Activity area during the breeding season of Varanus gouldii (Reptilia : Varanidae) in an urban environment.

Abstract

The activity area of ten Varanus gouldii in Karrakatta Cemetery, Perth, Western Australia, was measured by daily locations obtained by telemetry, during the breeding season (October-December) in 1992. The mean size of activity area was 8.91 ha; activity area was positively correlated with body size. There were significant overlaps in activity areas and no evidence of territoriality for male or female V. gouldii. The animals often foraged in areas of dense leaf litter near the periphery of their activity area and retreated to burrows that were more centrally located.