Animal Profiles
Reptiles

Monitor Lizard

Varanidae

Living

Living individuals or members of this group exist today. This does not mean they are safe from extinction.

Monitor lizards are active foraging reptiles. This account describes the Nile monitor (Varanus niloticus), a large African species equally capable of climbing, swimming and moving on land.

Varanus niloticus (monitor lizard)

Representative species: Varanus niloticus.

Charles J. Sharp · CC BY-SA

At a glance

Habitat
Savanna, Wetlands, Rivers and lakes
Diet
Carnivore
Food
Animal prey and eggs.

Classification

Common name
Monitor Lizard
Browse group
Reptiles
Scientific name or taxon
Varanidae
Taxon rank
family
Family
Varanidae
Source classification
Reptilia

Taxonomy checked against GBIF. For breeds and hybrids, this describes the listed parent taxon.

Three things to know

  • It is a strong swimmer and climber.
  • A forked tongue samples chemical cues.
  • Adults are usually solitary.

Habitat and range

Nile monitors occupy much of sub-Saharan Africa and extend north along the Nile. Rivers, lakes, swamps and other waters occur within their varied woodland and savanna habitats.

Appearance and adaptations

A muscular body, strong claws and long tail support several kinds of movement. The forked tongue repeatedly samples chemical information during travel and feeding.

Diet and behaviour

These opportunistic predators eat a wide range of animals and eggs. Usually solitary, they bask or rest near water when inactive. Swimming and climbing provide routes to food and escape cover.

Sources

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