[ad_1]
Monitor lizards are a group of large lizards that are mainly found in South Asia, Africa and Australia. There are over 70 species of monitor lizards, including the Komodo dragon, the Asiatic water monitor, and the Nile monitor lizard. Most monitor lizards are venomous, but is this the main way to hunt for food? Let’s find out what their diet is and what the monitor lizards eat!
Do all 70 species share the same diet?
Most monitor lizards are carnivores, most of their food is carrion (dead animals). Therefore, although many of them are poisonous, this is not their main way to protect themselves. One species of monitor lizard, V. olivaceus, has a diet of prey and fruit, and one species, V. bitatavaEats mostly only fruit. The growing trend towards changes in the diet of some monitor lizards in high-population density areas is of concern. One study found that Asian water monitors rely heavily on human food waste. In a study conducted in Malaysia, scientists observed a group of 20 Asian water monitors. They tried to find out if the water monitors were to blame for raiding sea turtle nests, but what they found was quite interesting. Yes, they were guilty of nest raids (21.2% of their stomach contents were turtle eggs / hatched cubs), but most of their stomachs contained human food waste (76.8%).
How do Varan lizards hunt?
There are many ways to observe lizards hunting and foraging. Sometimes they actively hunt for food, during the day in search of prey; otherwise, they will patiently wait and sabotage passing prey. As mentioned above, they also search for nests of reptiles and other animals and raid the nests. The Neal Monitor is a sneaky species that has been seen working together to get food. One Nile observer will distract the female crocodile to lure her out of the nest, while the other will steal her eggs!
However, the most common method of foraging is to search for the corpses of dead animals and feed them with the remains.
What do lizards eat?
Whether their prey is dead when they find it, or whether they hunt it themselves, the main food for monitor lizards is birds, snakes, lizards, toads, small animals, pigs, deer, cattle and buffaloes. Depending on their location, some also eat crustaceans and turtles.
A complete list of what monitor lizards eat:
- Carrion
- Reptile eggs
- Birds
- Snakes
- Toad
- Lizards
- Crustaceans
- Turtles
- Deer
- Cattle
- Some people eat fruits and berries
Do they ever use their poison to hunt and kill prey?
Yes! The Komodo dragon attacks its prey and waits for the animals to bleed out. The venom prevents animals from clotting, so they lose too much blood to survive. For smaller animals, the Komodo dragon eats the entire animal, while the larger animals use their large claws to rip and eat.
What do free lizards eat?
The main predators of monitor lizards are humans, wild cats and large crocodiles. Humans hunt lizards for their hide to make leather goods and food. In many areas, lizards are listed as protected.
Are lizards dangerous for humans?
Lizard lizards do not want to harm, they keep aloof, but if provoked, they can attack, but attacks are rare. Since monitor lizards have sharp teeth and venom, their bites can be dangerous. Plus, their mouths are full of bacteria that can quickly cause infection, so people need to seek immediate medical attention if they ever get bitten.
[ad_2]
Source link