Varanid lizards never cease to amaze...

[_Varanidae_]

Anyone that has kept monitor lizards for an extended period of time understands that monitors are very intelligent, and capable of complex thought and problem solving. Has anyone ever observed behaviors in their captives that were surprising or gave you a greater appreciation for their intelligence or learning capacity?

Below are two video clips which depict a fascinating foraging behavior that I discovered in Varanus beccarii several years back. A description of the behavior and its ecological and evolutionary implications was eventually written up published in the journal Herpetological Review. LINK TO ARTICLE. Thus far, this has been the pinacle of my "Wow!" moments, but hopefully the future will bring further discoveries...

Forelimb-assisted extractive foraging in Varanus beccarii: