Rare New Guinea Monitor Lizards Arrive At Almaty Zoo

Almaty Zoo has welcomed rare crocodile monitors for the first time, adding one of the world’s most striking reptile species to its collection, Orda.kz reports.

The Almaty Zoo has acquired unusual new residents. Rare Salvadori’s monitor lizards have appeared there for the first time. These large reptiles are considered among the most impressive monitor species and in the wild live only on the island of New Guinea.

The Almaty akimat said the Salvadori’s monitor (Varanus salvadorii), also known as the crocodile monitor, attracts attention with its size, long tail and skin that resembles a crocodile’s. The reptiles were brought to Almaty from Indonesia. Each of them is more than 10 years old.

According to Alexander Gurnev, head of the zoo’s exotarium department, the reptiles have already adapted successfully to their new conditions.

The reptiles feel great and are exploring the terrarium with interest. It was specially equipped to reflect their natural habitat, with high temperature and humidity. I hope the monitor lizards will like it here and live a long and happy life.he said. 

Visitors can see the rare reptiles in the exotarium section of the Almaty Zoo. The zoo also tells visitors about the animals’ особенностей. For example, monitor lizards use their forked tongues to detect scents in the environment and locate prey.

Original author: Alina Elgeldina

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