3158. Monitor lizard climbs up the tree branches - rare sighting 5 Oct 2020, 3 Nov 2020, 21 May 2022.

Young monitor lizard high up a tree on Yio Chu Kang Cres Road thinking it is camouflaged.

UPDATES:

 https://2010vets.blogspot.com/2020/10/3158-monitor-lizard-climbs-up-tree.html

Family : VARANIDAE
Species : Varanus nebulosus
Size (snout to vent) : 60 cm
Size (total length) : 1.5 metres

This is a medium-sized monitor which can reach 1.5 metres in total length, but specimens of this size are uncommon. Similar in appearance to the Malayan Water Monitor Varanus salvator, it is distinguished by the position of the nostrils which lie mid-way between the eye and snout.  

Its colouration comprises yellow spots on a brown-grey base. This mainly terrestrial species can be found in habitats as diverse as scrubland and rainforest, but is generally encountered as it digs amongst leaf litter searching for beetles and other insects. It may also be spotted clinging high up on tree trunks or exploring tree holes: its sharp claws make it an excellent climber.

This species occurs in Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore, Java and Sumatra

 

 

 

 

 

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Mon 5 Oct 2020
Overcast morning 9 am
YCK Crescent

A sudden movement of a large pale yellowish green limb up the tree branch disappearing from my view. A monitor lizard about 2 feet long or more.

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3 Nov 2020
A second sighting of this clouded monitor lizard in the same Yio Chu Kang Crescent area. She was originally head downwards on the trunk and I first saw her from inside my car as I was driving along the road. 

I saw this lizard hugging a tree. I got out of my car to take photo and video. As I approached nearly 10 feet away, he turned his body upwards and sauntered up the trunk.

She looked pregnant. A dead bird of the size of a mynah, with no head but with the wing feathers spread out was seen on the ground. 

Sat 3 Oct 2020

YCK Crescent
Unexpectedly saw this "species" of lizard. What are they?
Now I think they could be very young cloudy monitor lizards.

21 May 2022 (Saturday). 
Unexpected sighting of a young clouded monitor lizard on a tree trunk in Yio Chu Kang Crescent.A tree had been sawn and regular tree pruning recently had caused habitat loss for these wild lizards.