Reptile & Amphibian Forums

...just curious...
When I first got into reptile keeping (monitors were always my passion), back in the mid 80's, the variety known as Sumatrans weren't the norm in the industry, you pretty much only saw the "common" ones...as in darker overall color, great big ocelli (sp), and nice big banding in front of the front legs, across the back.
These are still my favorite color (locale) variation, and I almost never see this variety anymore, was just curious why?

Hi, I think you my be talking about V. salvator salvator, which originate from Sri Lanka, where they`re protected, and export is banned (as far as I know)?

I remember those too, also seemed they were a calmer animal even when young. I have seen some of the darker ones in the classifieds lately. I currently have one of the species with alot of yellow spots and bands. Very hyper and jumpy critter. got him/her last december at about 12 inches head to tail and now pushing 3 feet. Hopefully calms down as he/she ages but if not that's ok too.

i could be wrong but water monitors aren't imported from the Phillippines anymore as well.I certainly won't be offended if i'm corrected on this one Moe

Nothing comes out of the Philippines....legally, anyhow.

The two types that are commonly brought in are the Javan Bivitattus and the Sumatran Macromaculatus subspecies of V. salvator. Javans are a bit less common and have the larger and fewer markings of "two stripes" on the shoulder area. A third, much more rarely brought in "speckled" small type is supposedly from Sulawesi (Celebes) Island and the patterns almost fade on those as they grow up. And yes, the true V. salvator salvator giants from Sri Lanka are not exported.

Thanks guys...was surfing the net pics...this guy is smokin!
http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRprLdRaPGD_mYjW_sosQ1HnrpV0-q0U4xVXNQVCDEzMcl1gDMe1A