The monitor lizard of Sungai Tembeling, Taman Negara

Abdul, Jasmi (1990) The monitor lizard of Sungai Tembeling, Taman Negara. [Journal / Magazine]

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Abstract

The monitor lizards at Sungai Tembeling were studied from March 1983 until December 1988. This study covered behaviour, home range, population density, status and growth rate. Eighty one monitor lizards were captured, measured, tagged and finally released back to their original sites. Recaptures showed that most of the animals remained within 250 m of the original capture site, and the greatest movement recorded was approximately 1 km in a period of one year. The weight increased at the rate of 1 kilogram per year, and the total length increased an average of 32 cm per year. Monitor lizards are active during the day especially if the weather is warm. They use water in order to search for food and to keep their bodies cool. They rest on land at night. Tree roots, holes and bushes are common hiding sites. It was estimated that along undisturbed sections of Sungai Tembeling, the population density of water monitor lizard was approximately 10 animals per 20,000 sq m. The ratio of captured males to females was 2:1, and more sub-adult animals were captured than old ones.

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