Nile Monitor
The Nile monitor (Varanus niloticus) is a large, strong-swimming lizard of sub-Saharan Africa, up to 2 meters long. It hunts along rivers and lakes and is a well-known egg thief.
The Nile monitor (Varanus niloticus) is a large, strong-swimming lizard of sub-Saharan Africa, up to 2 meters long. It hunts along rivers and lakes and is a well-known egg thief.
🧬 Field Guide Specimen: Open Nile Monitor in the CRV Science Field Guide to log the specimen, see its place among the Reptilia lineages in the Cladogram Explorer, and test your recall in the Red List conservation game.
Egg Raiders
Nile monitors dig up crocodile nests to eat the eggs, and eat birds' eggs, fish, frogs, crabs and carrion. They are agile climbers and swimmers and can stay underwater for long periods.
An Invader in Florida
Escaped pets have established breeding populations in southern Florida, where they prey on burrowing owls and other native animals. Authorities seek to remove them.
Smart Lizards
Monitors have a well-developed sense of smell, using a forked tongue, and are among the most intelligent lizards. The Komodo dragon is also a monitor. See Komodo Dragon.
Nile Monitor at a Glance
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | Varanus niloticus |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Reptilia |
| Order | Squamata |
| Family | Varanidae |
| Field Guide group | Reptilia (Reptiles) |
| Diagnostic feature (Field Guide) | Long powerful semi-aquatic lizard with a forked tongue, high nostrils near the eyes, and yellow banded markings. |
| IUCN Red List status | Least Concern (LC), assessed 2021 |
| Family | Varanidae |
| Maximum length | About 2 meters |
See Also
- Komodo Dragon — the largest monitor
- Nile Crocodile — owner of the eggs it raids