Range

Their range extends across much of South-East Asia. They can be found in the following countries: Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, Hong Kong; India, Indonesia, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Viet Nam.

Habitat

They make their home across a wide range of habitats including mangroves, swamps, wetlands, forest and shrubland.

As they have proven tolerant of human expansion they can often be found in canals, cities and agricultural areas.

Reproduction

Breeding takes place from April to October.

Following a successful mating the female will lay up to 50 eggs. These are laid alongside rotting logs and stumps.

The eggs incubate for 5-6 months before hatching.

Sexual maturity is tied to size but is typically reached around 2 years old. Males mature at 1m (3.3ft) long while female are mature at 0.5m (1.64ft).

Behavior

Due to their powerful leg muscles they are quick runners and able to chase down prey at high speeds.

Males create a home territory. This is fiercely defended and they will attack other males who enter their area often leaving large wounds on their opponent.

These semi-aquatic animals spend much of their day around water. They are able to remain fully submerged for up to 30 minutes. Asian water monitors can live in both fresh and salt water and have been seen swimming out at sea.

They are also agile climbers and can easily move through the trees.

Predators and Threats

Asian water monitors face threats from humans due to hunting for their skin. They appear resilient to hunting as large females are often not targeted.

If the Asian water monitor is being hunted by a predator they jump from tree to tree until they can get to the safety of a river.

They also fall prey to vehicle strikes and are collected for the pet trade.

Quick facts

Asian water monitors have a number of additional names including common water monitor, Malayan water monitor, two-banded monitor, rice lizard, ring lizard and plain lizard.