6/22/2015 VP1 Female Varanus Panoptes

Female Argus Monitor.

 

This photo was taken just before I fed this Argus. I have read and seen first hand the aggressive feeding response of Argus monitors. However nothing like on this day!

 

I have 2 enclosures that contain Argus Monitors. One contains 3 Argus monitors and the other (an 8'x4'x6') contains Black Throats, Dumerils, and an Argus.

 

I always tong feed as well as leaving a plate of food in the enclosure after tong feeding.

 

All the monitors readily tong feed and will take food off the tongs before they will off a dish.

 

I was tong feeding the Argus that is in the 8'x4'x6' enclosure and turned to grab more ground turkey with the tongs.

 

As I turned back toward the enclosure with the tongs, the Argus came leaping out of the enclosure at the meat hanging on the tongs and landed on the floor with a mouthful of turkey.

 

After gobbling down the turkey, she made continuous frantic leaps toward the tongs. It was as though she was on a pogo stick!

 

I was amazed at the height of the leaping attempts and the incredible zeal with which they were made.

Done