Varanus rosenbergi

2 Heath or Rosenberg's Monitor at Wamboin, NSW

Varanus rosenbergi at Wamboin, NSW - 26 Dec 2008
Varanus rosenbergi at Wamboin, NSW - 26 Dec 2008
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Identification history

Varanus rosenbergi 30 Jun 2017 GeoffRobertson
Varanus rosenbergi 30 Jun 2017 Varanus

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User's notes

The photo on the sleepers is when the animal first arrived. The second picture consuming the rabbit kitten was taken shortly afterwards. Photos by H & C Bachor.

7 comments

   1 Jul 2017
More fantastic photos and a great contribution to our understanding of R's goanna. Two weeks ago, I gave a talk on reptiles in the Yass Valley and ACT at the Yass Library. I pointed out the importance of this population but was not aware that you had many more sightings. Is there a story about why you are interested in RGs and what you know about this population? GeoffR
Varanus wrote:
   1 Jul 2017
Hi Geoff - I haven't finished with all the sightings yet! Have always had an interest in what inhabits this area, especially reptiles. I have also encouraged neighbours to report sightings, and they have provided useful information. If only we had a wider number of people out here reporting sightings, I think you would be swamped! It couldn't be classed as a frequent visitor, but is also not uncommon. I think I might make more contact with people I know and get them to provide more details of their sightings for CNM. Be prepared for more local sightings as I get my photos organised. Cheers, GB
   1 Jul 2017
Sounds great. Are you in touch with Sheridan Roberts as she has a regular one or two RBs. Do you just come across RGs by chance, or can you more or less guaranteed seeing one if one goes to the right location in the right season. OK what does GB stand for? GeoffR
Varanus wrote:
   1 Jul 2017
No, not familiar with the name. We locate RG much more by chance. They seem to have no fear of approaching human habitation, and often their presence near the house is given away by many of the smaller birds going berserk. We also have a dog which we have trained not to approach the local reptiles, though sometimes he alerts us to their presence. We do occasionally see then away from the house, but usually with no camera or phone with us to record them. Often they go completely still when we are walking near them, and only pick them up by chance. We can guarantee 2-3 sightings each summer over the surrounding blocks. The GB stands for Geoff Butler - now I have given myself away! I thought you may have known from the location of the sightings as you have been out here before.
   1 Jul 2017
Fantastic. I never put two and two together. Coincidentally FOG is nominating Edwina and Naarilla as life members and I have sitting here writing up a statement about each of them. You name has appeared in my text twice. Looking forward to more photos. GeoffR
DonFletcher wrote:
   1 Jul 2017
Greetings Varanus GB. Your secret is safe with me, and the Chinese, Japanese, Koreans, Americans, Russians, Brits, Germans and most of all with the Aussies who are bound to lose your file in a short while. Thanks for the records. In retirement from ACTGOV I have led a little research on this species, mainly to develop a new survey method for future research and to replace the BS method currently used to survey land proposed for development. Next steps hopefully (subject to what support I can muster) include population estimates and movement study, key information for conservation. These are not as hard to measure as people think because individual RGs have recognisable faces and Brian Green has developed a way to attach GPS equipment safely. cheers
   1 Jul 2017
Sounds fantastic Don. I think it is important to come up with measures of population, size, and movement. Margaret Ning is always looking for longer and shorter presentations on topics of interest to members. If you and or GB would like to make a short presentation on what we know that would be of interest.

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