Exploring the World of Reptiles and Amphibians

Jungle racer

The jungle racer is one of the few lizards that is
increasing in numbers as forests are cut down and
disturbed by people. This shy reptile loves sunny,
open spaces near enough to the forest so that it can

run for cover when it feels threatened.

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the jungle racer is a shy, small to medium-sized snakes anD lizarDs
lizard with a long, pointed nose. It is covered
with very small scales that look like tiny pinheads. It fact file
has strong legs and long claws to get a grip as it runs
and climbs in the trees. So long as the racer stays still, JUNGle racer (alsO KNOWN
its coloration provides good camouflage. as JUNGle rUNNer aND tHe
DWarf teGU)
Jungle racers are common lizards. They breed for Ameiva ameiva
about six months of the year. Females lay about five family: Teiidae
eggs in holes in the damp soil or sandbanks by rivers. suborder: Sauria
The hatchlings start to hunt and can run fast as soon Order: Squamata
as they dig their way out of the nest. Where do they live?: South
America, from Panama to Argentina
Heading for the Clearings
The development of the rain forest near the Amazon Equator
river and other parts of South America has increased
the number of jungle racers. Habitat destruction and Habitat: Clearings, paths, and
deforestation usually reduces the population of most roadsides through forested areas
species because they have less space in which to move size: Head–tail length 16–24 in.
around and find food. But the jungle racer can find (41–60 cm)
more food and basking sites by forest clearings, paths, appearance: Mostly brown with
and roads than in untouched rain forest. bright green patches on its back;
banded pattern of light and dark
Jungle racers like warm tropical temperatures. spots on the sides of the body
When it reaches 79°F or more, the racer emerges from Diet: Insects such as crickets and
its hiding place under a rock or log to bask in the open cockroaches; small lizards
or hunt insects that are attracted to sunny clearings. Breeding: Females lay between
Clearings are also safer for the racer, because many 2 and 9 eggs, which hatch after
predators, such as birds of prey and snakes, do not 60–90 days
like to hunt out in the open. life span: Not known
status: Common
The jungle racer gets its common name from its habit
of scuttling quickly into the cover of the surrounding 201
vegetation at the first sign of danger.

kOMODO DrAGON

adult komodo dragons are the largest lizards in the
world. they live on several indonesian islands in

southeast asia, including the island of komodo, which
gives these giant lizards their common name.

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the komodo dragon is a massive reptile with a snakes anD lizarDs
small head and rounded snout. Its tough, folded
skin is covered with small, even scales, which gives it fact file
the appearance of chainmail armor. komodo dragons
have muscular tails and strong legs. The toes end with KOmODO DraGON
sharp claws, which can measure up to 2 inches. Despite Varanus komodoensis
their huge size, komodo dragons can run at speeds of family: Varanidae
12 or 13 miles per hour, which is about the same as suborder: Sauria
a fast marathon runner. komodo dragons are also good Order: Squamata
climbers and swimmers. Where do they live?: Islands
of Indonesia in Southeast Asia
ambush Hunters Habitat: Dry forest and grassland,
komodo dragons hunt by stealth. They usually hide in dry riverbeds
long grass and remain perfectly still as they lie in wait size: Head–tail length up to 10.4 ft.
for prey such as deer, goats, pigs, wild boar, and even (3.1 m); weighs up to 330 lb.
mammals as big as buffalo and horses. When the prey (150 kg)
comes into range, usually within 4 feet, the komodo appearance: Adults are brown to
dragon rushes out and delivers a bite with its short, grayish red; young are green with
sharp teeth. If this is enough to stop the prey from yellow and black stripes
escaping, the komodo dragon then uses its claws to Diet: Adults may consume prey
rip open its unfortunate victim. If the animal escapes, as large as deer or horses; younger
it usually dies anyway. This happens because komodo Komodo dragons feed on insects,
dragons have lots of harmful bacteria in their saliva, lizards, and smaller mammals
which can easily infect the bite wound. Zoologists Breeding: Females lay up to 30
think that the saliva is also slightly poisonous. eggs, which hatch after 8 months
life span: Up to 50 years
komodo dragons also feed by scavenging, which status: Vulnerable
means they eat carrion or the remains of dead animals,
including animals that they have infected by biting. 203

Komodo dragons have poor senses of sight and
hearing. These huge reptiles use their long, yellow
tongues to smell and taste their prey.

