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| About: Varanus
tristis is a very adaptable species of small to medium sized monitor
lizard that is found throughout much of Australia. They are a very
adaptable lizard with a variety of appearances. Range: This species has one of the most extensive ranges of any Varanid in Australia. They are only absent from the far south reaches of the southern states and Tasmania. I have observed specimens in areas of Western Australia, the Northern Territory, and Queensland. Habitat: The blackheaded monitor is at home in the woodlands or stony outcrops throughout their range. They are adept climbers and utilze many vertical surfaces. Natural History Notes: This is a very warry smaller species of monitor lizard that utilizes trees and rocks as cover the instant they feel threatened. I came upon one individual in central Australia that was perched on a rock. As I moved to take out my camera for a photo, the lizard was under the rock in an instant. As long as you keep your distance, you may observe these lizards, but get to close and you will not see them again for a while. There is a wide range of variation in appearance across the range of these monitors, and two subspecies have been proposed. The nominant V. t. tristis, commonly referred to as the blackheaded monitor, is reported to occur from the western part of the range. This subspecies can often have a jet black head and tail, with reddish orange or yellow occeli on the body. Like other monitor lizards, this species is a high octane, sun loving animal. They are also not very picky about what they eat, spending time chasing down insects or smaller lizards. Their speed aids them in their hunting activity. Their sharp claws allow them to readily climb trees or rock faces. The dark head and tail are thought to help them blend into the dark hollows of branches and may also help them warm up their head more quickly. General Notes: There are rumours that the majority of V. tristis in the US are a mix between the blackheaded and freckled appearance of V. tristis. The animals we keep are from the commonly kept line, but have a similar appearance to the tristis from central Australia (see the photos to the right). A specimen that was seen in the vicinity of Alice Springs is shown to the right and in this video. |  
Our V. tristis pair
Beautiful pattern of a Blackheaded monitor
This bold juvenile was found in the vicinity of Alice Springs, NT
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The V. tristis in the picture to the right was found at the base of this gorge
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A very beautiful wild specimen from Millstream Chichester NP, WA
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