Togian Water Monitors

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Posted by Danno on May 08, 2003 at 06:32:25:

In Reply to: Togian Water Monitors posted by John A on May 07, 2003 at 09:50:02:

John,

Back in the day when Indonesia was Dutch ruled Togians were protected as a reconized species but since then they have been classified as a subspecies of Salvator and thus they are not protected. The Island is dificult to reach and there are no collectors there thus the reason for them being so rare in captivity. As far as I know there are NO laws here now restricting the collecting of Togian water monitors. While the island may be a refuge for birds and turtles its not a full wildlife refuge..
Danny

:hi paul,
:i have pics on my site of togianus (but im skepticsal on if its actually togianus or taken on togian islands). from what i understand, indonesia classified this subspecies as rare, and deemed the togian islands a refuge for birds and turtles. good thing is they have some degree of protection. i dont know anyone who has an actual togianus. these importers claim to be catching actual togianus but then they are violating indo laws. so, they catch similar looking black waters to be sold as togianus. if you know what togianus looks like, its black on top with tiny yellow speckles on each scale. there is no indication of transverse rings, or bands. the tail is speckled too. belly may have banding, but is likely to be yellow with grey banding if at all. the fact that togianus is reported on togian islands and mainland sulawesi (near ujong pandang) interests me. could togianus just be a darker form of common salvator, or is it worthy of subspecies status? there isnt much known on togianus in wild, most of the data is real old, over 100 years. this makes a case for biologists to really get there and do a lengthy research report to shed light. from what ive seen in museum collections, the north arm of sulawesi has dark, ringed salvator, common types. there must be quite many unknown types on sulawesi. according to m. gaulke, the ancestor to cumingi migrated from sulawesi to philippines. could an ancestral light colored salvator still be there...thats what i wanna know.
:back to togianus, they may reach 5 feet.
:i hope i helped in some way. the pic attached is supposedly taken on togian island. -john a

:
::I am wondering if anyone has any exp with this type of water monitor. Are they as docile as other waters and i'm pretty sure but ther requirements would be the same as sumatras and such right? I just can't seem to find any info on this monitor , If anyone has any or knows of a webpage or book please let me know thanks Paul, please e-mail me at herps50@msn.com , also does anyone know how to change your e-mail on this thing thanks again paul

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