Komodo dragon

The lizards flick out their long of who eats first. Dominant males eat
tongues to sense smells given off by the most meat before smaller males
carrion (dead animals). They can smell and females move in to feed. Young
carrion from up to five miles away. Komodos will feed only once all the
Often many Komodo dragons smell adults have moved away. They have to
the same carrion and arrive to form a be careful because adults will attack
feeding group. There is a pecking order and eat young of their own kind.

The Dragon’s den

In the wild, Komodo dragons live on six
islands that are part of Indonesia, which
is a group of islands north of Australia.
These islands include western Flores,
Komodo, and Padar. Komodo dragons
live in an area that totals around 390
square miles.The islands have steep
slopes as they were formed by volcanic
eruptions that occurred a long time ago.
The normal daytime temperature is 80°F.
Rainfall mostly falls in one wet season
called the monsoon. Adults usually live
in dry, open forests and dry grassland
at the foot of the volcanic slopes. Young
Komodo dragons live in dense forests
around rivers. Komodo dragons spend
most of the day patrolling a territory.
This is an area in which they can find
food and shelter. They dig large burrows
where they can keep cool during the
hottest part of the day, and to which
they can retire at night to keep warm.

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snakes and lizards

Breeding The Komodo dragon is a fearsome-
Komodos usually breed looking reptile, with a small head,
in July and August, which long body, and a long, muscular tail.
are dry months. Females
produce smelly feces (waste) Komodo dragons are threatened DKINDOYWO?U
that attracts the males. After the for a variety of reasons. Sometimes
lizards mate, females sometimes individuals are captured and Komodo dragons
lay their eggs in their own illegally smuggled abroad to animal may cover more
burrows. They may also bury collectors. The biggest threats, than 6 miles
them in the nest mounds of however, are local people cutting every day in
wild turkeys. down forests and killing Komodos search of food.
The nest mounds of leaves and to eat. In addition, forest fires and
other decaying plant waste get hot volcanic eruptions on the islands Young Komodo
inside. This keeps the temperature can destroy habitat naturally. dragons are prey
warm for both young turkeys and to the eagles,
Komodo dragons to develop properly snakes, and wild
inside their eggs. The young Komodo dogs living on
dragon hatchlings measure 15 inches. the islands.
They emerge from the eggs in April,
just after the monsoon, which is
when there are lots of grasshoppers
and other plant-eating insects around
for the young to eat.

Dragons in Danger Captive Komodos 205
Komodo dragons face extinction in The massive size and fearsome
the wild. There are between 3,000 reputation of the Komodo dragon
and 5,000 wild Komodo dragons. makes it a popular zoo exhibit.
They are considered a national Zoologists have learned a lot about
treasure in Indonesia and laws have their behavior by studying them in
been passed to protect them. This is zoos. Komodo dragons become tame
partly because many tourists visit the in captivity very quickly, but they are
islands to see wild Komodos. This unpredictable and must be treated
protection is not enough, though. with care at all times.

kUHl’S FlyING GeCkO

this lizard is one of the few reptiles that can glide
through the air, moving easily through the dense rain
forests of southeast asia. Geckos prey on insects and
spiders on the trunks of the tall trees that grow there.

206

kuhl’s flying gecko is a medium-sized lizard that snakes anD lizarDs
lives in warm, humid rain forests of Southeast
Asia. These geckos grip onto the tree trunks using the fact file
sticky pads on the ends of their toes. The pads are so
effective that the geckos can also hold onto smooth KUHl’s flYING GecKO
surfaces, such as walls and even glass in houses. Ptychozoon kuhli
family: Gekkonidae
Female geckos lay pairs of eggs every three to four suborder: Sauria
weeks. She tucks them in gaps behind bark on the Order: Squamata
tree trunks. young geckos look exactly like their Where do they live?: Southeast
parents and are at home in the trees. Asia, from Thailand to Indonesia
Habitat: Tropical rain forest;
equipped for Gliding occasionally houses
kuhl’s flying gecko has several adaptations that help it size: Head–tail length 8 in. (20 cm)
to glide well. It has large folds of skin down each side appearance: Brown, gray, or
of its body, a fringe of skin around its tail, and webbed olive with darker zigzag stripes
toes. These adaptations make its body surface greater and patches on the body
when it glides. When the gecko launches off a tree, the Diet: Insects and spiders
skin flaps spread out and slow the fall. The gecko uses Breeding: Females lays 2 eggs,
its tail like a rudder to change direction. which hatch after 13 weeks
life span: Not known
When the gecko lands it sits completely still. even if a status: Common
predator, such as a hawk, sees the gecko gliding, it will
still find it difficult to spot the gecko on the tree trunk. 207
The color of the skin camouflages the gecko against
the bark, and the skin flaps act like a cloak to stop
the gecko’s body from forming shadows—predators use
shadows to help spot prey. Once the gecko is certain it
is not being chased, it scuttles up the tree feeding on
insects and spiders until it is ready to glide again.

