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Animals from A-Z

Kimberley Rock Monitor

(engl: Kimberley Rock Monitor)

Natural clones 

Like other reptiles, the growth and development of the Kimberley Rock Monitors embryos occurs without fertilisation (parthenogenesis). This means that females lay eggs with a complete double set of chromosomes which, when hatched, will be 100% identical to their mother. This has been seen in two zoological gardens with Komodo Dragons. The biological advantage to this is that a single female can colonize a new habitat, e.g. an island. Once a male comes along, the females can "switch" to normal sexual reproduction.

Verbreitungsgebiet: Felsenwaran
Verbreitungsgebiet: Felsenwaran
Scientific Surname Varanus glauerti
Order Squamata
Size 80 cm
Weight 150 g
Reproduction 5 eggs
Distribution Northwestern Australia
Habitat rocks in the savannah
Food Insects, small vertebrates , Spinnentiere
Livestock secured
Lifespan 8 Years