The reptile known as Ridge Tail Monitor is quite unique. A sleek and slender snake with beautifully patterned skin, attractive color, and a ridge like scales running along the tail part makes these reptiles irresistible to watch. All of them are indigenous to different regions of Australia and all of them are climbers and diggers.
The Ridge Tail Monitor is native to different areas within Australia which include the areas such as Western Australia, Northern territory as well as Queensland. These reptiles are adapted to live in various environments; desert environment, woodlands environment, and many others.
They are good climbers and several times it becomes easy to see such birds climbing trees, rocks or even cliffs. Like all monitors, Ridge Tail Monitors are excellent at digging to find holes where they can escape to or thermally control their body temperature. Their natural environment gives them various kinds of meals like insects, small mammals in addition to birds and their eggs.
Physiology and other phenotypical differences
The product known as the Ridge Tail Monitor is an extraordinary reptile that has those aspects of its body which are different from other members of its species and contain interesting features. Several of them may reach sizes of about 3 to 4 feet in length for some species; males are generally larger than the females. Main Spinosus is one of their most distinct markings consisting of ridge like scales running down the middle of the form’s tail. These ridges assist them in balance and also they bring them extra control or they get a better grip when climbing.
Ridge Tail Monitors are relatively long and thin with scales that may come in varying color of brown and grey, white bright yellow or even orange. They also have pointed claws and a long, snake like tongue which they use to feel the ground.
These tremendous reptiles are mainly inhabitant of the desert of Australia including the areas like Western Australia, Northern Territory and Queensland. It appears that they have developed to suit different terrains and they are found inhabiting deserts, woodlands and rocks. Ridge Tail Monitors are good climbers and utilize the strength of its limbs and sharp claws that help it in climbing trees and rocks.
They are also good diggers which help them make burrows to find shelter and to maintain proper body temperatures. As to the behavioural indicators of these monitors, people learn that they are rather intelligent and curious animals. These creatures are mainly diurnal and can be easily spotted going about to heat themselves up under the sun during the day. They are affiliated to the cat family and feed on almost any small animals such as; insects, mammals, birds and even eggs. These snakes are quite active and curious in their natural settings and are therefore quite impressive to watch in the wild.
Housing and Enclosure
When it comes to the construction of the enclosure of Ridge Tail Monitor, there are few rules to follow. First, make sure that the enclosure large enough that can contain them and their wonderful energizing activities. Juveniles should be housed in an enclosure of at least a size of 4ft by 6ft while the adult will require an even bigger space. Ensure that there are several ground substrates such as sand, soil and rocks to resemble their natural environment. These are climber like branches or rocks and shelters like logs or caves where young animals can hide. That’s why it’s important to maintain a temperature range with a hot area about 100-110F and cooler area about 80-85F. UVB lighting is rather crucial for them and needs to be supplied for 10-12 hours every day. Finally, provide fresh water and adequate and diverse food for your Ridge Tail Monitor to be cheerful and healthy in the habitat. .
Factors
These factor are important in ensuring that your scaled friend is comfortable and in good health. As far as temperature is concerned, you will need to create a thermal gradient throughout the said enclosure. This means having a basking area with temperatures of a hundred to a little over one hundred and ten F, 37 C to 43 C to be more specific, on one side, while the opposite end of the cage should be ‘cool’ at approximately eighty to eighty five F, 27-29 C, respectively. This makes it possible for your Ridge Tail Monitor to warm or cool up its body depending with the prevailing conditions.
Lighting, temperature, and humidity are also factors taken into consideration with regard to their housing and enclosure with the target humidity of the enclosure to be set at 50-60%. This can be done by spraying water inside the enclosure as well as giving shallow water dish to your monitor to swim in. When it comes to light, UVB light is needed for the proper living of your Ridge Tail Monitor. Arise the necessity to use a UVB bulb specially designed for the reptiles and light should be provided about 10-12 hours a day for their proper growth. This will help your monitor also to get its supply of calcium Vita and mineral so its bones will be strong.
For substrate, sand, soil, and rocks are used means by which the natural habitat of the insects is copied. It makes it possible for the animals to dig and burrow and this will help them in their over all body health. It is just important that the substrate should be clean from any chemical or sharp materials that would be dangerous to the larvae. Optimal of environmental conditions consists of temperature, humidity, light and substrate to create a comfortable and stimulating environment for Ridge Tail Monitor.
