Monitor lizards (genus Varanus) have attracted a great deal of interest--these large and impressive lizards are often the centerpiece of reptile house exhibits. Monitors tend to be fairly wary and difficult to observe--therefore they are not particularly tractable research subjects, but they have nevertheless received an extraordinary amount of attention from devoted students.Varanoid Lizards of the World is a comprehensive account of virtually everything important that is known about monitor lizards, beginning with detailed species accounts and proceeding to various modern comparative analyses. Where possible, people who have had detailed field experience with a particular species have assembled species accounts. In the process of reporting what is known, we also identify what remains to be learned about these lizards. We hope to establish a prototype showing how such a diverse monophyletic group can be exploited both to identify and to understand the actual course of evolution. As such, this effort becomes a protocol for future workers to follow for other groups of closely-related species.

The Monitor Lizard is large; adults can grow up to 7 feet in length. A vicious predator that will eat anything it can fit into its mouth. Native to Africa, the Monitor Lizard has successfully established a new home in Florida, disrupting an already delicate ecosystem.

What caused their extinction remains a mystery, and one that makes an intriguing conclusion to this portrait of a true dragon of the past.

Monitor lizards are some of the most exciting captives that reptile enthusiasts can keep. They are always the center of attention at zoos and pet stores, where their dinosaur-like form captivates and entertains adults and children alike. While many species are inappropriate pets for all but the most experienced keepers, several of the smaller species make wonderful captives. Nevertheless, even the smallest species require relatively large cages and inordinate amounts of food, so keepers must consider the acquisition of a monitor lizard carefully. For those that choose to add a monitor lizard to their family, it is imperative to learn about the biology, natural history and habitats of these remarkable lizards. By doing so, you can gain a better understanding of their needs, allowing you to keep your pet happy and healthy for many years. Topics covered in this book: - Anatomy - Biology - Behavior - Taxonomy - Costs - Acquiring - Captive Habitat - Enclosures - Heating - Lighting - Temperature - Maintenance - Feeding - Hydration - Interaction - Health Problems - Breeding - Good pet species ----- and much more

X-Books are for kids who love facts—especially in bite-sized portions and about fascinating, true subjects. As plentiful images and graphical representations stimulate visual perception, readers will be drawn into learning how to use informational texts. Each title is framed by a signature Top 5 countdown feature that not only serves as an example of sequential order but also narrates a brief story within the main topic: in X-Books: Reptiles, these sidebars summarize the extraordinary abilities and features of some of the most intriguing reptiles in the animal kingdom. Count down the world's most extreme reptiles, and launch a lifetime of reading without limits! A countdown of five of the most fascinating monitor lizards provides thrills as readers learn about the biological, social, and hunting characteristics of these poisonous, long-tailed reptiles.