Marbled water monitor facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Marbled water monitor |
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On Mt. Cagua | |
Conservation status | |
Scientific classification | |
Genus: |
Varanus
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Species: |
marmoratus
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Synonyms | |
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The marbled water monitor (Varanus marmoratus) is a very large monitor lizard. It is also known as the Philippine water monitor. These amazing lizards are found only in the Philippines.
Contents
About the Marbled Water Monitor
The marbled water monitor can grow quite long. Including its tail, it can reach up to 2 m (6.6 ft) (about 6.5 feet) in total length. That's longer than most people are tall!
Where Marbled Water Monitors Live
You can find the marbled water monitor on several islands in the Philippines. These include the Batanes Islands, Babuyan Islands, and Lubang Island. They also live in northern and central parts of Luzon, which is the largest island in the Philippines.
Reproduction and Life Cycle
Marbled water monitors are oviparous. This means that the females lay eggs. The young lizards hatch from these eggs.
Similar Species
Scientists sometimes discover new species that look very similar to known ones. For example, a monitor lizard found on Palawan, Mindoro, southern Luzon, and the Sulu Archipelago was recently named a new species. It is called Varanus palawanensis. This shows how diverse the monitor lizard family is!