Articles
Written by Kawin Jiaranaisakul
Varanus salvator
When guests arrive at our hotel, they expect to be greeted by the warm climate, the sound of waves, and perhaps the sight of tropical flowers and butterflies. What many visitors do not anticipate, however, is the breathtaking encounter with a large lizard moving calmly across the garden or resting near the pool. These striking reptiles are not dangerous strangers, but rather long-time residents of the area: the Water Monitor (Varanus salvator) and the Clouded Monitor (V. nebulosus). Together, they have become an unforgettable highlight of our grounds, and almost every guest who spots them cannot resist pausing to observe or capture a photograph.
The Water Monitor is the larger and more imposing of the two species. It can reach lengths of more than two meters, making it one of the biggest lizards in the world. Its muscular build, long forked tongue, and powerful tail give it an appearance that may seem intimidating at first sight. Yet, despite its size, it usually behaves with calm and deliberate movements. True to its name, the water monitor is an excellent swimmer. It glides gracefully through ponds, rivers, and even the sea, using its strong tail as a paddle. Although both the water monitor and the clouded monitor are capable of swimming, the water monitor is by far the more accomplished aquatic reptile. Guests are often amazed to see such a large animal diving underwater and resurfacing with the elegance of a crocodile.
The Clouded Monitor, on the other hand, is smaller and paler. Its patterned scales display beautiful markings that resemble patches of clouds, giving rise to its common name. More agile than its larger relative, the clouded monitor is an expert climber. Visitors might notice one moving quickly across the hotel lawns, only to see it dart up a tree trunk and disappear into the canopy within seconds. Interestingly, both the clouded monitor and the water monitor are skilled tree climbers as well as swimmers. They often retreat into trees for safety, rest, or hunting opportunities. However, while both species share these talents, the water monitor is more specialized in swimming, whereas the clouded monitor often relies on its climbing ability to stay out of reach.
” Interestingly, both the clouded monitor and the water monitor are skilled tree climbers as well as swimmers. “
They often retreat into trees for safety, rest, or hunting opportunities. However, while both species share these talents, the water monitor is more specialized in swimming, whereas the clouded monitor often relies on its climbing ability to stay out of reach.
In terms of diet, the two species are opportunistic feeders. The water monitor consumes a wide variety of prey, including fish, crabs, frogs, birds, and small mammals, while also scavenging on carrion. Its role as a scavenger makes it a valuable natural cleaner, reducing the spread of disease by removing carcasses from the environment. The clouded monitor, though smaller, is equally versatile in its feeding habits, preying on insects, rodents, and bird eggs. Together, they act as regulators of local populations of smaller animals, keeping ecosystems balanced and healthy.
Ecologically, both the water monitor and the clouded monitor perform important services. They function as predators, scavengers, and even seed dispersers in some cases, helping to maintain the flow of energy through the ecosystem. By controlling populations of pests such as rats, they indirectly benefit human communities. By recycling nutrients from carrion, they ensure that the cycle of life continues in balance. Their presence around the hotel grounds is a reminder that our gardens and wetlands are not just beautiful landscapes for people to enjoy, but thriving habitats full of interactions between plants, animals, and the environment.
Guests are often fascinated not only by the lizards’ appearance but also by their behavior. Seeing a water monitor basking quietly near a pond or a clouded monitor clinging vertically to a tree trunk sparks curiosity and wonder. Some visitors approach with caution at first, but after learning more about these reptiles, many find themselves admiring them as unique symbols of the natural world. Indeed, in local culture, monitor lizards have long held a complex reputation, sometimes feared or misunderstood, yet also respected for their strength and resilience. Today, conservationists view them as essential components of biodiversity.
In Thailand, the water monitor has long been associated with superstition. The Thai word for this lizard, “hia,” is often used as an insult and linked to bad luck. Some people believe that encountering a monitor lizard near their home brings misfortune. However, these beliefs are cultural rather than biological. In reality, monitor lizards do not bring bad luck at all, they are simply wild animals fulfilling their role in the ecosystem. On the contrary, their scavenging habits help clean the environment, and their predation on rats and pests indirectly benefits people. Therefore, while cultural perceptions remain strong, science shows that these lizards are ecologically valuable, not harmful symbols of misfortune.
For many guests, the encounter with these lizards becomes one of the most memorable moments of their stay. Unlike spotting a bird or butterfly, seeing a monitor lizard feels extraordinary like meeting a creature from another time. Their prehistoric appearance connects us to the ancient past of reptiles, yet their behavior shows how well they have adapted to modern landscapes, even those shaped by humans.
So, as you wander through our gardens or explore the edges of the nearby lagoon, keep your eyes open. Perhaps you will glimpse the ripple of water as a water monitor swims just beneath the surface, or notice a clouded monitor resting high on a branch. Whether in the water or among the trees, these reptiles are always full of surprises.
Stop for a moment, take a closer look, and appreciate their presence.
The Water Monitor and the Clouded Monitor are not only highlights of your stay
but also ambassadors of the natural world, powerful reminders of the rich biodiversity that surrounds us.