The flaps of skin along the sides of the flying gecko’s
body not only help these lizards to glide. At rest, the
flaps help the lizard to blend in with the tree bark.

Leaf frogs

The leaf frogs are the same color as the leaves of rain
forest trees on which they live. They also use leaves

to make nests for their eggs. When they hatch,
the tadpoles drop into ponds below.

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leaf frogs are a varied group of small amphibians FrOGs anD tOaDs
that live in the trees of tropical rain forests. Most
species have wide heads and very narrow waists. Their fact file
legs are long and thin and the toes close toward each
other. Opposable toes such as these are a common leaf frOGs (alsO KNOWN
feature of animals such as monkeys that need to grip as mONKeY frOGs)
the branches through which they move. Phyllomedusa sp.
family: Hylidae
leaf Jelly Order: Anura
The scientific name for leaf frogs is Phyllomedusa, Where do they live?: Central
which means “leaf jellyfish.” The group got its name and South America
for the way in which the females lay their eggs on the Habitat: Usually tropical rain forest
leaves. When she is ready to lay her eggs, the female but some are found in dry forests
finds a bush or tree overhanging a forest pond or size: Head–tail length up to 3 in.
slow-moving stream. There she lays between 300 and (7.5 m)
600 tiny, jelly-covered eggs. At first sight, the wobbling appearance: Bright green back;
mass of eggs resembles a jellyfish. The jelly protects other bright colors such as orange
and nourishes the young as they develop. on the sides of the body and the
insides of the legs
The female rolls the edges of leaves around the mass Diet: Large insects, such as crickets
of eggs using her back feet. The jelly sticks to the leaf, and cockroaches, and spiders
forming a roll. There are two reasons to treat the eggs Breeding: Females lay between
like this. It hides them from egg-eating predators, such 300 and 600 eggs, which hatch
as wasps, and it prevents the eggs from drying out. after about 6 days
life span: Not known
The tadpoles hatch from the eggs less than a week status: Varies according to species
after the female lays them. They have long tails, large
eyes, and wide mouths. The tadpoles drop from the leaf 209
and roll into the water, where they feed on tiny insects
and other floating objects that land on the water’s

The barred monkey frog has black and orange bands
on the flanks and the inside of the legs. This gives the
frog its alternative name—the tiger-striped leaf frog.

leaf frog

DKINDOYWO?U surface. The tadpoles of some types prey to come close enough to eat.
of leaf frogs group together in the This frog lifts its front feet and slowly
Leaf frogs do water. This confuses fish and other moves the fingers. White marks on
not leap like predators in the pool that would the fingers look like wriggling worms.
many other frogs easily catch individual tadpoles. The prey moves closer because it
unless they feel thinks there are worms to eat.
threatened by Sit and Wait
a predator. Adult leaf frogs are sit-and-wait Flashes of Color
predators. They tuck their legs in and Leaf frogs sit still and rely on the
The giant leaf frog sit on branches waiting for insects color of their skin to keep them safe
faces extinction in or spiders to come close. When the from predators such as lizards and
the wild because prey gets in range, the frog unrolls snakes. Leaf frogs tuck in their legs
people kill them its long, sticky tongue and shoots it and often close their eyes. The bright
for the wax on out of its mouth. The tip sticks to the green color of the leaf frog’s back
their skin. They prey, and the tongue rolls back up to closely matches the rain forest leaves
believe the wax pull the unfortunate victim into the on which it rests. When the frog is
can be used to frog’s mouth. Burmeister’s leaf frog moving, it flashes bright colors. The
make medicines has a special way of encouraging barred monkey frog or tiger striped
to cure illnesses
such as cancer. leaf frog has orange and black
stripes down its flanks and
back legs. The colors
may allow other frogs
to recognize the species.
They may also startle
some predators.

