Emerald monitor
Scientific name: Varanus prasinus
IUCN listed as: Least Concern
Learn before you visit!
Here are some facts about the species – Discover what they eat, find out about their natural habitat, see what they like to do, and more… Set the reading style to suit you too, everyday speak or something aimed towards children.
Child-friendly
Everyday
Diet
The Emerald Monitor primarily feeds on insects, small mammals, and birds. They are adept hunters, using their sharp claws and agile bodies to catch prey. Additionally, they consume fruits and other plant materials, which provide essential nutrients. In captivity, their diet is supplemented with a variety of foods, including insects, small rodents, and specially formulated reptile food. This varied diet helps maintain their health and vitality in different environments.
Emerald Monitors eat insects, small animals, and fruits. They are great hunters and use their sharp claws to catch food. In zoos, they get a mix of insects, small rodents, and special reptile food. This helps them stay healthy and active.
Breeding
Emerald Monitors breed throughout the year, with females laying clutches of 2-4 eggs. The eggs are incubated for about 160-190 days, depending on the temperature and humidity. Hatchlings are independent from birth and must fend for themselves immediately. In the wild, they often lay eggs in tree hollows or other concealed locations to protect them from predators. Breeding success in captivity requires careful control of environmental conditions to mimic their natural habitat.
Emerald Monitors can have babies all year. The mother lays 2-4 eggs, which hatch after about 5-6 months. Baby monitors are on their own from the start. They need to find food and stay safe right away.
Habitat
The Emerald Monitor is native to the tropical forests of New Guinea and surrounding islands. They prefer dense forested areas with ample tree cover, which provides shelter and hunting grounds. These monitors are arboreal, spending much of their time in trees, where they are well-camouflaged by their green colouring. Habitat destruction due to deforestation poses a threat, but their adaptability allows them to survive in various forested environments. Conservation efforts focus on preserving their natural habitats.
Emerald Monitors live in the forests of New Guinea and nearby islands. They love dense forests with lots of trees to climb. Their green colour helps them blend in. Protecting their forest homes is very important.
At the zoo
In zoos, Emerald Monitors are housed in enclosures that replicate their natural tropical forest habitats. These enclosures include climbing structures, plants, and hiding spots to encourage natural behaviours. Zoos play a crucial role in their conservation by participating in breeding programmes and educating the public about their ecological importance. By providing a controlled environment, zoos help ensure the health and longevity of these reptiles. Additionally, research conducted in zoos contributes to our understanding of their needs and behaviours.
In zoos, Emerald Monitors live in spaces that look like their forest homes. These places have trees and plants for climbing and hiding. Zoos help by breeding them and teaching people about these lizards. This keeps them healthy and helps protect them.
Behaviour
Emerald Monitors are diurnal and arboreal, meaning they are active during the day and live in trees. They are solitary animals, with each individual maintaining its territory. Their behaviour includes hunting, basking in the sun, and hiding from predators. Communication is primarily through visual signals and body language. Understanding their behaviour in the wild helps improve their care in captivity and informs conservation strategies.
These lizards are active during the day and live in trees. They usually live alone and like to hunt and bask in the sun. They use body movements to communicate. Knowing how they behave helps us take better care of them.
Fun facts
- Tree Dwellers: Emerald Monitors spend most of their time in trees.
- Colour Change: They can change shades of green to blend in with their surroundings.
- Sharp Claws: Their sharp claws help them climb and catch prey.
- Long Tongue: They have long, forked tongues to sense their environment.
- Egg Layers: Females lay eggs in tree hollows to keep them safe.
- Tree Lovers: Emerald Monitors love living in trees.
- Green Camouflage: They can change green shades to hide better.
- Climbing Pros: Their sharp claws help them climb trees.
- Super Tongue: They use their long tongues to smell and explore.
- Egg Protectors: They lay eggs in tree holes to keep them safe.
More animals to discover at our zoo
Quick Links
Tickets & Prices
You can buy tickets for Exmoor Zoo securely online, as well as finding out more price options, discover offers, and more…
What’s on…
Exmoor Zoo hosts incredible Events all through the year. You can find out about what we’ve got in store here…
Routes & info
Like any great discovery, Exmoor Zoo can feel a little off the beaten path – but don’t worry – you can plan your journey with our recommended routes and other useful travel info.
