Stats

Lifespan

10-20 yrs

Size

Large

Diet

Carnivore

Activity

Diurnal

Social

Solitary

Biome

Savanna and scrubland

Range

Sub-Saharan Africa

Movement

Walking

Breeding

Egg-laying

Defense

Armor

Status

Uncommon

About

Rock Monitors, the largest lizard species in Sub-Saharan Africa, have a surprisingly long lifespan of 20 years. They have a venomous bite, but their venom is not fatal to humans.

Life cycle

1. 1.
   hatchling

   A miniature lizard cuts itself free from its egg and starts hunting tiny insects within days.
2. 2.
   juvenile

   A juvenile sheds repeatedly as it grows, often duller-colored than adults and quick to dart for cover.
3. 3.
   adult

   Fully grown with adult coloration and size.

Learn more

• View on iNaturalist →
• Watch on YouTube →

Taxonomy

Kingdom

Animalia

Phylum

Chordata

Class

Reptilia

Order

Squamata

Family

Varanidae

Genus

Varanus

Species

Varanus albigularis