Wildlife
Monitor lizards have forked tongues, which they use (as a snake does) to detect scents in the air. Many of them are good swimmers and this family includes the largest lizard on Earth, the Komodo dragon.
Scientific name: Varanus
Rank: Genus
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Gifted goannas
The goannas that give Lizard Island its name are adaptable hunters.
The goannas that give Lizard Island its name are adaptable hunters.
Alien invasion
Termites discover lace monitor lizard eggs residing in their home.
Termites discover lace monitor lizard eggs residing in their home.
Perentie catching rabbit
Perenties are the endurance hunters of the lizard world.
Perenties are the endurance hunters of the lizard world.
The shading illustrates the diversity of this group - the darker the colour the greater the number of species. Data provided by WWF's Wildfinder.
Monitor lizards are generally large reptiles, although some can be as small as 20 centimetres (7.9 in) in length. They have long necks, powerful tails and claws, and well-developed limbs. Most species are terrestrial, but arboreal and semiaquatic monitors are also known. Almost all monitor lizards are carnivorous, although Varanus bitatawa, Varanus mabitang and Varanus olivaceus are also known to eat fruit. They are oviparous, laying from seven to 37 eggs, which they often cover with soil or protect in a hollow tree stump.
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Perentie
Sand goanna
Komodo dragon
Water monitor