Nile Monitor Lizard
The Varanus Niloticus, also known as the nile monitor lizard, is the largest lizard in Africa with a lifespan of 15 years. This enormous lizard can grow up to 7 foot long (2.1 metres), and could easily outrun a human over a short distance.
The carnivorous nile monitor lizards prey on fish, crocodile eggs, insects, aquatic creatures and even some mammals. Crocodiles, pythons, leopards and eagles are some of the many predators of the monitor lizards. The monitors lizards’ young tend to be taken by fish, herons, snakes and even adult Monitor Lizards. Because their most common prey is crocodile eggs, they tend to be found near crocodile nests.
Monitors lay their eggs in active termite mounds. The termite mounds are like an incubator for the eggs. When the young hatch, they resemble their parents almost exactly.
Fun Fact! Did you know that the nile monitor lizards are closely related to a sea monster called the Mosasaur? The Mosasaur became extinct and disappeared over 65,000,000 years ago. That’s a long time ago!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/thereptilarium/5642083436/
The Varanus Niloticus, also known as the nile monitor lizard, is the largest lizard in Africa with a lifespan of 15 years. This enormous lizard can grow up to 7 foot long (2.1 metres), and could easily outrun a human over a short distance.
The carnivorous nile monitor lizards prey on fish, crocodile eggs, insects, aquatic creatures and even some mammals. Crocodiles, pythons, leopards and eagles are some of the many predators of the monitor lizards. The monitors lizards’ young tend to be taken by fish, herons, snakes and even adult Monitor Lizards. Because their most common prey is crocodile eggs, they tend to be found near crocodile nests.
Monitors lay their eggs in active termite mounds. The termite mounds are like an incubator for the eggs. When the young hatch, they resemble their parents almost exactly.
Fun Fact! Did you know that the nile monitor lizards are closely related to a sea monster called the Mosasaur? The Mosasaur became extinct and disappeared over 65,000,000 years ago. That’s a long time ago!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/thereptilarium/5642083436/