Water Monitor Lizard in Sundarbans

Among the myriad of life forms in the mangrove forests of Sundarbans, the water monitor lizard stands out as a formidable predator of this intricate ecosystem. If you are in Sundarbans then you will definitely come across these water monitor lizards. They can grow even up to 10 feet long, making them the second largest monitor lizard species in the world. They are versatile hunters, preying on fish, birds, insects and even carrion. You will find them slowly moving on the water edge trying to find crabs, fish etc. They have keen sense of smell. To some they appear menacing with their forked tongue protruding out of the mouth.

Their powerful limbs help them swim from one island to another by easily braving the challenging currents. Their webbed feet further helps in swimming. The long tail is used as a rudder to easily change directions. From a distance you may feel that there is a snake in water as the head and neck are more likely to be visible. However on closer look you will realize that it is a water monitor lizard.

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They are also expert climbers, so you may find them raiding bird nests or simply sunning themselves on a branch. From a distance people often mistake them for crocodiles and think that a crocodile has climbed on a tree.

The mangrove forests offer shelter and hunting grounds for the water monitor lizard. This species need to be preserved as their presence is vital for the ecological balance.

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Sabyasachi Patra

Sabyasachi is an award winning Cinematographer and shoots for international broadcasters, production houses and corporates to make a living. He is a passionate filmmaker/wildlife photographer and has won awards and accolades for his documentary 'A Call in the Rainforest' and "Discovering Rann". He has been striving to make his films and photographs full of life and emotion and writing articles to educate and evangelise the need for conserving the last tracts of vanishing wilderness and wildlife in our country. He hopes that his wildlife films, photographs and writings force people to pause, look, ponder and ultimately take action.

Sabyasachi is available for Hire as a DP for shoots any where in India.

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