Common Name: Bengal Monitor Lizard
Scientific Name: Varanus bengalensis 
Family: Varanidae
Nepali Name: Vhaise Gohoro ( भैंसे गोहोरो )
Size: Snout-vent 75 cm, Tail 100 cm 
Location: Chitwan, Nepal 

The Bengal Monitor Lizard is one of Nepal’s large terrestrial lizards, found primarily in lowland and mid-hill regions, at elevations below 1,500 metres. These reptiles favour a variety of habitats, from subtropical forests and grasslands to agricultural land and river valleys, where there is sufficient ground cover, loose soil, rocks, or burrows for shelter.

Adults may reach up to 175 cm in total length, including tail, with males usually somewhat larger and heavier than females. Their skin exhibits earthy tones, grey, olive, or brown, with darker crossbands or spotting, which tend to fade with age. Young monitors are more vividly patterned, aiding their camouflage among leaf litter and branches.

The Bengal Monitor Lizard is mainly active during daylight hours. It forages on insects and other invertebrates, small vertebrates, eggs, and occasionally scavenges. When threatened, it may retreat into burrows, tree hollows, or flattened grass; juveniles are more arboreal and agile climbers than large adults. Threats such as habitat loss, hunting, and persecution persist.

Please feel free to comment below if the above species has been misidentified.

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