MONITORS 
Monitors are large, water-loving lizards, of great strength and fierceness. 
The monitors are distinguished from other lizards by their long, smooth 
tongue, deeply cleft like that of a serpent, and by their long neck, which 
greatly enhances their biting power. The skin of the monitors is smooth, 
covered above with round granular scales and beneath with smooth square 
shields. 
They derive their name from the fact that the Nile monitor is believed 
to give warning of the presence of crocodiles. 
Powerful swimmers, they are aided by a relatively long tail, which 
in many species is laterally compressed. The teeth of this hunting lizard 
are large and pointed. Monitors may be gray, brown or black and orna¬ 
mented, especially when young, with dull yellow markings in the form of 
spots or transverse bars. Some species are found in desert or water regions, 
and may be good tree climbers. 
WATER MONITOR 
The slender, nine-foot kabara goya, or water monitor, pursues its prey 
by land and by water. In search of fishes it glides rapidly through rivers 
and streams with the help of its flattened tail, and is capable of submerging 
for long periods of time. With equal agility the yellow-spotted reptile 
climbs trees for birds’ eggs and, on occasion, makes a meal of the corpses 
which the natives of Siam sometimes “bury” on a bough. Amid the jungle 
marshes the intrepid lizard will attack other reptiles and mammals. Rush¬ 
ing furiously upon its prey, it grasps it in its jaws and shakes it to death. 
If the animal struggles, the kabara goya holds it down with its claws, while 
its jaws seek a better hold. A small victim will be tossed about till its head 
points down the reptile’s throat and then swallowed in a series of rapid 
gulps. Larger prey may be dropped after the struggle. The monitor rests 
from its exertion, licks its jaws, feels about the dead beast with its tongue, 
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