The Clouded Monitor

Written by Mr William Teng

It has been a while since you have heard from us but we are back again. 

Most of us are familiar with the Asian water monitor (Varanus salvator) especially if you live near the waterways of Singapore. It is a common sight here in Punggol as well as our neighbouring Sengkang.

Two Asian water monitor lizards along Punggol Waterway
Photo credit: Mr William Teng

These two fine specimens joined us for our annual Jogathon earlier this year in March. They were considerate to our runners and moved away from the running track to the riverbank. The students were probably unaware of their presence but it did worry the adults when we were first saw them.

There are actually three species of monitor lizards that can be found in Singapore and I was fortunate to see the clouded monitor (Varanus nebulous) in Bukit Timah (near Rail Mall) on Christmas last year. It is an excellent tree-climber and thus is largely arboreal in contrast to the water-loving Asian water monitor. This would explain why it was seen in the forested area of Bukit Timah. You might also notice the difference in the pattern of spots on their skin - the pattern on the clouded monitor is more regular and uniform than the one on the Asian water monitor which appears to be patchy.

A clouded monitor in the Bukit Timah area
Photo credit: Mr William Teng

The third species is Dumeril's monitor (Varanus dumerilii) which is highly elusive and rarely spotted. If you do see one, do share your experience and photos/videos with us.

Monitor lizards are generally shy but they can be dangerous so do avoid provoking them and leave them alone.