Vivariums;reptiles;Dumeril’s monitors

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Dumeril's monitor (Varanus dumerilii )[4] is a species of lizard, endemic to Southeast Asia. It is a member of the family Varanidae.

- Monitor Lizards as Pets: Dumeril Monitor Care and Natural History

courtesy to : blogs.thatpetplace.com/thatreptileblog/2015/01/23/monitor-lizards-pets-dumeril-monitor-care-natural-history/#.WJBDtht97IU

2- Dumeril’s Monitor (Varanus dumerilii )

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Etymology :

The specific name, dumerilii, is a Latinized form of the name of the scientist who first described this species, French herpetologist André Marie Constant Duméril.[5]

The common name in Thailand, called túdtū̀ (ตุ๊ดตู่), is an animal that appeared in the children's folk songs.[6]

Dumeril's monitor

Varanus dumerilii in Sofia Zoo

Scientific classification:

Kingdom:Animalia

Phylum:Chordata

Subphylum:Vertebrata

Class:Reptilia

Order:Squamata

Suborder:Lacertilia

Family:Varanidae

Genus:Varanus

Subgenus:V. (Empagusia)

Species:V. dumerilii

Binomial name:

Varanus dumerilii
(Schlegel, 1839)[1][2]

Synonyms:

Monitor dumeriliiSchlegel, 1839
Varanus dumerilii— Bleeker, 1858[3]

Geographic range :

Dumeril's monitor is found in southern Burma and north of the Isthmus of Kra to Kanchanaburi Province in Thailand,[7] as well as in Peninsular Malaysia, throughout Borneo, Sumatra, Riau, Bangka–Belitung and other smaller islands of Indonesia.[3]

Their habitat is dense evergreen forests with high humidity [8] and mangrove swamps.[9]

Diet

This monitor is a crab specialist;[7][10] however, it has been observed eating snails, insects, molluscs, fish, frogs, and smaller rodents.[9]Little is known overall about this species compared to other monitor lizards.[11]

Description

Adult Dumeril's monitors are largely dark coffee-brown in colour, with occasional brighter indistinct crossbars. For juveniles the colors and patterns are quite different. "The major color is a

dark varnish black which is interrupted by several yellow crossways bars on the back." Juveniles have shiny orange red or, sometimes yellow heads. This youth coloration disappears after only 4–8 weeks.[11] Adult Dumeril's can reach up to 4.5 ft (1.4 m) in total length (including tail) although typical length is 4 ft (1.2 m) long.

Subspecies :

There are two described subspecies:

-Varanus dumerilii dumerilii (Schlegel, 1839)-

-Varanus dumerilii heteropholis Boulenger, 1892[2]

Note: Sprackland made V. d. heteropholis a synonym of V. d. dumerilii[12]

For the external links , refrences click here to read the full wikipedia article

Dumeril Monitor Introduction (Varanus dumerili)

Care and keeping articles :

-DUMERIL'S MONITOR

Varanus dumerilii

courtesy to : www.reptilesmagazine.com/Lizard-Species/Dumerils-Monitor/

Family: Varanidae
Adult Size: May attain a maximum total length of at least 5 feet, though most adults average between 3 and 4 feet.
Range: Native of Indochina, Malaysia and Indonesia.
Habitat: Semi-aquatic. Forests and swamp areas.
Captive Lifespan: 8 to 12 Years
Dangerous:
Care Level: Advanced

Overview :

In the wild, Dumeril's monitors commonly feed on insects, snails, crabs, frogs and fish. In captivity, Dumeril’s monitors will accept these items as well as various shellfish and rodents.

Dumeril's monitors are terrestrial to semi-aquatic, and have been known to remain submerged for up to 75 minutes. They frequently soak, swim and even sleep in water. As captive animals, Dumeril's monitors should be supplied with a large water container for these activities. Dumeril's monitors are also accomplished burrowers and climbers. This means that captives should have access to branches for climbing and basking, as well as substrate in which they can dig.

