The big monitor lizards everywhere what are they are they dangerous and where do I see them
I keep being startled by HUGE lizards here some in the water some on land lumbering across paths in parks and even in city wetlands and gardens What are these monitor lizards (I think there are two kinds) are they dangerous to people should I be worried are they the same as Komodo dragons and where do I see them I am fascinated and a little alarmed they are so big Wildlife folks and locals please tell me about the monitor lizards
6 Answers from travellers
Wildlife guide so the monitor lizard lowdown they fascinate and alarm every visitor The two kinds you are right there are TWO common monitor lizards here the WATER MONITOR (kabaragoya) the big one a large often very large lizard (can reach a couple of metres) dark with pale markings strongly associated with WATER (lakes canals wetlands rivers paddy and the city waterways) you see these lumbering near water swimming and in urban wetlands (Colombo has many) they are among the largest lizards in the world (second only to the Komodo) the LAND MONITOR (talagoya) smaller more terrestrial brownish found in drier scrub gardens and forest less tied to water Are they the same as Komodo dragons NO related (same family the monitors) but a different species the water monitor is a different animal (and while big it is not the predator the Komodo is) so no Komodo dragons here but the water monitor is genuinely huge and impressive Are they dangerous generally NO they are NOT a danger to people they are shy and will move away from you they are not aggressive and do not hunt humans (they eat fish frogs carrion eggs small prey and scavenge) so you can relax DO NOT corner provoke or try to handle one (a big monitor can give a defensive bite or a tail whip if cornered as any wild animal and the mouth carries bacteria) just observe and give it space and it will lumber off keep dogs and small pets away (and do not let them near food or bins where they scavenge) treat them with respectful distance like any wildlife Where you see them the WATER MONITOR is easy and common near ANY water wetlands lakes canals paddy fields the city wetlands and parks (Colombo the wetland parks) around lagoons and in the national parks you will see them often (they are one of the most visible large animals) the LAND MONITOR in drier scrub gardens and forest So do not be alarmed the big lizards are MONITOR LIZARDS the large WATER MONITOR (kabaragoya near water and in city wetlands among the worlds biggest lizards) and the smaller LAND MONITOR (talagoya in drier areas) they are NOT Komodo dragons and NOT dangerous to people (shy and not aggressive) just give them space and do not provoke them you will see the water monitor often near water and in the wetlands enjoy these impressive harmless giants as part of the islands wildlife
The Colombo wetland parks are a brilliant easy place to see the big water monitors up close and safely they are everywhere there a free wildlife spectacle in the middle of the city just keep your distance and watch them swim and bask
I was terrified the first time I saw a huge one cross the path but they really do just amble away from you they want nothing to do with humans once you know they are harmless and shy they become one of the most amazing things to spot especially the giant water monitors
The do not confuse them with the small house geckos which are also everywhere and totally harmless point helped me the geckos on your wall at night are tiny and eat mosquitoes (welcome guests) the monitors are the big ones outside near water two very different lizards
They are actually great for the ecosystem scavenging and keeping things clean so locals mostly leave them be just do not feed them or leave food out which makes them bold around people observe the big ones near water and you will see remarkable behaviour swimming and basking
They are monitor lizards the large water monitor near water and city wetlands among the worlds biggest and the smaller land monitor not Komodo dragons and not dangerous shy and not aggressive just give them space this is exactly the reassurance and explanation I wanted now I can be fascinated not alarmed thank you
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