Pilbara Rock Monitor
  Varanus pilbarensis



These photographs were taken at Perth Zoo

The Pilbara rock monitor is a medium sized slender monitor with a long neck and very long thin tail. 

It is approx 160mm from snout to vent and its tail length is 50mm.

 

 

Confined to a small area of the Pilbara in Western Australia.  Prefers rocky hills, cliff faces and gorges of the arid Pilbara region in WA sheltering in the rocks where it can make swift leaps over the boulders.


Monitors or Goannas bury their eggs for incubation.  For the eggs to hatch the temperature must be between 20-35 degrees depending on the species.


Weano Gorge Karijini National Park

 

Take a look at our video of this monitor at Perth Zoo.

I have seen a Pilbara Rock monitor at Karijini National Park.  I was climbing up the stairs coming out of Weano gorge in August. It walked across the path in front of us quite undisturbed by the people going up and down the stairs.  I didn't have my camera with me as we had just swam through the Handrail pool and beyond.

 What do they eat? 

They become active after sunset.  I was unable to find what they eat.

 


Go here to learn more about this animal
Varnaris Pilbarensis
Pilbarensis

Text
"Australian Reptiles A Photographic Reference to the Terrestrial Reptiles of Australia" by Stephen K Wilson, David G Knowles.


 

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