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Specialized for an arboreal lifestyle, the green tree monitor’s slender body and long claws enable it to lie along slim tree branches without slipping. It also holds on by wrapping its long, prehensile tail around a tree branch. While most monitors are solitary, the green tree monitor hangs out in small groups.

green tree monitor on a branch

Did You Know?

Lost Amongst the Leaves: The green tree monitor’s coloring, ranging from green to turquoise, matches that of the surrounding leaves.

Quick Facts

Latin Name:
Varanus prasinus

Range:
New Guinea and northern Australia

Habitat:
Forest and swamp

Length:
2.5 to 3.3 ft

Lifespan:
More than 10 yrs

Zoo Location:
Dragons!

Diet:
Small animals, such as insects and crabs, and eggs