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Monitor Lizard
Varanus salvator
22.5667, 88.3667
Field Notes
Description:
This was not very large,. The yellow throat was a surprise.
Habitat:
On the side of a road! It was totally unconcerned about the vehicles. The monitor lizard climbed a cement platform which I think is used to slaughter chicken and sell meat (although it was clean and there were no chickens around...just the smell). The tail was hanging above an open drain that ran parallel to the road and below the platform. Then it explored the platform a bit and finally, sprawled lazily soaking up the winter sun.
I always thought Varanus lizards are huge...this one wasn't. But Wikipedia says juveniles are more brightly coloured; this one wasn't.
Notes:
The exact area is Shyamkhola and urban Kolkata is rapidly expanding here...a threat to biodiversity.
I was happy when a local shop keeper (in response to my statement that I hoped they would not kill it) said, " They are our friends."
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