Just to get a few things sraight.
Croc Doc, I understand there are exceptions to every rule but we are talking about varanids in particular. You used a great word in one of your posts. Anthropomorphism. Most pet keepers do this. From putting sweaters botties on their dogs to incorrectly interpreting behaviors. I am glad someone is sort of seeing things the way I do. I appreciate your insightful post

WillStill,
I respet your opinion and they way you argue your point. I do not agree with some of it but I respect it all the same.

Emotional responce and instinctive reaction are totally different. Increased heart rate and increased sensitivity to outside stimuli are not emotional responses. Simply put, emotional responses are coltrolable and instinctive reaction is not.

Also, you really can not consider the congragation of species as a social gathering. They are coming together because environmental cues are forcing them to gather in the same area. You mention denning. Well I know from years of watching Timber rattlesnakes in the wild that they have no choice but to gather in the same dens. Reason being is that den sites are very limited in the area. They all need to be there to brumate. They are only together when they need to be. Once late spring hits and the night time temps are stable, they leave the den and will not return until autum. Go to a den site during the summer, you will not find any snakes other than a couple of strays. Breeding happens during early spring and even during brumation in some cases. Go to a den.

Murrindindi,
Again, I never said varanids were mindless and run soley on instinctive behaviors. Most reptiles are capable of learning simple things like where to find food and how to get it. I just do not understand why people need to make them to be these super intelligent reptiles that are so different from any other type of reptile. They should be appreciated for what they are. It is easy to confuse instinctive behavior and adaptation for "intelligence" and emotions.

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