The waxy
monkey leaf
frog lives among
the treetops of the
dry pampas of
South America.

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FROGS and toads

frog wax They smear the wax all over their bodies
using their flexible back legs. The wax
Most amphibians need to keep their skin reduces water loss through their skin by
moist so it can absorb oxygen, making it about one tenth. Frogs protected with
easier for the amphibian to breathe. This wax often sit on branches, basking in
is the reason why most amphibians live in direct sunlight. Second, leaf frogs also
moist habitats. But leaf frogs such as the lose far less water than other frogs when
waxy monkey leaf frog live in dry forests they urinate (pee). Their urine is like a
in South America rather than moist rain thick paste, similar to bird droppings,
forests. They have two ways of stopping rather than a watery liquid.
their skin from drying out. First, they
produce a waxy paste from skin glands.

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leATHerBACk TUrTle

the leatherback turtle is the largest marine turtle in
the world. it roams across the world’s oceans feeding
on jellyfish. the leatherback is unusual among turtles

because it has a leathery, rather than hard, shell.

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turtles, terrapins, tOrtOises

leatherback turtles have long, leathery shells with fact file
seven ridges down their lengths. Most turtles have
hard shells, but the skin on the shell of the leatherback leatHerBacK tUrtle
turtle is smooth and rubbery. It is also streamlined so Dermochelys coriacea
the turtle can glide easily through the water. family: Dermochelyidae
Order: Testudines
every two years, males and females meet at breeding Where do they live?: All the oceans
sites in warm, tropical waters. After mating, the females except Arctic and Antarctic waters
leave the water and lay their eggs on sandy beaches.
Females prefer sites where they do not have to haul Equator
their bodies over sharp reefs or rocks. A female digs a
hole in the beach with her flippers and deposits the Habitat: Open ocean
eggs inside. Two months later, the baby turtles dig their size: Head–tail length up to 8 ft.
way to the surface. They move quickly into the water to (2.4 m); weighs up to 1,650 lb.
avoid being eaten by predators such as seabirds. (750 kg)
appearance: Light to dark gray
Dangers for leatherbacks shell with white blotches
People used to hunt leatherbacks for the oil in their Diet: Jellyfish
skin, which was used for cosmetics and medicines. Breeding: Females lay about 80
leatherbacks are now protected, but they still face eggs up to 9 times every breeding
many dangers. These turtles eat jellyfish, but they season; eggs hatch after 65 days
cannot always tell the difference between jellyfish and life span: Not known
the plastic waste floating in the oceans. The plastic gets status: Critically endangered
caught in the stomach and kills the turtles. Some also
drown or injure their flippers when they are caught
in fishing nets. leatherbacks also face natural dangers.
Adults may be eaten by ocean predators such as great
white sharks and killer whales. Their eggs may be
washed away from nesting beaches in stormy weather.

Leatherbacks travel thousands of miles through the
oceans. They have very long front flippers, which
provide the swimming power to travel such distances.

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leOPArD GeCkO

the attractive leopard gecko lives in the rocky deserts of
Central asia. unlike climbing geckos, which have suckers
on their toes, leopard geckos have clawed toes. they use

them to dig burrows and clamber over the rocks.

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the leopard gecko is an unusual gecko. It has the snakes anD lizarDs
broad head and cylindrical body of other geckos.
Unlike other geckos, however, this species has eyelids. fact file
This is an adaptation that protects the leopard gecko’s
eyes from windblown dust in its desert habitat. leOParD GecKO
Eublepharis macularius
life in the Desert family: Eublepharidae
The leopard gecko is well suited to life in the desert. suborder: Sauria
It avoids the intense daytime heat by burrowing in the Order: Squamata
sand. Usually, these lizards emerge between dusk and Where do they live?: Afghanistan,
midnight, before it becomes too cold. During this time, India, Iran, Iraq, and Pakistan
they listen and look for movements of small animals Habitat: Desert and dry scrub
such as beetles and scorpions. The geckos move fast in mountain areas
to catch their prey. They also listen for nocturnal (night size: Head–tail length 8–10 in.
active) predators such as owls and snakes. (20–25 cm)
appearance: Yellow or tan with small
In the warmer months leopard geckos feed a lot and dark-brown spots; tail often striped
develop a broad carrot-shaped tail. Geckos stay in their black and white
burrows for the whole winter. They do not hunt but Diet: Mostly insects, spiders,
live off the fat stored in their tails. By the end of the and scorpions
winter, the tail is thin and withered. Breeding: Females lay 2 eggs every
3 weeks during the breeding season;
Several geckos may live together in colonies around eggs hatch after 40–60 days
a stony hillside. Several females and young geckos life span: Up to 20 years
live inside the territory of a male—the area in which status: Common
the male hunts for food. During the breeding season,
females hide their eggs in moist, sandy soil. The young 215
geckos that hatch have bigger, bolder markings than
the adults. The markings are shaped rather like saddles
but fade into spots with age.

