Abstract:
A study on habitat use and activity budget of the land monitor Varanus bengalensis
was conducted from August 2004 to February 2005 inside the university premises
of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda, Colombo, Sri Lanka. Activity index of the land
monitors was significantly high for the time period of 0900 to 1200 hrs (2.22±0.51).
Activity patterns varied during the day but remained constant among months. Time
spent on basking was highest between 0900 to 1200 hrs and foraging was highest
between 1200 to 1500 hrs (p<0.05, x1=187. 332). Stones were used significantly
more than the other habitat types for basking while wet grounds and dumping sites
were used for foraging activities. There was a significant correlation between the
individual count and the ambient temperature (P>O.05, Z=2.645). Walkers,
sweepers, dogs and cats did not disturb the land monitors but vehicles disturbed
them. Findings of the present study suggest that the best time for locating the land
monitors are from 0900 to 1200 hrs and that providing suitable basking and foraging
sites and making certain areas off lim its to vehicles will be helpful in increasing the
land monitor populations in urban areas.
