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I would imagine that would mean they do not do any social behavior. Of any kind?

I guess that would also bring up the question, what is social behavior.

In truth, there is no direct answer to what is social in all animals, muchless reptiles, much less monitors.

I know I see social behavior in monitors, I see it all the time. I also saw it in nature. But really, what does that mean?

Lets take one example thats happening right now. I have had mertens for several years. During that time, we have had them reproduce several times.

When they nest, we have seen the male take a position by where the female is digging and stay there. For those who are sensitive, you can actually tell theres something different about him. He stays in one place the entire time. Which he never does, ever, never.

I do not know if you would call it, nest guarding or what. Its merely what he does. I have pics of this from last year, the year before and from now.

What is very odd is, I have seen the same in nature. I even have pics(some stinking place)(must find)

My question is, what do you think of this? FR

n/p

ds
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Jaye- "If you begin to understand what you are without trying to change it, then what you are undergoes a transformation.". ... Jiddu Krishnamurti

Its local soil, kind of a sandy silty soil.

I actually saw where mertens nest in nature and copied what I saw.

Please remember, monitor species have nesting perferences. One type has not been good for all. Actually to be more exact, one type may not be good for all individuals of the same species. FR

but your male looks huge.. How long would you say he is?? Gorgeous animals though...socialism sucks, hail democracy.

bob

Actually he is a big fella, but not as big as ones I have seen around Darwin. I rarely measure a monitor and lord knows, I have not measured him. But I would guess a little over four feet. Just a guess.

I believe there are several races of mertens. The Top end type being the largest, with both the far western and eastern populations being smaller. The kimberly population is suppose to be the smallest.

These animals were suppose to be Kimberly types, from a well known breeder in germany. But to me, that male does not look like one. He is colored and stocky like the central population. I have two males, both the same and both different from the females.

By the way, these were animals that had been circulated around the dealers. FR

hahahaha

I can just hear her saying to him, take out the garbage when you're done! And bring me some Taco Bell and pickles while you're at it!
At least, she is smiling, and not crying for no darn reason...
D.

I believe I saw something once about the males pulling guard duty while the female nested. I could be wrong but I think they were perenties.

Scott
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Do not meddle in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy and taste good with ketchup.

Here is the same pair, doing the same thing several years ago.

You can notice the years have been kind to them. Fat pigs, hahahahahahahahahahahaha. FR

FR,

Great pictures...looks like to me he is clearly on guard duty in both pictures, and it's a very interesting look at these animals.

Just curious...has this pair been together for a long time? Are they alone in their habitat, or are there others in there or close to them? Have you seen this with any others of this species?

Again, very cool pics...thanks.

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Phil Black
www.VaranusWeb.com

In the most recent pic, they are alone in their cage. In the other pic, there was another female in the cage.

The two females got along fine, until nesting, then all hell broke loose. One would beat the crap out of the other, depending on who was nesting.

Which brings up what is so interesting to me. Monitors are social, but also includes many anti social aspects. hahahahahahahahahahahaha, true.

We have seen this posting/guarding behavior across the board. I have posted on varanus.net, a series of pics where two females and a male, that dug the nesting tunnels and chamber together. Both females laid, and the eggs hatched.

Of course, you can see horrible results if your monitors do not recognize eachother as a pair. You must consider, that the results are the diffinition of the pairing.

For instance, when we were breeding Croc monitors, our pair were WC and introduced as adults. They got along fine. With one exception, when she nested, she would stop half way done, and attack the male. Whats up with that? Once she was done nesting, they got along fine. Curious behavior. FR

Hi Frank,

Thanks much, and I appreciate the info.

That is strange with the croc monitors...maybe the female gets a real surge of anxiety and feeling of vulnerability during her egg-laying process? I can remember my wife being sort of like that during the birth of my daughter, so maybe it is natural for many species

Those are beautiful creatures (the male doesn't look like he misses many meals!) I love their sort of "sea creature" look with that smaller head and laterally compressed tail. Truly awesome and just great photos.

All the best,

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Phil Black
www.VaranusWeb.com