Yellow-headed Water Monitor - Five Sisters Zoo

Individuals are black, with  yellow bands or blotches; the head is often entirely yellow. Their abdomen and tail colouration are yellow to white.

Facts

  • Diet: Carnivore
  • Weight:  2.5 kilograms
  • Length:  1.5 to 1.8 metres
  • Habitat: Forest, shrubland and marine intertidal of the Philippines
  • Life span:  20 years under human care

Adapted to Survive

  • Individuals are good swimmers; they can catch and eat molluscs, crabs, frogs, turtles, fish and crocodile eggs in mangroves and swamps
  • Individuals will even eat carrion (animal carcasses) they find

 

Threats

  • Individuals are poached for their skin
  • Pet trade

IUCN Conservation Status

Least Concern

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