Emerald Varan

Emerald monitor lizards live alone in the wild, but males do seek out females for mating.

Females then lay their eggs in tree-hanging termite nests so that the young can feed on the termites and their eggs after they hatch.

The emerald monitor lizard lives in the trees. It has large scales on its feet and a thin body to help it keep its balance and stand firm on thin branches. For this, it uses its tail to grasp branches.

Unlike other monitor lizards, the emerald monitor lizard always tries to protect its tail rather than use it as a defence mechanism.

• Distribution: Tropical lowland rainforest in New Guinea, Moa Island and smaller islands in the Torres Strait
• Population: Not threatened
• Weight: 400-600 grams
• Body length: 75-100 centimetres including tail
• Mating season: Can take place all year round. However, mostly in the summer months
• Sexual maturity: Approximately 2 years
• Incubation period: 160-190 days
• Number of eggs: Five eggs up to three times a year
• Food: Omnivorous; insects, amphibians, reptiles, small mammals, leaves and fruits
• Zoo menu: Mice, cockroaches, crickets and grasshoppers, plus some fruit and veg
• Life expectancy: 15 years in captivity
• Latin name: Varanus prasinus