Black tree monitor
Latin Name
Varanus beccarii
Class
Reptiles
Order
Sauria
Description
Varanus beccarii
Class
Reptiles
Order
Sauria
Description
A large lizard, the black tree monitor gets its name from its all-black skin. The species can reach 3-4 feet in length; males are slightly larger than females.
Range
Status
Habitat
Niche
Life History
The black tree monitor is native to the Aru Islands of Indonesia.
Status
The black tree monitor is vulnerable due to habitat loss. Lincoln Park Zoo cooperatively manages black tree monitor populations with other institutions in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
Habitat
The species inhabits rain forests and mangrove swamps.
Niche
This carnivorous lizard is adapted to life in the trees. Its large tail aids balance, and large teeth help it catch prey such as insects, lizards and small mammals. They also feed on eggs and nestlings found in the treetops.
Life History
After breeding, females lay 7-35 eggs, which hatch in 8-10 weeks.
