Taken at the St. Louis Zoo
The black tree monitor (Varanus beccarii) is designed for a life in the trees, with long curved claws, sticky soles, and a long prehensile tail that serves as a fifth limb. It has longer teeth than do other monitors, which may enable it to more efficiently capture prey in the canopy.
Facts[]
- Where to see them: Aru Islands
- Length: 3 to 4 ft
- Habitat: Forest and mangrove swamp
- Diet: Insects, lizards, small mammals, and eggs