In the wild, leopard geckos are a creamy yellow color
with black spots and stripes. Captive individuals
show a wide range of color variations.

Leopard Tortoise

The leopard tortoise is a common sight in the Afri-
can savannah. Leopard tortoises are active
during the day. They wander through their

grassland habitat in search of food, such as thistles.

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Turtles, Terrapins, Tortoises

The leopard tortoise gets its name for the spots on Fact File
the shell, which look like the spots of a leopard.
This reptile has a tall, dome-shaped shell, which is very Leopard tortoise
attractive. Some local people not only eat tortoise meat, Geochelone pardalis
but also use the shell to make musical instruments. Family: Testudinidae
Order: Testudines
Protective Shell
The shell of the leopard tortoise protects it in different Where do they live?: Eastern
ways. The yellowish dappled pattern blends in with the and southern Africa
dry grasses of the savannah and provides camouflage
against predators. When a predator approaches, these Habitat: Open areas such as dry
reptiles are too slow to run away. Tortoises up to the grassland or savannah
age of about three years may be eaten by mammals
including hyenas and birds such as hornbills. These Size: Shell length up to 24 in.
predators can crush the weak shells of young tortoises. (60 cm); weighs up to 70 lb. (32 kg)
Adult tortoises have tougher shells, which offer greater
protection. The shell can even shield the tortoise from Coloration: Shell color is yellow-
fires that burn in the savannah during hot times of year. brown with darker blotches

Going Underground Diet: Plants such as grasses and
Adult tortoises breed all year round. The female digs thistle
a hole about 12 inches deep. She lays her eggs inside,
covers them with soil, and leaves the burrow. The Breeding: Female lays between five
young hatch around a year later. They measure about and 30 eggs up to 6 times a year;
2 inches long and have a special tooth on their snout eggs hatch after 8–18 months
to break open the egg. They also use the tooth to
dig up to the surface from their burrow. The young Life span: 50–150 years
tortoises have to find food and look after themselves.
Status: Common
A leopard tortoise forages in the grass. These reptiles
tuck their heads and legs into their shells to protect
themselves from predators, such as hyenas.

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Lizards There are about 4,700 known species
of lizard. One family of geckos, called
There are more lizards on Earth Gekkonidae, contains more than 900 species.
than any other reptile. Lizards Geckos are fast-moving climbing lizards that
come in many different shapes typically scurry across walls and ceilings.
and sizes. They live in a wide
variety of habitats. Some hide The collared lizard takes its name for the black
in burrows, while others make bands around its neck and shoulders.
their homes in the treetops.

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These lizards spend much of their time Fact File
searching for insects to eat. One of the largest
lizard families is the Iguanidae (the iguanas). Lizards
Species include the marine iguanas, which live Species: More than 4,700
along rocky seashores of the Galápagos Islands Families: 20
off the coast of Ecuador; iguanas called horned Suborder: Sauria
lizards that lap up ants in the scorching deserts Order: Squamata
of the United States; and the colorful anoles Where do they live?: Worldwide except
that flash their throat flaps (called dewlaps) at for the Arctic and Antarctic
each other to both attract a mate or frighten off
another lizard or predator. The smallest family Equator
contains just one species—the Borneo earless
monitor. This burrowing, brown lizard lives Habitat: Wide range from rain forest and
only in damp caves on the island of Borneo. desert to river and ocean
Size: Head–tail ranges from 0.75 in. to
Skin Deep 15.6 ft. (1.6 cm to 4.75 m)
Like all reptiles, a lizard’s skin is covered with Coloration: Varies widely
scales. These help to protect reptiles and also to Diet: Mostly insects, spiders, and small
conserve water. This is important because most reptiles; some eat the flowers, fruits, and
reptiles live in hot, dry places where water is leaves of plants; a few large species eat
scarce. The scales may be knobby and heavy, mammals; marine iguanas even eat seaweed
as in the Australian stump-tailed skink. Scales Breeding: Females may lay many tough,
can also be tough like armor-plating, as in the leathery eggs, usually in burrows or holes;
alligator lizard, or they may be shaped like the the eggs hatch after 30–60 days
overlapping scales on a pine cone, as in the Life span: Up to 60 years
Texas spiny lizard. Tough scales can help Status: Varies according to species
lizards to avoid predators, because the jagged
edge breaks up the outline of the reptile so
it is trickier to spot.

