit - V. flavescens
b. Nostril nearer to orbit than to end of snout
a' Ventral scales smooth; supraoculars equal; nostril much nearer to orbit than to end of snout - V. bengalensis
b' Ventral scales smooth; median supraoculars slightly enlarged transversely; nostril only a little nearer to orbit than to end of snout - V. nebulosus
C. Nostril roundish or oval, nearer to end of snout than to orbit; tail compressed, keeled above - V. salvator
The Bengal monitor Varanus bengalensis can be distinguished from the Clouded monitor Varanus bengalensis nebulosus by larger scales above the eyes and fewer scales around the body.[3]
There is considerable variation in colouration with adults being black, grey or brown with lighter patterns on the back. Hatchlings are brighter with dull orange and bold black and yellow bands on the body and tail.

Common Indian Monitor Varanus bengalensis in Hyderabad, India.
The males can grow up to 100cm. The females, on the other hand, do not grow this large. It has also been found that females have a much shorter tail and lack pre-anal flaps which can be found in males as patches of scales. Populations found in drier areas are lighter in colour. When they first hatch, they appear orange or brown with yellow and black rings around the body and tail. They also have claws which people believe is used to cling onto surfaces such as trees.

[edit] Reproduction
Bengal monitors breed mostly during the wet season, but some of these animals found in Sri Lanka reproduce during December or January. In Thailand they have been known to breed throughout the year. Eggs are laid in burrows, dead logs or even in termite mounds, to give the offspring a greater chance of survival. Most young die before hatching or shortly after due to malnourishment. Young monitors feed only on insects and are normally found in trees. The siblings are likely to stay in a group together for the first few months of life.

[edit] Food
Although these creatures are relatively large in size, especially for a lizard, they mostly feed on insects such as ants, snails and beetles. They also eat animals such as ground birds, fish, frogs, snakes, other lizards and small mammals.

[edit] Distribution
Although called the Bengal Monitor, this species is among the most widely distributed of varanid lizards. It is found in river valleys in eastern Iran, Afghanistan, western Pakistan, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Burma. A subspecies Varanus bengalensis nebulosus called the Clouded Monitor occurs in southern Burma, Vietnam, Kampuchea, Thailand, Malaysia, Sumatra, Java and the Sunda Islands.

[edit] Behavior
Bengal Monitors are usually solitary and usually found on the ground although the young are often seen on trees. V. b. nebulosus has a greater propensity for tree climbing.
Large adults may ascend vertical tree trunks where they sometimes stalk and capture roosting bats. Their normal prey consists of beetles, grubs, orthopterans, scorpions, snails, ants and other invertebrates. Vertebrate prey is comparatively rare and includes frogs, fish, lizards, snakes and rodents. Bengal monitors shelter in burrows or crevices in rocks and buildings, whilst clouded monitors prefer tree hollows. Both races will make use of abandoned termite mounds.
Males will fight each other in a bipedal fashion for females. After mating the female lays up to 30 eggs in a hollow dug in the ground and the eggs hatch in about five months. The young often remain together in loose groups and often live on trees and live on an insectivorous diet.

[edit] Notes
^ Auffenberg, Walter (1994). The Bengal Monitor. University Press of Florida, 494. ISBN 0813012953.
^ Boulenger, G.A. 1890. Fauna of British India. Reptilia and Amphibia. Taylor & Francis.
^ Mertens, R. (1942). Ein weiterer neuer Warane aus Australien. Zool. Anz. 137: 41-44

[edit] References
Auffenberg, W. 1979 Intersexual differences in behaviour of captive Varanus bengalensis. J.Herpet. 13(3):313-315.
Auffenberg, W. 1979 Research on monitor lizards. Tiger Paper 6(4):20-21.
Auffenberg, W. 1981 Combat behaviour in Varanus bengalensis. J.Bombay N.H.S. 78(1):54-72.
Auffenberg, W. 1983 The burrows of Varanus bengalensis. Rec. Zool. Surv. India 80:375-385.
Auffenberg, W. 1983 Courtship behaviour in Varanus bengalensis. In Advances in Herpetology and Evolutionary Biology: Essays in Honor of Ernest E. Williams (Rhodin & Myata eds.): 535-551.
Auffenberg, W. 1983 Notes on feeding behaviour of Varanus bengalensis. J. Bombay N.H.S. 80 (2): 286-302.
Auffenberg, W. 1986. The Indian monitor lizard. Sanctuary Asia. 6 (4):327-333.

