Courtship and Mating in Varanus griseus of Western Kyzylkum

Abstract

In mating period, the males of Varanus griseus undertake prolonged escortings (accompanyings) of females. During escorting the manifestation of aggressiveness or fright on the part either males or females have not been observed. The females, however, manifest a distinct wish to get rid of the male. None of the observed escortings was crowned with mating. Supposed is that prolonged escorting is an indication of the female’s rejection of mating. An escorting was recorded under conditions of high density of population only, when there was a complex social structure based on long-term personal interrelations between animals.