Rock Monitor

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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