Feeding and diet
Speaking of Ridge Tail Monitor diet, these are carnivorous reptiles that can eat almost anything and at the same [time have very different taste preferences. Indeed, a balanced diet is known to be an important meals ingredient to the health and wellbeing of these Ridge Tail Monitors. They feed on insects, small mammals, and birds eggs in most of their diet plan. Proteins can be in form of insects like crickets, meal worms or roaches among others are considered appropriate for them. It is also possible to feed them little mammals such as mice and rats occasionally as part of their diet.
However, it is important to note that, the type of eggs they should be fed or allowed to take include; Chicken eggs or quails’ eggs etc. Parents should feed their children diversified diet to enable them get all their nutritional needs met adequately. Remember, that some food should be dusted with some calcium and vitamine to help their bones. And of course, always supply them with clean water to drink and to bath on and if you follow these guidelines then your Ridge Tail Monitor will stay happy and healthy.
Handling and interaction
Ridge Tail Monitor
Other aspects that has to be followed especially when it comes to Ridge Tail Monitors include minor disturbance, and slowly acclimatizing these lizards to handling. These reptiles are usually very timid and can even jump up when startled, therefore one should exercise a lot of caution while handling these reptiles. One should first enable an animal to familiarize itself with new surroundings before doing anything in regard to handling it.
When it is time to approach them, one should avoid sudden movements that could cause them to get intimidated. Establish a timetable for handling sessions and progradely increase the time spent on handling and the interval between handling sessions to increase comfort level that they extend contact with humans. This process may require some time depending on the monitor therefore one needs to be patient and allow the monitor to guide the group. This is something that all evaluators seeking to build trust as well as always work towards developing not only a positive interaction but also a positive experience from the Ridge Tail Monitors. The first thing that one should do is to let them settle because it is unadvisable to jump straight into handling it. Do not provoke them when in their presence especially by using any actions that might in one way or another make them get defensive.
Give them something they love such as chocolate and make sure you come close to talk or pat them softly so that they can feel comfortable. It may therefore be necessary to increase the time spent on handling sessions or the number of handling sessions as animals become more relaxed.
Health and Care
Parasites: Respiratory disease, Metabolic bone disease, Mouth rot, Cutting, bacterial infections and others: Ridge Tail Monitors. Some of the danger signs include: The pet being generally weak, refusing to eat its food, or just not seem active enough, and showing strange behaviors like confusion, or being less interested in activities that it used to enjoy. Prevention with this type of tissue is also possible through frequent vet check-ups and correct husbandry.
It is therefore important to take your Ridge Tail Monitor for health check-up every now and then. Get them to attend a reptile vet where you will have the young ones examined as well as having your concerns addressed. In as much as hygiene is concerned, ensure you occasionally sweep their enclosure, handful of fresh substrates and disinfected surfaces. Proper temperatures and humidity should be kept to avoid bacterial production and the food items should also remain fresh. All the same, it is important to also provide clean water to drink and make sure the food given to them is fresh. Strict hygiene would play a great role in ensuring the health and well being of your Monitor.
Breeding and Reproduction
Other than the interesting aspect of their behaviour and the reproductive process, Ridge Tail Monitors are interesting. It means that in order to get a renewed flow of females, males will beat their wings and perform various professional stunts. This can vary from head bobbing, tail wagging, as well as growling and biting.
If the female is receptive then mating follows which is characterised by the male holding around the female’s neck or body part. Once ejaculation has occurred, the female will deposit eggs typically in a well built nest. It lasts for several months and the depths of the nests control the sex of the hatchlings. There is also need to ensure that they have a proper nesting site as well as maintaining proper temperature for breeding.
Conclusion
In conclusion if you own a Ridge Tail Monitor, you should always ensure that you are aware of symptoms that are usually associated with illnesses and make sure your pet is taken for a vet check-up. The proper breeding behaviour of this species must also be understood to create the right conditions for breeding success. Also, proper grooming of the facility and lighting as well as adequate regulation of temperature will also help the well-being of the animals. If you adhere to the above suggestions you will be on the right track to a happy and healthy Ridge Tail Monitor.
