STATUSLeast Concern
COMMON NAME (SCIENTIFIC NAME)Varanus prasinus
DIETTree-dwelling insects, crabs, small mammals, and frogs
RANGENew Guinea and Northern Australia
HABITATRainforests, swamps, and palm stands
- Not yet evaluated
- Least Concern
- Near threatened
- Vulnerable
- Endangered
- Critically Endangered
- Extinct in the wild
Green Tree Monitor
Physical Description
Green tree monitors are a type of lizard that can grow to be about 3 feet long with their tail being about twice the size of their body. They are dark jade to lime green with black crossbands, They have long claws and prehensile tails for gripping tree branches.
Predators
Some predators they may encounter include snakes and birds of prey.
Lifespan
They live an average of 10-15 years.
Reproduction
Females have been known to use termite mounds as nests because they serve as good incubators. The female may lay up to 3 clutches of eggs which will hatch after about 160-190 days.
Fun Facts
- Green tree monitors are also known as emerald tree monitors.
- They live in small groups that comprise of a dominant male, several females, a few other males, and juveniles.
Conservation Messaging
In our Reptile and Amphibian (RAD) center you will find many different reptiles and amphibians including venomous and poisonous species of snakes and frogs. Many of these animals fall victim to habitat loss in the wild. Many of the species here are found in South American habitats which are subjected to deforestation, damming of rivers, water pollution, and poor agricultural and management practices.
