Lumpini Park, Bangkok.

[firth1974 2,659]

This is one of my favourite places in Bangkok to visit. Its just so quiet and so calm, its very relaxing in a city that never really sleeps, and that is so noisy and dirty. This place is an Oasis of peace and tranquility.

Edited February 11, 2015 by firth1974

[RhinoTusk 4,901]

The Beasts of Lumpini Park: The Water Monitors

 

 

[spike 236]

Thanks guys for posting the photos. Cheers.

[sabaidii2 171]

Can't tell the size of the monitor lizard in the pictures, but was it large enough to pose a threat to a child?

[plahgat 523]

Lumpinee park is one of my favorite places as well in BKK!

 

Plahgat

 

Here's a video I made in 2011 with some of the wildlife in the park:

 

[RhinoTusk 4,901]

Nice Plahgat! People should know that although the monitors are carnivorous and look menacing, they do their best to avoid human beings. So don't be afraid to enter the park! LOL

[sabaidii2 171]

Nice Plahgat! People should know that although the monitors are carnivorous and look menacing, they do their best to avoid human beings. So don't be afraid to enter the park! LOL

Yes, it is a very good video. But I'm not so sure about their avoiding human beings. Specifically, small children / toddlers.

[Parkwahn 61]

Nice Plahgat! People should know that although the monitors are carnivorous and look menacing, they do their best to avoid human beings. So don't be afraid to enter the park! LOL

Seen them on the roads out towards Bang Chang on bike rides, there is a nature reserve out there with warnings,,,, saw a big old boy one day wandering over road..

[plahgat 523]

Water monitors are mainly scavengers that will eat dead carcasses and eggs, and apart from catching a wounded fish or some nestling baby bird now and then I doubt they would attack any healthy live big animals!

 

But if you leave a baby on the ground near to one of the canals were they live, if they got the opportunity they would probably grab it!

That said I've never heard any stories about water monitors chasing and hunting for humans, quite the opposite they will run away as soon as they see you!

Don't confuse them with crocodiles ... because that's another story!

 

Plahgat

[RhinoTusk 4,901]

They're cowards that will eat anything. When the yellow shirts occupied the park I suspect many monitors got roasted on the Barbie. I wonder how they taste? But they're great swimmers and can scale a tree like a squirrel.

 

http://www.naturia.per.sg/buloh/verts/monitor_lizard.htm