Water Monitor from Bad Animal to Economic Animal: True Story or Delusion

Abstract

The objective of this study is to develop water monitors (Varanus salvator) to economic animal and to be a development guideline of water monitors to economic animal for Thailand. The result of this study found that, currently, water monitor is one of economic animal. It can be used for economic benefits as a whole whether its meat, leather or inside. The main reason for water monitors husbandry is to use its meat for consumption and its leather for accessories such as bags or belts. There are 3 approaches to develop the water monitor be an economic animal of Thailand; 1) Policy: The water monitors husbandry has to encourage and support by all concerned parties, including the government, the private sector and the academic sector to study and develop for increasing the quality of meat and leather products. 2) Thai Legal Framework: to legalize of water monitor husbandry and comply with the CITES convention and 3) The attitude changing about water monitor of the most Thai people, have to act continuously.