Observations, of both others posts, and my own at home

[V.hb]

Over the past few days people have posted about Albigularus and their attacks on other reptiles, and how it is initiated... Most have seen the Albigularus attack another reptile (varanid) by biting down with force on its head, crushing its skull. Now, when I put my Albigularus together (male, and two females) they Go for eachothers tails on occasion. Which is good, They never cause injuries, and dont even bite hard. Its a pretty interesting thing to watch. I personally believe its them establishing their own pecking order, or possibly even breeding signs (never bred them, but hope to) Anyone else have anything to add to this? Or any other interesting observations?

[Tim and Julie B]

Wow that is interesting Vhb. I hope you can breed them someday.

[V.hb]

T&Jb is your albigularus a male or female?

[mbayless]

Hi,

Combat between varanids usually does not involve mortality, but in some species, this does - and V. albigularis having huge muscles for crushing, uses them aptly to crush a skull, an african giant snail, a snake, etc for thoir own gains and means.

Crushing of the head usually is death. Chasing of the tails can be ritual combat if biting is invloved, territorial dispute if biting is/is not involved, and/or courtship behavior/dominance in biting is not involved...complicated isn't it.

This does not happen in captivity alot as their are no walls present and animnals can run away - here they cannot and these things happen. For ritualized combat display and good discussions on it, see Dr. Georg Horn and Gerard Visser paper on same (1997) - its very good.

Cheers,
markb

[V.hb]

Hi Mark, I only see this every once and awhile, and its always the male. The female never shows much aggression, shes very submissive. It's funny, because the Female use to be the aggressor, and the tides have turned. They have never injured eachother, and barely even use force when doing this. It's funny.

Do you have a copy of this paper you mentioned? or where I could find it? Thanks.

[Tim and Julie B]

Originally posted by V.hb
T&Jb is your albigularus a male or female?

I am pretty sure it is female. But I will double check with Henry this weekend because she apperently used to be his. TB

[SHvar]

I think sex may or may not make a difference if they just dont like each other.

[mbayless]

Hi Vhb,

Copies of this paper? I have 5,000 papers here, and most of them I can make copies of - some few I do/will not as to their rarity/fragile conditions/age. Email me privately for details...your animals are most likely displaying ritualized courtship behavior, as "tis the season to be courtin" as Jethro Bodine would say - it is albigularis breeding season you know, or if you did not know, now you do! and most likely they are 'fooling around'.....I have papers on this too.
Good Luck,
markb