Black Tree Monitor - VS

Black Tree Monitor (or Varanus becarri) are from the Aru Islands located just off the west coast of New Guinea. They spend the majority of their lives in the treetops of the island's forests as well as mangrove swamps and vines. Hatchlings and juveniles are a dark grey in colour, with regular rows of bright yellow-green dots which are particularly noticeable on their backs. As they mature, they turn completely black, losing the colourful dots. Fully grown specimens reach 90–120 cm (35–47 in) in length, with the males slightly larger than the females.

Adaptations
The black tree monitor is generally well adapted for living in trees. Its tail is particularly long, sometimes two-thirds of the overall body length, and is used in a manner to stabilise the animal in the branches.The black tree monitor’s feet sport large claws and adhesive soles, which help it to maintain grip in the trees. It also has unusually long teeth for a monitor of its size, which may help it to hold on to prey it catches in the canopy. Black tree monitors in the wild are reported to be nervous and high-strung; they will flee if threatened, and if handled carelessly, will scratch, bite, and defecate on the offender.

Thermoregulation
Varanus becarri is from a tropical climate that experiences high daytime temps. In the wild they would likely be able to thermoregulate by basking in the sunlight that penetrates the canopy or in areas that are in full sunlight as they are ectotherms; organisms that regulates their body temperature largely by exchanging heat with its surroundings. When in captivity, must use full spectrum lighting 12-14 hours per day and provide a basking area with access to a cooler zone, and must have several climbing areas on branches, logs, & plants.

Conservation
Black tree monitors are classed as vulnerable due to the destruction of their habitat. They are also at risk from the illegal trade of reptiles as pets.