Hey there everyone. I am looking for some guidance on choosing a Varanus species for a 2-3 year long research project. It is for my Ecology degree and I am looking for a species with a very inquisitive and active nature. My research will be trying to find how the specific species uses problem solving to obtain food and I have a few other people helping me come up with more ways to show the brilliant side of this Genus. I would love anyones input who has real experience with any of the following species.

Varanus ornatus
Varanus indicus
Varanus timorensis
Varanus panoptes
Varanus exanthematicus
Varanus salvator

I have plenty of experience with both V. panoptes and V. exanthematicus when it comes to husbandry. I spent close to a year in West Africa studying V. niloticus but want to try and stay away from purchasing one of these as a "pet" since I have read close to nothing good about this species disposition in captivity. Housing is not an issue as this will be my only captive animal at the time and if necessary I can dedicate an entire room to this animal. My question is which species do you think would be best to work with?

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