Red-headed turtle
Trachemys scripta elegans
Nile monitor
Varanus niloticus
The Nile monitor is the largest lizard in Africa. Its prey varies according to its size and the hunting ground. Excellent swimmer thanks to its paddle tail and apnea of 30 min, it is also a formidable terrestrial hunter thanks to its robust legs. His favorite dish: crocodile eggs. He is gluttonous and will not disdain a carcass on occasion.
Habitat
Savannas, rainforests, swamps, always near water points
Feed
Fish, crustaceans, mammals, birds, lizards, insects, eggs
Classification
Class
Reptiles
Scientific Name
Varanus niloticus
Conservation status
Species globally not threatened
CITES: Appendices II (1975) / B (2019)
Some Figures
Weight
5 to 15 kg
Life Expectancy
10 to 15 years
Incubation
about 4.5 months
7 to 60 eggs
Discover Also
Black-throated monitor
Varanus albugularis microstictus
Variable bush viper
Atheris squamigera
West African Slender-snout Crocodile
Mecistops cataphractus
Western African Gabon viper
Bitis rhinoceros
Parson’s chameleon
Calumma parsonii