Reptile & Amphibian Forums

About what I refer to as "Similis" or what ever these awesome little Black and White Monitors are. Why are they so hard to find? In 8 years I have seen 6 of these.
I have an understanding they are fairly common in the wild. I never see them for sale or owned by hobbiest.
As you know I have had what I believe to be 2.2. Well I'm down to what I believe is 1 female left. I would really like to get a few more. It just seems they are very rare to the pet trade. Can you help shed some light on this subject?
Thanks
Mike
Mike's Monitors!

I don't know what to tell you Mike, it seems they are exporting from different areas and similis is not coming in, it seems bluespots are the import of choice in this group. Or at least whats currently imported.

It also seems they were not bred in captivity. Or at least they did not "stick"

As you know, I produced lots of small monitors that did not "stick" either. This I cannot explain.

I suggest talking to one of the major importers. They may have a much more accurate responce.

When I first got into monitors, my partner and I had four or five types of spotted tree monitors. Similis were amoung them. But we spilt up the company and also split up the monitors. I took the ackies and storrs and such, and he took all the tree monitors. We even had a banded type with a real short tail. The rest was history. Good luck finding them. FR

Frank
I have asked around (probably the wrong places) and it seems to no avail...because of the confusion within the complex!
I don't have the money to import a few Similis and wind up with a few Timors.
I don't mean to put you on the spot..but do you have any photos of Similis?
Mike
Mike's Monitors!

Give Greg a call at UnderGround Reptiles (954) 428-8434. I don't know if he still has any but he's got lots of monitors and used to keep and breed them. Best of luck...
-----
John Light
JL Exotics
Contact Me
Web Site

John
Thanks for the tip, I'll give them a call.
Mike

Your right about the problem. It is not as easy as simply asking for v. similis. Depending on who you talk to you'll end up with a different monitor. Most of the time you'll simply get a timor. I have only seen a few similis come in down here. I will keep an eye out for anymore. I'd simply ask the importers or the exporters I know but I would have to show them pictures. They in turn would have to locate an animal they think appears to be whats pictured. I am not sure that would even get you what you want.

Jody
I have been offered several "Similis".
None of which were what I am looking for!
Even after sending my photos.
Thanks for the post and keep me in mind if you find any.
Mike

mike,

hi there. what about john hogston? maybe he still has some for sale?
ill contact him for you.

cheers,

-john a
cybersalvator.com

Hes looking for V.similis, They are black and white and speckly. The they have a salt and pepper head. They are very similar to Cape York, V.scalaris. In fact, at one time(maybe still) the Cape York animals were considered V.similis.

The problems hes having is not finding spotted tree monitors, but a specific kind. Thanks FR

i know the type in question. ive seen hogstons black and white similis, and also quetzal dwyers in person. i will keep an eye out for mike. regards, -john
cybersalvator.com

Frank
In one episode of the Croc hunter he scrambled up a tree in a flooded forest in Cape York and manipulated one of these beauties from a tree hollow.
This was indeed what I call Similis, and what I'm looking for.
Mike

Johnny Boy
Great Idea!
I completely forgot about Hogston.
John did indeed have the real deal.
Thanks and please let me know.
Mike

Hi Mike, I forgot to mention the female came from PE, so mabye talk to Robyn about where they got them. I really hope you can find some, I gotta say that girl is one of the very coolest monitors i ever had. If you do find some be sure to let me know the more i think about it the more i would like to try to get a new pair going.

Steve

Steve"o"
I had high hopes when you sent your female over, unfortunately nothing has become of it.
At least your female is ALIVE and doing GREAT!
I would still like to keep her and keep looking for others.
If you want her back just let me know.
I don't want you to think I won't give her back. For both of us I hope WE can find more!
Thanks Brother
Mike

I figure you can hold on to her still, you would be better off with her all settled in rather than trying to ship her back and forth if we find some more. Like I said though if you are able to find more be sure to let me know.

Steve

Steve"o"
COOL!
If we are able to find more...and I'm sure in time we will, you are forever linked to this project!
Hopefully in time something will come from our partnership.
These are awesome little Varanids!
Mike

Can you possibly post some pics of the lizards you are hunting?
I see monitors mislabled at shows and such simply because the vender has no idea what it is.
Maybe someone will spot one and buy it to resale to you.
Hey, it's worth a shot. You might also want to post a ballpark figure of how much they are worth.

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

Scott
Check my webpage, click on Spotted Tree Monitors. Take note of their tails, last portion solid black, fat, round in cross section all the way to the tip. Totally unlike Timorensis. Like all Monitors their price will vary depending condition and such.
Thanks
Mike
Mike's Monitors!

The pics aint that great but I will keep an eye open.
They almost look like a cross between an argus, a timor, and a columbian tegu. hahahaha

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

Scott
I'd send you some more photos but one of my kids grabbed my rechargable batteries, put them in one of their frigging wack-mans(a music thing) and threw em out when spent.
DOH!!!!!
Mike