Rock Monitor

Afrikaans name: Veldlikkewaan

Rock Monitor

Photo © mgkuijpers - Fotolia.com

Varanus albigularis

The Rock Monitor, or Rock Legavaan, is one large lizard. It can grow to a length of over 1.5 metres and can weigh around 15 kg. Females are quite a bit smaller than males.

These large reptiles are widely distributed across Africa from South Africa to Somalia.

Unlike the Nile Monitor these are not associated with water. They are able to climb trees.

When cornered the Rock Monitor will lash out with its tail which can cause a nasty wound.

They feed on a wide variety of things including birds, small mammals, eggs, reptiles and insects.

Photo © lisastrachan - Fotolia.com

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References and further reading

A Guide to the Reptiles of Southern Africa - Author: Graham Alexander and Johan Marais - Year Published: 2007 - Page: 211

Bill Branch's Field Guide to the Snakes and Other Reptiles of Southern Africa - Author: Bill Branch - Year Published: 1988 - Page: 172

Reader's Digest Illustrated Guide to the Game Parks and Nature Reserves of Southern Africa - 2nd edi - Author: Editor - Alan Duggan - Year Published: 1991 - Page: 407

Reader's Digest Illustrated Guide to the Game Parks and Nature Reserves of Southern Africa - 2nd edi - Author: Editor - Alan Duggan - Year Published: 1991 - Page: 407

Reptiles of Southern Africa - Author: Rod Patterson and Anothony Bannister - Year Published: 1987 - Page: 59

The Reptiles of the Kruger National Park - Author: U. de V. Pienaar, WD Haacke and NHG Jacobsen - Year Published: 1983 - Page: 113

Wild Issue 21 - Author: - Year Published: 2012 - Page: 75