Hi, Frank Indiviglio here. I’m a herpetologist, zoologist and book author, recently retired from a career spent at several zoos, aquarium, and museums, including over 20 years with the Bronx Zoo.
Although the Black Rough Neck Monitor, Varanus rudicollis, is rarely-seen in the wild, captive-bred individuals are often available. This striking lizard utilizes a variety of very different habitats, so in a suitably large enclosure one can expect to see a many interesting behaviors. This is definitely a species worth studying carefully, as we still have much to learn. I’ve always wanted to feature them in large zoo exhibits, but was not able to drum up much interest, unfortunately. Private keepers, however, have added greatly to what is known of this under-appreciated monitor.
Black Rough Neck Monitors remind me of Merten’s Water Monitors, Vanaus mersentsi, in general body form and especially in their ability to move about in trees, water and on land with equal ease (Note: the photo below is of a Merten’s Water Monitor; please click here for photos of Rough Neck Monitors). Read the rest of this article here
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Please also check out my posts on Twitter
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My Bio, with photos of animals I’ve been lucky enough to work with:
http://bitly.com/LC8Lbp
Best Regards, Frank Indiviglio
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