Monitor Lizard
Something that you might like to know more information about is the animals of the Sahara desert. As mentioned earlier, there are about 70 different species of animals that live in the Sahara desert and that can cope with the desert’s harsh climatic conditions. The one animal that I have chosen to explain about is the monitor lizard.
The monitor lizard is an extremely venomous reptile in the Sahara desert. This cold blooded animal is commonly found in Africa and all over Asia. Its lifespan ranges from 8 to 30 years of age and that time is spent solitary. This animal can weigh up to 166 kilograms and reach a top speed of about 45 kilometres an hour which is reasonably fast for an animal. It can stand taller than 100 centre metres high (1 metre).
This animal is an omnivore that eats both vegetables and meat. It usually will eat meat such as small reptiles, small mammals, eggs and birds. Depending on where this animal lives and the species, it will also eat fruit and vegetables if required. The monitor lizards’ predators are humans, snakes and wildcats. When in danger small monitors camouflage with their surroundings. However, larger monitor lizards will run in the opposite direction of their enemies and will eventually hide in burrows, trees or even underwater.
Interesting Facts about Monitor Lizards
Monitor lizards have forked tongues like snakes. This tongue is used to detect prey scents in the air.
They are known to be expert swimmers.
The largest monitor lizard in Africa is the Nile Monitor.
The jaws of monitor lizards are so strong, that once they bite into something, it is very difficult to let go.
They cannot grow back their tails like other lizards once they lose it.
They swallow their prey whole in one gulp.
The Nile monitor lays its eggs in the termite nest as it helps give its eggs natural insulation.
Written by Brendan and Harry
The monitor lizard is an extremely venomous reptile in the Sahara desert. This cold blooded animal is commonly found in Africa and all over Asia. Its lifespan ranges from 8 to 30 years of age and that time is spent solitary. This animal can weigh up to 166 kilograms and reach a top speed of about 45 kilometres an hour which is reasonably fast for an animal. It can stand taller than 100 centre metres high (1 metre).
This animal is an omnivore that eats both vegetables and meat. It usually will eat meat such as small reptiles, small mammals, eggs and birds. Depending on where this animal lives and the species, it will also eat fruit and vegetables if required. The monitor lizards’ predators are humans, snakes and wildcats. When in danger small monitors camouflage with their surroundings. However, larger monitor lizards will run in the opposite direction of their enemies and will eventually hide in burrows, trees or even underwater.
Interesting Facts about Monitor Lizards
Monitor lizards have forked tongues like snakes. This tongue is used to detect prey scents in the air.
They are known to be expert swimmers.
The largest monitor lizard in Africa is the Nile Monitor.
The jaws of monitor lizards are so strong, that once they bite into something, it is very difficult to let go.
They cannot grow back their tails like other lizards once they lose it.
They swallow their prey whole in one gulp.
The Nile monitor lays its eggs in the termite nest as it helps give its eggs natural insulation.
Written by Brendan and Harry