In part 4, we talked about monitors using hiding places to control temps(thermoregulate) Today we will look at the use of burrows, cracks, crevices, hollows, etc, being used to control moisture.
Indeed, those places, burrow, cracks, crevices, hollows, etc, are use to control moisture levels. One of the main criteria monitors use to pick these places is humidity. They require a medium humidity, not high and not low. If the humidity gets to high or to low, in nature, they move to another shelter thats more suitable. (the actual humidity, varies as to need and conditions)
In captivity, I think the best approach is, give them a choice of many different conditions. Always providing dry areas, humid areas, and at times moist areas. And always provide clean water for drinking.
I simply see no reason or logic, to go by, species, country, continent, etc. To tell me what a monitor needs. I simply go by the monitor in the cage, at the time the monitor is in the cage.
Yes there is some differences in the species, like skin thickness, mass to surface area ratios, etc. But, there are far more variation in the cages we provide them. This cage variation far exceeds the species, country, continent, differences that so many keepers go by.
Also, there is far, far, far, more variation with individuals of one species, then that of different species. Like the requirements of neonates compared to large adults. Again, that difference, far exceeds any species differences.
I believe, no, I know, its far more productive to worry about the cage, then the species. Then I know, its again, far more productive to adjust your cage to an individual monitor, then to a species.
Remember, we are working with reptiles, and all reptiles are subject to dehydration. In captivity, for us, that means to consider air movement. Thanks F
