What behaviour did Malaysians misinterpret in the viral lizard clip?

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Malaysians Misinterpreted Lizard Wrestling as Affectionate Embracing

A viral video captured two large monitor lizards in a wrestling match, which many Malaysians online interpreted as them hugging or embracing. Social media users shared humorous reactions, likening the reptiles to Godzilla, suggesting they were dancing, or that they were reuniting after a period of quarantine. However, nature enthusiasts clarified that this behaviour is typical for male monitor lizards engaged in territorial or mating disputes.
The Nature of Monitor Lizard Encounters

The behaviour observed in the video, where the lizards were upright and swaying, is characteristic of male monitor lizards fighting. These contests are typically over dominance, territory, or access to females, and involve physical grappling and attempts to overpower one another. This behaviour is a common aspect of their natural interactions, rather than an expression of affection.
Online Reactions and Humorous Speculation

Following the video's circulation, numerous Malaysians took to social media platforms to share their lighthearted takes. Comments ranged from playful comparisons to mythical creatures like Godzilla, with one user dubbing them "Godzilla Malaysia Version," to anthropomorphic narratives of the lizards reuniting after a long separation due to quarantine measures. Some users even jokingly suggested the lizards should be fined for violating social distancing rules and not wearing face masks, reflecting pandemic-era concerns.
Clarification by Nature Enthusiasts

Amidst the wave of humorous interpretations, several individuals with knowledge of wildlife stepped in to correct the public's perception. They explained that the observed interaction was not an embrace but a form of combat. This clarification highlighted that the swaying and upright posture are part of a dominance display where one lizard attempts to push the other to the ground to establish victory.
Asian Water Monitors and Their Characteristics

The monitor lizards featured in the clip are likely Asian water monitors (Varanus salvator), a species native to South and Southeast Asia. These reptiles are known for their considerable size, with adults capable of reaching lengths of up to eight feet. This makes them the second-largest monitor lizard species globally, surpassed only by the Komodo dragon found in Indonesia.

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What behaviour did Malaysians misinterpret in the viral lizard clip?

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