Krusty
You say "in nature the Sun does not heat up a tiny 6" area leaving the rest of the area 70*F. The lizards don't understand this and can burn themselves it seems". (A well noted and understood simple captivity problem to fix)

This is exactly why I really wish folk with lots of field experience could post here without bashing or being bashed! (Deleting this important information hurts us, me)

And here's why.
I am sure the "scenario" you posted happens in nature DAILY! (Minus the 70*F) Ambient temps under a dense jungle canopy are higher. Perhaps this IS the answer!

The problem is the Monitors living under this dense canopy probably encounter 6" holes and may not be able to find any basking spots much bigger. Maybe they do find larger areas (helpfull field research goes here)

Why do these Monitors not get burned by the SUN?
Is it the Monitors or is it the Sun?

The problem I think is human error, wrong bulbs, not a large enough basking area, captivity problems...our Monitors problems!
We as hobbiests have figured out how to prevent these "man made" burns in captivity. BUT why are there no "Monitor made" burns in the wild???? (under a dence jungle canopy)

My post is not to disrespect you, I have ALOT of respect for you, your Krustiness!
My post is meant to be answered by someone with real field research experience with Monitors under a dence canopy.

Perhaps a Field Research sub-forum should be in place, so we could cross reference captivity and nature.
Mike
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Mike's Monitors!

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