Kingdom : Animalia Class : Reptilia Family : Varanidae Scientific Name : Varanus Indicus Size : 12 - 310cm (4.7 - 122in) Weight : 1 - 166kg (2.2 366lbs) Top Speed : 45km/h (28mph) Life Span : 8 - 30 years Colour : Tan, Brown, Grey, Green Skin Type : Scales Special Features : Large, powerful body and sherp claws
- Monitor Lizards are large reptiles found in Asia and Africa.
- They mostly inhabit the jungle areas but some species are known to be water-bound.
- Most of the species of monitor lizards are big, their size ranging from 12 cm to 310 cm.
- The Komodo dragon is the largest monitor lizard found in a small Indonesian island.
- Though they are large in size, they are believed to carry a reasonably weak venom.
- They are extremely versatile and are known to adapt very well to different environments.
- They are primarily carnivores feeding on eggs, smaller reptiles, fish birds and small mammals.
- Depending on their habitat, some species may also feed on vegetation around them.
- Their main predators are Humans, snakes and wildcats.
- Their average lifespan is between 8-30 years.
- Female monitor lizards lay up to 30 eggs, bury them in holes and cover them with dirt.
- Monitor lizards are believed to be fairly intelligent.
- Interestingly, they are thought to be able to count and recognize numbers up to 6.
- They are known to use their intelligence to survey their area for their predators.
- Legend has it that the presence of monitor lizards indicates the presence of crocodiles nearby.
- Monitor lizards are a threatened species now.