Moving Around
Most lizards have four limbs that point toward
the ground.They crawl by moving one front
leg and the opposite back leg at the same time.

219

Lizards

Then the other front leg and is opposite hind Sight Hunters
Many lizards rely on their sense of sight to find
leg move forward, so the lizard wriggles as it prey, avoid predators, and communicate with
their own kind. Some lizards come out at night
walks. In many families, such as Lacertidae to forage for food. They have large eyes to take
in as much light as possible in the darkness.
(wall lizards), the back legs are longer than the Burrowing lizards, such as blind lizards, lack
eyes because they would get damaged as they
front legs so the lizard can move faster. Some moved through soil.

lizards, such as basilisks, can run on their hind The skin color of a lizard usually provides
camouflage in its habitat. For example, desert
legs. The Scincidae (skink family) have small lizards often have a sandy color. Anole lizards
are green to hide among the leaves of tropical
legs that fold against their sides. They are good trees. These lizards flash a red flap of skin,
called a dewlap, on their throats. Males do
at burrowing through soil or sand or moving this to scare away other males and to attract
females to mate. The leaf-tailed gecko looks
through dense plants, in which larger legs just like the mottled gray tree bark on which it
lives, but opens its mouth to show off a bright
might obstruct their movements. Other lizards, red tongue to startle predators.

including blind lizards and slowworms, look Lizards such as chameleons can

like snakes because they have no legs at all!

Many lizards have adaptations that help

them to climb. Chameleons have two pairs of

toes on each leg that close toward each other.

These act like pincers, helping the lizard to

grip. They even have a curly, gripping tail,

called a prehensile tail, to help them stay in the

trees. Most geckos have tiny folds of

skin under their toes that help

them stick onto surfaces that

are as smooth as glass. Some

geckos have flaps of skin

between their toes and

along the sides of their

bodies. They stretch the skin

flaps wide so they can glide

through the air between trees.

The spiny-tailed skink lives in cracks in the rocks
or under large boulders. They stay close to home,
hunting and basking near the safety of their crevices.

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Lizards

change the color of their skin. This happens Members of the chameleon family have eyes
because tiny dots of different pigments under that can look in different directions, long tongues
the skin expand or contract. Chameleons that fly out to catch insects, and the ability to
change change skin color according to their mood.
color depending on the temperature of the
surroundings and also to indicate their mood. Not Quite a Lizard
For example, frightened chameleons often turn The tuatara is a rare reptile from New Zealand
red to startle predators. Cold chameleons may that looks just like a lizard. In fact, this unusual
turn black so their skin can absorb more heat. creature is related to both lizards and snakes.

221

Lizards DID YOU KNOW?

Scientists know this because it has some The Namibian palm-footed gecko
unusual body features. The spine is made of has webbed toes that are rather like
hourglass-shaped bones, which are more like snowshoes. The webs increase the
those of a fish than a reptile. Unlike any other surface area of the gecko’s feet so
reptile, the tuatara has two rows of teeth in its the lizard does not sink in the sand
upper jaw and one in the lower jaw. It also has a as it runs over the surface.
third eye on top of its head, hidden inside the Some species of lizard can shed
skull. The eye is not as developed as the two their tails when attacked. The fallen
proper eyes, but can sense light and dark. tail wiggles, distracting the attacker
as the lizard escapes. The lizard’s tail
The green-brown color of the tuatara matches grows back a few weeks later.
its surroundings, providing camouflage when it The world’s smallest lizard could
hunts prey such as insects, frogs, and small lizards. fit on a dime! It is called the jaragua
sphaero, and was discovered in
2001 on the Caribbean island of
the Dominican Republic.

