A certain snake in my area, Ophiophagus hannah, is among the most solitary of all species of snakes. As their genus name ‘Ophiophagus’ suggests, they are snake eaters that will even eat their own species. The only time that multiple specimens are found together is during the mating season. Males will occasionally stay in the area of the female’s nest until hatching; during this time there has been no record of any interaction between the male and female.



What does this have to do with monitors? Ophiophagus hannah engages in ritual combat and NO ONE considers this reptile as social. Hmmmm. I could put together a quite impressive list of reptiles and other animals that engage in ritual combat, none of which are social.



There are some other things for FR to consider:

1. So by your definition, animals that have real 'to the death' combat (chimpanzees and humans) are not social?

2. Yet again, you are contradicting yourself as you always do. If monitors pair bonded, there would be no reason for ritual combat during the mating season.



The major problem with people like you is that you spread false information about subjects that require the knowledge of word definitions when you have absolutely no idea of what these words mean. What entertains me and anyone else who truly knows what these words mean is your redefining of these words, such as social and pair bonding, as the latest attempt by you to redefine terms that have been around much longer than you or I have been.



I know, I know; you have bred THOUSANDS of monitors over MULTIPLE generations, but this topic is not about that. Nor does it have anything to do with what we have discussed in the past. No one questions that. What is in question is your misconceptions wild monitor behaviours, your inability to understand the simplest definitions, and last but not least, your credibility.



Cheers,

Michael



P.S. Many here in this part of the world had a good laugh concerning your statement about Water Monitors not wanting to be wet. It is a shame that something so humourous had to be deleted.

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