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Varanus Gouldi


Varanus Gouldi
Photo Information
Copyright: Aan M Anshar (aan) (115)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2008-02-16
Categories: Reptiles
Exposure: f/2.8, 1/1250 seconds
More Photo Info: [view]
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2008-02-16 6:53
Viewed: 628
Points: 4
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
The name sand monitor can be used to describe many different species. The Gould's monitor is a terrestrial or "ground-dwelling" reptile that excavates large burrows for shelter. Rock escarpments and tree hollows are also suitable dwellings. Varanus gouldii inhabits a vast range throughout Australia. The Gould's monitor reaches an average size of 140 cm with the males attaining larger sizes. They can be found in Northern and Eastern Australia where they inhabit open woodlands and grasslands. Varanus flavirufus, a similar species resides in Australia's interior. There are some places however where Gould's, Flavi's and Argus all live in the same area. The similarities between the species and their close proximity frequently cause taxonomic confusion.

The Gould's monitor is a relentless forager. It is diurnal so most of its activities take place during the day. Anything smaller than itself will be eagerly devoured. The diet of hatchlings and juveniles often consists mostly of insects and small lizards but generally varies more with age. Adult monitors will prey on mice, large insects, small agamids and geckoes, smaller varanids, snakes, and carrion. The Gould's monitor does consume smaller species of monitor. Ackies, Rock Monitors and other dwarf species are often found and eaten. It is common to see a Gould's disturbing rock piles in an attempt to flush out any odatria.

Scientific classification
Kingdom:Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Sauropsida
Order: Squamata
Family: Varanidae
Genus: Varanus
Species:V. gouldii

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Really nice, I thought it looks like a T-shirt ;) very nice photo

Very creative! Again... perfect execution on pressing the shutter button. You captured the interesting SsShhh emotion, hehehe! Thanks for sharing

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