Dumeril’s monitors require temperatures ranging between 82 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit, with a warmer basking spot (up to about 95 or 97 degrees Fahrenheit). Nighttime temperatures can be lowered to around 70 or 75 degrees Fahrenheit. A thermal gradient is recommended.

The Dumeril’s or Brown Rough-Necked Monitor (Varanus dumerilii) is still collected from the wild, but captive breeding is increasing, and will, I hope, soon be the rule rather than the exception. Although the black and orange hatchlings are hard to resist, Dumeril ownership should not be entered into lightly. Strong and active, adults may top 4.5 feet in length, and are best reserved for those with adequate space and experience. That being said, Dumeril’s Monitors are reputed to be somewhat easier to handle than other similarly sized species. My own experience bears this out, but individual personalities vary greatly…caution and respect for their powerful jaws and sharp claws is a must. For those up to it, this is definitely a species worth considering, as it is little studied in the wild and unprotected across much of its range (and a very interesting creature as well!).

Uploaded to Wikipedia Commons by Katerina Zareva, EERC Sofia Zoo

Description :

The Dumeril’s Monitor sports a “typical” monitor build and averages 3-4 feet in length, with some individuals approaching 5 feet. Hatchlings and very young individuals are brilliantly clad in black and orange. Adults are attractively-marked in various shades of brown and tan. Extremely sharp claws (even by monitor standards!) assist it in climbing.

Range :

The Dumeril’s Monitor is found across a huge range that extends from southern Myanmar and Thailand through western Malaysia and much of Indonesia to Singapore. The population on Singapore was long believed extinct, with no reported sightings since 1935. However, a single individual was collected in the island’s Nee Soon Swamp Forest in 2008, spurring hopes that it is still hanging on there.

Uploaded to Wikipedia Commons by Tho nau

Habitat

The Dumeril’s Monitor inhabits lowland forests, coastal mangrove swamps and swamp forests. Village and farm outskirts are sometimes colonized, but the effects of habitat development on this species have not been studied. It is at times highly arboreal, but also frequently forages on the ground and in the shallows of rivers and swamps.

Enclosure

Like most of their relatives, Dumeril’s Monitors are quite active, and will not thrive in close quarters. Adults require custom-built cages measuring at least 6 x 4 x 6 feet.

Cypress mulch or eucalyptus bark may be used as a substrate. Shy by nature, they are best provided with numerous caves, cork bark rolls and hollow logs in which to shelter, and stout climbing branches for climbing. Some individuals prefer sheltering above ground (wild individuals reportedly utilize tree hollows), so a cork bark roll or large nest box positioned among the branches would be ideal. A water bowl large enough for soaking should always be available…the ideal Dumeril’s enclosure would feature a large, drainable pool.

The cage should be located in a quiet, undisturbed area of the home, as Dumeril’s Monitors are very aware of their surroundings, and easily stressed.

Temperature :

Dumeril’s Monitors fare best when afforded a temperature gradient of 78-85 F; nighttime temperatures should not dip below 75 F. The basking site should be kept at 110-120 F. Incandescent bulbs may be used by day; ceramic heaters or red/black reptile “night bulbs” are useful after dark.

Provide your monitor with the largest home possible, so that a thermal gradient (areas of different temperatures) can be established. Thermal gradients, critical to good health, allow reptiles to regulate their body temperature by moving between hot and cooler areas. In small or poorly ventilated enclosures, the entire area soon takes on the basking site temperature.

Humidity :

Humidity should average 70-85%, but dry areas must be available. A commercial reptile mister will be helpful if your home is especially dry.

Light :

While there is some evidence that UVB exposure may not be essential if the animal is fed properly, I always provide it to monitors in zoo exhibits and at home. In most situations, UVB exposure is the safest option. If a florescent bulb is used (Zoo Med bulbs are ideal), be sure that your pet can bask within 6-12 inches of it. Mercury vapor bulbs broadcast UVB over greater distances, and provide beneficial UVA radiation as well.

