Lace Monitor (Tree Goanna)

## About

A lace monitor.

The lace monitor ***(Varanus varius)*** is a species of monitor lizard endemic to Australia. In Australia, the lace monitor is much more commonly known by the name goanna, which it received due to its superficial resemblance to iguana species. The name lace monitor is used in reference to the monitor's patterning, which resemble cream/ yellow laces against the darker grey, black or dull blue scales of the lizard's body. The laces may also appear light lime coloured in some individuals. Accompanying the laces, lace monitors will also have spotted patterning across their bodies and on their snouts and limbs. Though this is the more common patterning of the lace monitor, another form, the Bell's phase lace monitor, is also quite common. Bell's lace monitors have much thicker light bands that give them a cross-walk like pattern. Some external features remain constant, namely the tails, claws and forked-tongues of the two variants. The tail of the lace monitor is quite long and tapers towards the end of its tail. the bands on the tail widen also towards the tip. As the lace monitor is adapted to an arboreal lifestyle, the claws of the monitor are pronounced and hooked, which allows greater arboreal movement. Lastly the forked-tongue allow the lace monitor to intake odours from either direction of its orientation. The lace monitor can reach 2,m (7ft) in length and weigh up to 14kg (30lbs). Historic reports tell of lace monitor individuals that reached 2.4m (8ft), though these individuals likely no longer exist, if they did at all.

## Diet

lace monitors are apex predators and thus utilise a carnivorous diet. Lace monitors have been known to hunt mostly in trees, preying upon snakes, lizards, insects, small birds, rabbits and other small mammals, frogs and the eggs of birds and reptiles. Sometimes lace monitors will take advantage of already deceased animals, eating carrion. Lace monitors hunt with the use of venom. This venom is said to have similar toxicity to rattlesnake venom and it helps subdue prey items however, it is not harmful to humans.

## Conservation Status

Clearance of forested areas and other forms of habitat degradation could be threats for the lace monitor however, it is an extremely adaptable species that can likely overcome these issues. Lace monitors have no other threats or major conservation issues and are listed by the IUCN as least concern.

## Range and Population

The population of the lace monitor is unknown however, the numbers are likely stable, due to their vast range and adaptable nature. Lace monitors can be found inhabiting eastern and southern Australia and occur in the states of Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, A.C.T and South Australia. Lace monitors only inhabit mainland Australia and are absent from Tasmania. Due to their widespread distribution, the lace monitor can be found in a massive variety of habitats including but not limited to; rainforests, shrublands, woodlands, deserts, coastlines and rainforests. Lace monitors are so adaptive that they often near urban areas and even make their way into people's homes.

## Behaviour

Although they are evidently a large reptile, the lace monitor is an extremely adept climber, sometimes scaling brick walls in search of shelter. juvenile lace monitors are even more arboreal than their adult counterparts. Adult lace monitors will typically inhabit the same area, with one individual apparently being recorded living in the same tree for years. Adult lace monitors will move even less frequently during Winter months. It temperate regions mating season occurs during Summer (December-January). Up to 6 males may congregate around a receptive female in order to court her successfully. Males will fight ferociously in order to obtain breeding rights, standing on their hind legs and grappling with each other, whilst clawing at one another. The subsequent mating may take multiple hours. Females lay an average of 8 eggs into either an active termite mound or at the base of a tree however, sometimes a female may lay a clutch of 12 eggs. If nesting shortages occur, females will fight over possible nests, or lay their eggs in burrows or hollow logs. eventually, at around 6-7 months, the eggs will hatch during the Winter months and hatchlings will surround the nest for around a week before becoming independent and leaving its vicinity. Females will return to the same nest for their next clutch of eggs.

### Relationship with Humans

Lace monitors are often feared by people due to their impressive size. It is often advised in reserve and natural areas that lace monitors should be viewed at a distance due to the danger that they oppose. lace monitors are also known to invade campsites in order to retrieve food. If this occurs, it is advised that loud noises should be used to deter the reptiles. The killing of lace monitors, even in self defense is strictly prohibited, as they are protected by law (as is all native Australian wildlife). History between the lace monitors and humans go back thousands of years, namely the Aboriginal people Australia would often eat lace monitors, as their large size provided a great food source. The Warlpiri people of Central Australia referred to the lace monitor as 'Wardapil'. The lace monitor is a respected and valued animal in many Aboriginal cultures across Central and Northern Australia. The lace monitor creator spirit symbolises how to conduct oneself's urge when to hunt. The Nyangbal people of Bundjalung believe that they are the direct ancestors of the lace monitor ancestral spirit, Dirawong. In the present, lace monitors are seen less favourably, often being blamed for the disappearances of poultry livestock. Regardless of how they are perceived, the lace monitor is undeniably extremely important to Australian culture and identity.

## In Captivity

Lace monitors are unsurprisingly, extremely common in Australian zoos, being exhibited in Ballarat Wildlife Park, Melbourne Zoo, Healesville Sanctuary and Phillip Island Zoo. Internationally lace monitors also remain popular and can be found in Rotterdam Zoo, Netherlands, Orana Wildlife Park, New Zealand, Helsinki Zoo Finland and even Bronx Zoo in the US. It is actually legal to own a lace monitor in Australia, they may go for up to $700 dollars on the market. Lace monitors can be great pets if managed properly, despite their intimidating appearance and qualities.

## Sources

* IUCN Red List of Threatened Species - https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/83779090/101752385
* Lace Monitor | iNaturalist Australia - https://inaturalist.ala.org.au/taxa/39469-Varanus-varius
* Goanna | Central Art Aboriginal Art Store - https://www.aboriginalartstore.com.au/aboriginal-art-culture/aboriginal-dreamtime-stories/goanna-dreaming/#:~:text=The%20Goanna%20is%20a%20large,Perente%20in%20the%20Pintupi%20language.
* Lace Monitor | ZOOINSTITUTES - https://zooinstitutes.com/animals/lace-monitor-1704/
* Lace Monitor Fact Sheet | Government of South Australia pdf - https://cdn.environment.sa.gov.au/parks/docs/murray-river-national-park/lace-monitor-fact-sheet.pdf?v=1610572455
* Lace Monitor | Billabong Sanctuary - https://www.billabongsanctuary.com.au/lace-monitor/
* Goanna | Kate Owen Aboriginal Art - https://www.kateowengallery.com/page/goanna-aboriginal-art
* Keeping Lizards And Snakes | Burke's Backyard - https://www.burkesbackyard.com.au/fact-sheets/pets/pet-road-tests/others/keeping-lizards-and-snakes/