Quote:
Originally Posted by razeraze
Monitors are snakes closest relatives so that would be my best example.
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"Using statistical methods to compare differences in the sequences of two genes—RAG1 and C-mos—among these species, the researchers demonstrated that monitor lizards are not directly related to snakes. Rather, monitors, such as Indonesia's fast-moving predatory Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis), are closely related to other groups—including the glass lizards of Europe and North America—not believed to be snake relatives. The findings were recently published online in the science journal Biology Letters. " -National Geographic News
Quote:
Originally Posted by razeraze
Just google komodo dragon images and you will see many with fat roles in their tales up near their hips, and huge stomachs.
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Because of hibernation behavoirs (not seen in boas or pythons) during which a high level of fat storage is necessary (I just did my own research.. I never knew komodos hibernate). Same apparantly applies to monitors as well.
"As with many animals, food availability varies seasonally, especially in areas subject to regular flooding or droughts. It has been my impression, knowing what I do about the areas in which savannahs live as well as learning about them in captivity, that they are gorge feeders. That is, gorge when food is available to build up energy stores to get them through periods of decreased food availability.
Many species of monitors do this, and this is why I mentioned that examining how diet varies seasonally for various monitor species could be important. In addition, some species have periods of inactivity (essentially hibernation of sorts), so they may gorge in anticipation of such activity (or inactivity, if you will). Savannah monitors and white-throats (V. albigularis) are two such species where at least some populations may show such behavior.
Obesity in savannahs seems to be caused by the same behavior that causes much of the obesity in other captive animals: overfeeding by the keeper.
This seems to be a particular problem when the animal in question acts like it is still hungry even though it has taken in sufficient amounts for its age, health and physical status. This appears to be what happens with savannahs in captivity - their gorge behavior is interpreted as actual hunger, and so the animal is fed based on this behavior, rather than overall physical appearance." - Michael Balsai
