Fauna
Reptile

Clouded Monitor

Varanus nebulosus

Also known as Clouded Monitor Lizard, Clouded Bengal Monitor

Clouded monitors spend their days foraging among leaf litter and climbing tree trunks across Southeast Asia, using their strong claws to navigate vertical bark with ease. They communicate subtle body language through tongue-flicking and inflation of their throats when threatened. Though often confused with the related Bengal monitor, these lizards feature distinctive cloudy grey and yellowish speckling along their backs.

ReptileTree ClimberDiurnal
Clouded Monitor reference1 / 7
(c) Ian Dugdale, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Ian Dugdale · cc-by
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyInsects, Small rodents, Bird eggs
Predators
  • Pythons
  • Large eagles
  • Saltwater crocodiles
ThreatsHabitat destruction, collection for pet trade, local hunting for meat and skins
HabitatsTropical rainforests, woodlands, mangrove edges, plantations
Life span10–15 years
Classification
  1. FamilyVaranidae
  2. GenusVaranus
  3. SpeciesVaranus nebulosus
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Can deliver a painful bite or scratch if handled or cornered; keep a respectful distance.
Why it is dangerous
Equipped with sharp claws, strong jaws, and infectious oral bacteria that can cause deep wounds and serious secondary infection if provoked.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Recognizable by its pale greyish-brown back covered in yellowish cloudy spots and yellow-ringed nostrils positioned halfway to the eye.
What to do
Never attempt to handle or corner wild monitor lizards; back away slowly if one exhibits a puffed throat or open mouth.
Responsible observation
  • Observation Distance: Give climbing monitors several meters of space so they do not feel trapped.
  • Spotting Technique: Scan thick tree trunks and high branches during warm, sunny mornings.
Related species
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