Wildlife in Khao Sok: reptiles

This is a Dumeril's Monitor Lizard. This rare semi-arboreal lizard found only in peninsular Thailand hangs out on one of the trails we frequent. We've seen it several times. Each time, it was perfectly still, probably hoping that we didn't see it. The first time we saw it, I didn't know if it was dead or alive. So, I reached down and touched it. It flattened its body out, but remained still. I didn't touch it again. You don't want to get bit by any big reptile as the infection from a bite would certainly be serious.

Interestingly, the famous Kimodo Dragon has 256 forms of bacteria in its saliva. These bacteria combine in countless manners to produce infections that eventually kill their prey. Combating a bite from a Kimodo Dragon is very difficult.