Diet :

While there is some evidence that UVB exposure may not be essential if the animal is fed properly, I always provide it to monitors in zoo exhibits and at home. In most situations, UVB exposure is the safest option. If a florescent bulb is used (Zoo Med bulbs are ideal), be sure that your pet can bask within 6-12 inches of it. Mercury vapor bulbs broadcast UVB over greater distances, and provide beneficial UVA radiation as well.

Uploaded to Wikipedia Commons by Melongal

I do not use a rodent-only diet for these or other monitors from similar habitats (i.e. the Black Rough-Necked Monitor). Youngsters should be fed largely upon roaches, super mealworms, earthworms, snails, hornworms and other invertebrates, along with small whole fishes, un-shelled shrimp, fiddler and green crabs, crayfish and squid. Pinkies or small mice may be provided once weekly, and hard-boiled eggs can be used on occasion. All meals (other than fishes, crabs and rodents) offered to growing monitors should be powdered with calcium, and a high-quality reptile vitamin/mineral supplement should be used 3x weekly. I favor ReptiVite and ReptiCalcium.

Uploaded to Wikipedia Commons by Shhewitt

Rodents and whole fish can comprise 50% of the adult diet, with a variety of large insects, earthworms, hard-boiled eggs, crayfish, crabs, shrimp, snails, and similar foods making up the balance. Calcium and vitamin/mineral supplements should be used 1-2x weekly. Large food items should be avoided; even where adult monitors are concerned, mice are preferable to small rats.

Temperament

Although not a species for beginners, Dumeril’s Monitors adjust well to captivity when given proper care, and make fine, long-lived pets. Initially shy, some learn to trust gentle caretakers, while others – especially wild-caught individuals – remain wary. A large, well-furnished cage will provide the security that is essential if they are to become approachable.

In common with all monitors, they are capable of inflicting serious injuries with their powerful jaws, long tails and sharp claws. Thick leather gloves should be worn when handling Dumeril’s Monitors, as even tame individuals leave deep scratches with their claws in the course of their normal movements.

Breeding :

A single male can be housed with 1 or 2 females, but they must be watched carefully. The nesting area should be enclosed (i.e. a large tub or plastic storage container within a wooden box equipped with an entrance hole) and stocked with 2-3 feet of a slightly moist mix of sand, top soil and peat moss.

We have a good deal to learn about captive reproduction. Success (and failure) has been reported under a wide variety of conditions. Please post below for detailed information on pairing adults and incubating the eggs.

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Frank Indiviglio :

Being born with a deep interest in animals might seem unfortunate for a native Bronxite , but my family encouraged my interest and the menagerie that sprung from it. Jobs with pet stores and importers had me caring for a fantastic assortment of reptiles and amphibians. After a detour as a lawyer, I was hired as a Bronx Zoo animal keeper and was soon caring for gharials, goliath frogs, king cobras and everything in-between. Research has taken me in pursuit of anacondas, Orinoco crocodiles and other animals in locales ranging from Venezuela’s llanos to Tortuguero’s beaches. Now, after 20+ years with the Bronx Zoo, I am a consultant for several zoos and museums. I have spent time in Japan, and often exchange ideas with zoologists there. I have written books on salamanders, geckos and other “herps”, discussed reptile-keeping on television and presented papers at conferences. A Master’s Degree in biology has led to teaching opportunities. My work puts me in contact with thousands of hobbyists keeping an array of pets. Without fail, I have learned much from them and hope .

Other Websites :

- www.backwaterreptiles.com/monitor-lizards/dumerils-monitor-for-sale.html

- www.mampam.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=104&Itemid=43

- www.reptipro.com/care-sheets/lizards/52-dumerils-monitor-varanus-dumerilii-care-sheet.html

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