Monitor Lizards

The White-Throated Monitor, Varanus albigularis albigularis, is one of the two monitor species that can be found in South Africa. It is the smaller of the two species, but still a large lizard when fully grown. Monitors are incredibly robust animals with tough skins, very strong claws, powerful tails and mighty jaws.

They are intelligent reptiles and are widespread, particularly in the savanna throughout Southern Africa.
They are opportunistic feeders that eat anything that can fit in their mouths from snakes, frogs, insects, other lizards, birds, rodents, eggs and carrion. Monitors can swim very well, have excellent eyesight and a keen sense of smell. Their powerful legs allow them to run incredibly fast and they are masters at climbing and can scale trees and rock surfaces with ease.

Research has revealed that monitor lizards are in fact venomous, but have no fangs, thus the venom is carried in the saliva. It has mild effects however, and is not considered dangerous. A bite is rather unpleasant, simply because of their strong jaws and sharp teeth. The tail is also used as a whip for self defense.

The local English name is 'leguaan', similar to the Afrikaans 'likkewaan'.

This young male was removed from a suburban home in Polokwane and released into the Polokwane Game Reserve.