Black Tree Monitor
Varanus beccari
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Range and habitat:
Black tree monitors live in moist forests and
mangroves on Aru Island, Papua New Guinea.
Natural diet:
These animals eat insects, spiders and other
invertebrates, plus small mammals, hatchling birds and eggs. At The Toledo
Zoo, they are generally fed small mice and insects.
Size / weight range:
The black tree monitor grows to be 3 to
4 feet long.
Interesting Facts:
Black tree monitors are largely arboreal (meaning
that they live in trees), and their long claws help them climb. These
lizards have unusually long teeth, which is probably an adaptation for
maintaining a secure hold on prey high up in trees. Black tree monitors
are usually very high strung and flee quickly when approached.
Location at The Toledo Zoo:
The Reptile House
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