[edit] External links
The online Little Book of Monitor Lizards
Two fighting Common Indian Monitor Lizard males "standing" make the cover of "Sanctuary Asia Magazine"
The Story behind the Picture - "Monitor Lizards Combat" from the website of Jayanth Sharma's "WILDLIFE TIMES"
[hide]
v • d • eVaranoidea
Kingdom: Animalia · Phylum: Chordata · Class: Reptilia · Order: Squamata
[hide]
Extant species
Helodermatidae
Beaded Lizard · Gila Monster
Varanidae
Spiny-tailed monitor · Rock monitor · Black tree monitor · Bengal monitor · Short-tailed monitor · Savannah monitor · Yellow Monitor · Perentie · Sand goanna · Desert Monitor · Komodo dragon · Nile monitor · Gray's monitor · Argus monitor · Emerald tree monitor · Crocodile monitor · Water monitor · Mangrove monitor · Timor tree monitor · Lace monitor
Related categories
Monitor lizards · Cretaceous lizards · Helodermas · Mosasaurs
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Fossil species
Aigialosauridae
Judeasaurus · Kaganaias
Dolichosauridae
Adriosaurus · Dolichosaurus
Helodermatidae
Estesia
Mosasauridae
Halisaurinae · Mosasaurinae · Plioplatecarpinae · Tylosaurinae
Varanidae
Megalania · Palaeosaniwa
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Categories: Monitor lizards Reptiles of Asia Fauna of Iran Fauna of Afghanistan Reptiles of Pakistan Fauna of India Fauna of Nepal Fauna of Sri Lanka Fauna of Southeast Asia Fauna of Bangladesh Fauna of Burma Fauna of Laos Fauna of Vietnam Fauna of Cambodia Fauna of Thailand Fauna of Malaysia Fauna of Brunei Reptiles of Indonesia
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Nepal Wildlife

Nepal is home to a wide variety of beautiful animals – many of which it shares with India. Visitors who spend some time near the edge of a forest or who go trekking through low-lying areas and valleys may be able to sight quite a few of these lovely creatures. If you do not enjoy trekking, you can usually organize a safari ride through on of the many national parks in Nepal which will usually afford you the opportunity to see a variety of wildlife.
Some of the wildlife in Nepal are somewhat restricted to certain areas and are on the endangered list due to indiscriminate poaching in times past. Nepal's wildlife should always be treated with the utmost respect, remembering that these creatures are not only valuable to the environment but wild and sometimes dangerous.
Some of the largest animal varieties occur in the Tarai. Here you will find tigers, leopards, gaurs (wild ox), elephants, buffalo and a variety of deer. The deer commonly found here are chital (aka axis), sambar and swamp deer. If you journey to south-central Nepal, you must spend time in the Lesser Rapti Valley. This is one of the last homes of the great Indian rhinoceros which is one of the countries endangered species.
Despite forest clearing which has taken place in the central zone, you will still find a few wild animals living here. These include leopards and a variety of small carnivores. This is also the home of a small kind of barking deer known as 'muntjacs'. If you head up even higher, you will find musk deer, tahr (beardless wild goat), goral (a relative of the rocky mountain goat) and wild sheep. If you are lucky, you may spot a wolf or a snow leopard. The Sherpa claim that the higher snowy regions are inhabited by the Yeti but don't expect to see him during your visit. The most common birds in the region are pheasant and the most popular fish is the mahseer which can be used for food.
Clearly, Nepal is home to a stunning variety of creatures both big and small. You may find that you will not be able to view many of these creatures in their natural habitat anywhere else in the world and the experience of witnessing them in the wild can be truly memorable. Make an effort to see some of Nepal's wildlife when you're in the country – it's an opportunity that should not be missed!

