Play Behavior by a Yellow Monitor, Varanus flavescens (Hardwicke and Gray 1827)

Khandakar, Naim; Jeny, Kamrun Nahar; Islam, Shariful; Hakim, Md. Azizul; Pony, Iftekharul Amin

doi:10.17161/randa.v27i2.14261

“…Alternatively, play may arise when there is minimal stress and sufficient resources to allow time for other behaviors, a theory proposed as the Surplus Resource Theory [96]. In addition to reports of play in captive varanids, a wild yellow monitor (V. flavescens) was recently observed vertical swimming in a forward/backward motion in what was perceived to be play [97]. If monitor lizards play, it is an added incentive to provide enrichment [32] that promotes these behaviors, particularly as such behaviors tend to be motivationally robust and do not readily habituate [38].…”

Section: Play Behaviourmentioning

confidence: 99%

Fundamental Knowledge on Forgotten Species

2023

0

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Alternatively, play may arise when there is minimal stress and sufficient resources to allow time for other behaviors, a theory proposed as the Surplus Resource Theory [96]. In addition to reports of play in captive varanids, a wild yellow monitor (V. flavescens) was recently observed vertical swimming in a forward/backward motion in what was perceived to be play [97]. If monitor lizards play, it is an added incentive to provide enrichment [32] that promotes these behaviors, particularly as such behaviors tend to be motivationally robust and do not readily habituate [38].…”

Section: Play Behaviourmentioning

confidence: 99%

Overlooked and Under-Studied: A Review of Evidence-Based Enrichment in Varanidae

Howard

¹

,

Freeman

²

2022

JZBG

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Enrichment has become a key aspect of captive husbandry practices as a means of improving animal welfare by increasing environmental stimuli. However, the enrichment methods that are most effective varies both between and within species, and thus evaluation underpins successful enrichment programs. Enrichment methods are typically based upon previously reported successes and those primarily with mammals, with one of the main goals of enrichment research being to facilitate predictions about which methods may be most effective for a particular species. Yet, despite growing evidence that enrichment is beneficial for reptiles, there is limited research on enrichment for Varanidae, a group of lizards known as monitor lizards. As a result, it can be difficult for keepers to implement effective enrichment programs as time is a large limiting factor. In order for appropriate and novel enrichment methods to be created, it is necessary to understand a species’ natural ecology, abilities, and how they perceive the world around them. This is more difficult for non-mammalian species as the human-centered lens can be a hinderance, and thus reptile enrichment research is slow and lagging behind that of higher vertebrates. This review discusses the physiological, cognitive, and behavioral abilities of Varanidae to suggest enrichment methods that may be most effective.

show abstract