Monitor lizard devours endangered mud lobster at Sungei Buloh after splitting prey into 2

Monitor lizard violently hits mud lobster against tree, then swallows its head & abdomen whole

While searching for another animal, a visitor at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve unexpectedly came across a monitor lizard devouring an endangered mud lobster.

The predator was seen breaking the lobster into two before devouring the crustacean.

Monitor lizard devours lobster’s head & abdomen seperately

Recounting the incident, 52-year-old Rovena said she was looking for a Sunda king cobra in Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve when she stumbled upon the monitor lizard.

The reptile was already tearing into its prey, she told MS News.

Initially, only parts of the crustacean — a leg and feelers — were visible.

Rovena and her friend initially assumed it was a crab, but quickly realised it was a mud lobster when the lizard turned its head, revealing the crustacean’s head.

Leaning against a tree, the predator aggressively rammed the mud lobster against the rough surface.

It later assumed an upright position, devouring the lobster while hugging the tree.

After a short rest, the monitor lizard turned his attention to the remaining half of the lobster, swallowing it effortlessly.

OP felt lucky to have seen endangered lobster

Speaking to MS News, Rovena said she was “astonished” at the “unexpected” sighting.

The 52-year-old said she informed two of her photographer friends about the scene, but the monitor lizard had already finished its meal by the time they arrived.

Prior to the encounter, she had only seen glimpses of the creature “excavating”.

“[I’m] just simply extremely lucky to see it,” said Rovena.

Mud lobsters are locally endangered

According to the National Parks Board (NParks), mud lobsters are listed as an endangered species.

Mud lobsters primarily reside in mangroves.

Although they are rarely seen, the large mounds of excavated mud they leave behind often mark the entrances to their burrows.

Also read: Monitor lizard tries to chomp on turtle at Tampines park, fiercely swings tail at bystander

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Featured image courtesy of Rovena.