Monitor lizard

Monitor lizards are large, mostly carnivorous lizards in the family Varanidae, best known through the genus Varanus.

Monitor lizards are a group of large, mostly carnivorous lizards in the family Varanidae, best known through the genus Varanus. They are native to Africa, Asia and Oceania, and include the Komodo dragon, the largest living lizard species. Monitor lizards are diverse in size, habitat and diet, with more than 80 recognised species reported by some sources.

Taxonomy

Monitor lizards belong to the family Varanidae. Most are classified in the genus Varanus, though some sources define monitor lizards more broadly to include Lanthanotus as well.

Distribution and habitat

Monitor lizards occur naturally across Africa, Asia and Oceania. Different species live in habitats including forests, savannas, wetlands, deserts and coastal areas.

Size and physical traits

Monitor lizards show wide variation in body size and form. Common traits include strong limbs, long tails, sharp claws and forked tongues used to detect scent molecules.

Diet and behaviour

Most monitor lizards are carnivorous and feed on animals such as insects, fish, reptiles, birds, eggs and small mammals. They are often described as active predators and scavengers.

Notable species

The Komodo dragon is the best-known monitor lizard and the largest living lizard species. Other familiar species include the Nile monitor and the Asian water monitor.