Habitat Facts

Our planet is an extraordinary mosaic of land, sea, weather, and life forms. No two places are identical in time or space—we live in a complex and dynamic tapestry of habitats. Despite the vast variability that may exist from one place to the next, there are some general habitat types that can be described based on shared climate characteristics, vegetation structure, or animal species. These habitat types help us to understand the wildlife that inhabits them and better protect both the land and the species that depends on it.
Alpine / Montane
Beaches / Coasts
Coral Reefs
Deserts / Scrublands
Forests / Woodlands
Grasslands / Savannahs
Lakes / Rivers / Wetlands
Oceanic Islands
Seas / Oceans
Tundra
Alpine / Montane
Alpine (or montane) habitats are found around the world in mountain ranges that have been uplifted by geological forces so they lie high above the surrounding lands. Mountains provide habitat for a wide range of terrestrial animals including mammals, birds, reptiles, invertebrates and amphibians. Mountain rivers, streams, and lakes also provide habitat for aquatic animals such as fish and invertebrates.
Alpine / Montane Ecosystems
Mountains No Safe Haven for Birds
Appalachian Mountains
Rocky Mountains
What Is a Vegetation Zone?
What is a Rainshadow?
Beaches / Coasts
Beaches and coasts lie at the threshold between land and sea where wildlife adapts to a constantly changing coastline and sways to the rhythms of the tides. Where water meets land, a diverse array of animals and wildlife gather to feed, reproduce, and seek out shelter—birds, crustaceans, molluscs, fish, echinoderms, and many other organisms inhabit these dynamic habitats.
Intertidal Zone
How do Tides and Waves Work?
Coastal Sand Dunes
Sea Cliffs
Coral Reefs
Coral reefs are among the world's most diverse habitats. Coral reefs are made up of millions of tiny coral polyps--animals that together form vast colonies and secrete the limestone deposits that over many generations builds a coral reef. Reefs form in shallow, warm-water seas around the world. There are several types of reef including barrier reefs, fringe reefs, and atolls.
Natural History of the Great Barrier Reef
Guide to the Great Barrier Reef
Osborne Reef Tire Cleanup Underway
How do Coral Reefs Form?
Coral Diversity in Las Perlas Islands
New Reefs Discovered in Abrolhos Bank
Deserts / Scrublands
Deserts are landscapes that have scarce precipitation. Deserts are diverse—some are sun-baked lands that experience high daytime temperatures while others are cool and go through chilly winter seasons. There are numerous kinds of deserts including sandy deserts, rocky deserts, and semi arid deserts. Some of the world's deserts include the Sahara, the Mojove, the Atacama, the Kalahari, the Gobi, and the Namib.
What is Desertification?
Forests / Woodlands
Forests and woodlands are habitats dominated by trees. Forests extend over approximately one third of the world's land surface and can be found in many regions around the globe. There are many different types of forests that have different climates, species composition, and that support different wildlife communities. Some of the world's forest include tempreate forests, tropical rainforests, cloud forests, coniferous forests, and boreal forests.
Eastern Deciduous Forests of North American
Vast Area of Sumatran Rainforest to Receive Protection
The Structure of a Forest
What is a Deciduous Forest?
Grasslands / Savannahs
Grasslands and savannas are habitats characterized by the predominance of grass vegetation and the absence of forests or thick tree stands. Grasslands are located in temperate regions while savannas occur in tropical areas. Both habitats receive enough rainfall to support grass growth but they do not receive enough rainfall to support the growth of forests.
Lakes / Rivers / Wetlands
Aquatic habitats come in many forms: lakes, rivers, wetlands, marshes, lagoons, streams, rivers, and swamps. Where freshwater mixes with saltwater you'll find mangroves, salt marshes, and mud flats. All of these habitats are home to a diverse assortment of wildlife including virtually every group of animals—amphibians, mammals, reptiles, invertebrates, and birds.
Fish Decline in the Colorado River
What is a Wetland?
Oceanic Islands
Oceanic islands are tiny isolated patches of land surrounded by vast expanses of water. Many oceanic islands are evolutionary laboratories where wayward species set root and over many generations develop into unique creatures found nowhere else on Earth. Oceanic islands provide us with great insights into the workings of the nature and the mechanisms by which animals evolve and adapt to their surroundings.
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Seas / Oceans
Seas and oceans stretch from pole to pole and reach around the globe. They cover more than 70 percent of the Earth's surface and hold in excess of 300 million cubic miles of water. The world's oceans conceal a vast underwater landscape of submerged mountain ranges, continental shelves, and sprawling trenches.
Seas and Oceans
Intertidal Zone
Tundra
Tundra is a cold habitat characterized by low temperatures, short vegetation, long winters, brief growing seasons, and limited drainage. The term 'tundra' is derived from the Finnish word 'tunturi' which can be translated as 'treeless' or 'barren plain'. Arctic tundra is located near the North Pole and extends southward to the point where coniferous forests grow. Alpine tundra is located on mountains around the world at elevations that are above the tree line.

