A number of prey items are, however, also consumed, including snails, crabs, spiders, beetles, birds and eggs.

Such an unusual diet may be as a result of competition over food with the water monitors, which share their range.

Rather than digging a nest, the most likely place for this species to lay eggs is thought to be in tree hollows, where they also spend much of their days resting.

It is classed as vulnerable by the IUCN because much of its habitat has been destroyed over the last century, and it is now thought to occupy a highly fragmented area smaller than 20,000 km2 (7,700 sq mi).

In addition to habitat destruction, they are threatened by hunting for food and illegal collection for the pet trade.