Welcome!

The purpose of this site is to share natural history, captive husbandry, and breeding information of the roughneck monitors- Varanus dumerilli & Varanus rudicollis.

Up to this date, information regarding the natural history and husbandry has been lacking for these two amazing monitors. Our goal is to compile all available information and resources about these species to provide a better understanding and to be able to help them in capitivity and in the wild.

We encourage fellow enthusiasts to contact us with related articles, information, and suggestions as we will be constantly updating and building this site to make it a one-stop resource for these two monitor species.

Mark Bayless Remembered…

Mark Bayless, a renowned varanid researcher and author, died November 1, 2006 due to complications of diabetes. Mark has been a long time and dedicated contributor to the reptile community. He collected every known account of monitor lizards and maintained the largest known compilation of articles, photographs, and history of the Varanus genus. He generously shared his collection with anyone who showed the slightest bit of interest as well encouraged and inspired fellow enthusiasts. Mark had a unique ability to make people feel they could do anything.
Mark was captivated by practically ever subject matter, which led to his many other impressive collections of B-movies, books and articles on cryptozoology, whales, the giant octopus and many other oddities. His fascination with folklore and the unknown came out in his humorous fictional tales that he told as if they were true.
Mark will be remembered as a brother and uncle, an amazing teacher and researcher, an obsessed collector, a prankster, and most of all a dear friend to all those who crossed his path. Thank you Mark for all your hard work and enthusiasm. We’ll never forget the 150 foot snake that ate the whole village!
-Ben Aller & Michaela Manago