Hanging' out with a big buddy on a sunny day
Most have that friend that really is half dragon and a bit scary, but still a nice fellow to hang out with on a hot day.
This couple really did not much out of the day. The Turtle kept his toes in the water, and as I was walking by several times, the large Water Monitor only changed the position of his snout.
Opportunistic and widespread
The Asian water monitor (Varanus Salvator) is a large varanid lizard native to Southeast and South Asia. It is common from the coastal eastern India to Southern China and Indonesia.
Water monitors are highly opportunistic when choosing habitats, and it is semiaquatic. Meaning they can live near or in human habitats where they have easy access to large water resources.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asian_water_monitor
Size and weight of Asian water monitors is second only to the Komodo Dragon lizards.
Eat or get eaten and skinned
Varans are top-level predators. The only natural enemies are crocodiles and humans. They eat a huge variation of food, from fish and rodents to human garbage and domesticated cats and dogs. They are not considered a direct danger for humans, but they may bite if cornered. Varanid bites are filled with oral bacteria that can lead to serious infections.
Water monitors are an edible animal, hunted and served as a delicious source of protein in several Southeast Asian dishes and in Indian cuisines.
Invasive buddy
The Red eared slider Terrapin turtle is not native to Southeast Asia at all, its origins in North America around Gulf of Mexico. It is considered one of the worst invasive species in the world, being spread as a pet release or escapees.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red-eared_slider
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