New Reserve Safe For blue-throated Macaws

The Blue-throated Macaw (Ara glaucogularis) is a critically endangered bird that inhabits the savannas in the Beni province of Bolivia. This rare macaw faces a variety of threats, the most serious of which include habitat destruction and capture for the pet trade. Now, their valuable habitat is to be protected in the hope that the species will find a safe sanctuary in which to breed. The Asociacion Armonia, a Bolivian conservation organization, has joined forces with the American Bird Conservancy and World Land Trust to create the Barba Azul Nature Reserve. The protected land, formerly a ranch, was recently purchased by the conservation groups. The new reserve encompasses 8,785 acres of grasslands in eastern Bolivia and is home to 20 of the critically endangered macaws during the nesting season.
The wild population of Blue-throated Macaws is estimated to be only 300 individuals and the entire population has, until the establishment of the new nature reserve, survived on provate ranch land that is burned each year and heavily grazed by cattle. Within their habitat, the macaws rely on clusters of motucu palms which they use for nesting sites. These palms grow in clusters embedded within the seasonally-flooded savannas.
The Barba Azul Nature Reserve will protect a number of other vulnerable species in addition to the Blue-throated Macaw. Species such as the Sharp-tailed Tyrant, Cock-tailed Tyrant, Black-masked Finch, Greater Rhea, and Orinoco Goose also inhabit the area.
Conservation organizations have identified other ranches near the Barba Azul Nature Reserve that could be purchased and used to expand the protected area. Conservationists warn that if these ranches are not protected they could be vulnerable to land development and habitat destruction.View photographs from the expedition →

WILDLIFE IN NEPAL

The Himalayan kingdom of Nepal, blessed by mother nature with rich and diverse biogeography has several national parks, sanctuaries and reserves brimming with wildlife. Nepalese landscape has altitudinal variance in short distances. This means that the country has variety of vegetation, from luxuriant vegetation and alpine deserts to lush grasslands. It is endowed with rich and varied biodiversity. Altitudinal variances in short distance give Nepal's biogeography variety that range from lush moist forests and sparse alpine deserts to luxurious grasslands in lowland Terai. Some rare wild life creatures reside in the jungles of the Himalayan nation.Fast Facts
S.No.
Name
Location
Significance
1.
Royal Chitwan National Park
Chitwan City
UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site
2.
Sagarmatha National Park
Mount Everest
UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site
3.
Royal Bardia National Park
Lowland Terai
Largest Widlife Park in Lowland Terai
4.
Kosi Tappu
East Nepal
Home to the lendangered Wild Buffalo or Arnal.Bird ParksConcentration of bird species in Asia is surprising. Few other countries in Asia have such variety. The Himalayan country straddles two of planet's best bird zone, which are Lolarctic to the north, and Oriental to the south. Protected SpeciesEndangered and protected species you can see on your wildlife safari tour are as following:Tiger, Snow Leopard, Wild Elephant, Rhino, Brown Bear, Clouded Leopard, Red Panda, Gangetic Dolphin, Wolf, Giant horn-bill, Swamp deer, Wild yak, Nayan, Black buck, Pangolin, Saras Crane, Four horned antelope, Tibetan antelope, Impean Pheasant, Python, Gharial, Indian bustard, Musk deer pigmy hog, Asamese Macaque, Haspd hareFor an ultimate adventure trip try a Wildlife tour to Nepal.

WILDLIFE OF NEPAL

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to: navigation, search
Wildlife Diversity is a unique feature of Nepal.Wildlife Tourism is also a major source of tourism in Nepal.There are some animals and birds that are found only in Nepal such as the Spinny Babbler.Nepal is also host to a large number of Rhododendron species. Wildlife of Nepal includes its flora and fauna and their natural habitats.
Contents[hide]
1 Fauna
1.1 Birds
2 Flora
3 References
4 External links
//

[edit] Fauna
Bengal Fox
Bengal monitor
Bengal Tiger
Cheer Pheasant
Clouded Leopard
Corsac Fox
Gloydius himalayanus
Great One-horned Rhinoceros
Indotestudo elongata
Marbled Cat
Neofelis
Red Panda
Snow leopard
Tibetan Fox
Tibetan Wolf
Trimeresurus albolabris septentrionalis
Yellow Monitor

[edit] Birds
Main article: List of birds of Nepal

[edit] Flora
Garden Angelica
Luculia gratissima
Meconopsis villosa
Persicaria affinis
Ruellia capitata