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Lizards

Poisonous lizards a form of defense. Gila monsters and
beaded lizards have grooved teeth in
Many lizards can bite people, but their lower jaws. The venom or poison
only two species can kill with their is made by a special gland in the lizards’
poisonous bite. The Gila monster (below) mouths. When they bite, the toxic
and the Mexican beaded lizard belong to chemical flows along the grooves
a family called Helodermatidae. These and into their prey’s bloodstream.
lizards bite animals such as young rabbits
to kill for food and other animals as

The tuatara is listed as an endangered animal DID YOU KNOW?
by the International Conservation Union
(IUCN). Like many other reptiles, this unusual The world’s longest lizard is the
reptile has suffered due to the loss of habitat crocodile tree monitor. This reptile can
and the introduction of species such as rats. reach several feet in length—most of
The tuatara is now extinct on mainland New it is taken up by the narrow tail. The
Zealand and exists only as a few scattered prize for the biggest lizard in the world
populations on the smaller offshore islands. is usually given to the slightly shorter
but much bulkier Komodo dragon.

223

Loggerhead Turtle

The loggerhead is one of the largest marine turtles. This
hard-shelled reptile takes its name from its stout head and

beak, which may be used to crush giant crabs.

224

Turtles, Terrapins, Tortoises

The head of an adult loggerhead is about 12 inches Fact File
long. It uses its large eyes to spot shellfish in dark
or murky water. The jaws are shaped like a huge beak, Loggerhead turtle
so these turtles can crush hard-shelled invertebrates, Caretta caretta
such as crabs and other shellfish. Family: Cheloniidae
Suborder: Cryptodira
Cycle of Life Order: Testudines
Female loggerheads return to the same nesting beaches
on which they were born. They use their paddlelike Where do they live?: Atlantic
limbs to crawl onto sandy beaches and dig a hole in Ocean, from Newfoundland south to
the sand. In it they lay a clutch of about 100 eggs, cover Argentina, especially off southeastern
them with sand, and then return to the ocean. A female United States; also Indian and Pacific
may repeat this five to seven times in one nesting oceans
season. The effort is so great that females do not nest
again for another two or three years. Habitat: Coastal, shallow water

Loggerhead hatchlings are just 2 inches long when Size: Shell length measures around
they emerge from their eggs and dig their way to the 41 in. (104 cm); weighs up to
surface. This is usually at night when there are fewer 1,200 lb. (544 kg)
predators around. The young loggerheads then crawl
slowly toward the water. They often shelter among Coloration: Brown shell with
giant patches of seaweed before swimming out into red-brown, black, or fawn markings
the open ocean. Some travel thousands of miles from
the nesting beach. As they grow, the young loggerheads Diet: Shellfish such as clams,
feed on bigger and bigger prey. crabs, and mussels

Loggerheads used to be killed for their attractive Breeding: Females lay around
shells. Today, the trade in turtle shells is banned. 100 eggs per clutch, with up to
However, many loggerheads die accidentally. They seven clutches in one year; eggs
usually get caught in shrimp nets and drown. hatch after 55–70 days

Like other marine turtles, the limbs of the loggerhead Life span: Up to 60 years
are shaped like paddles to help them swim in the
strong ocean currents. Status: Endangered

225

Malaysian Tree Toad

The Malaysian tree toad is one of the few in its family
to live in trees. One unusual thing about this secretive
species is that females from one part of its range are

a completely different color than the rest.

226

Like many other toads, Malaysian tree toads have Frogs and Toads
warty skin and breed in the water. Females lay
their eggs in forest streams or pools. In other ways, Fact File
Malaysian tree toads are unlike other toads. They
have smooth skin and slender bodies and long legs Malaysian tree toad
with webbed toes. Disc-shaped pads at the ends of the Pedostibes hosii
toes help the toads grip onto tree trunks and smooth Family: Bufonidae
branches up to 20 feet above the rain forest floor. Order: Anura
Where do they live?: Borneo,
Tree toads feed on a wide range of invertebrates, Sumatra, the Malaysian Peninsula,
from ants, caterpillars, and grasshoppers to spiders and and southernmost parts of Thailand
small beetles. They wait for insects to come into range Habitat: Low-level rain forest
and then grab them in their wide mouths. Tree toads Size: Head–body length 2–4 in.
themselves are eaten by predators such as birds. Like (5–10 cm)
other toads, the Malaysian tree toad has special glands Coloration: Usually brown or olive;
on its head behind each eye. These glands produce a females may have bright yellow spots
foul-tasting fluid. Predators that swallow toads often Diet: Invertebrates
spit them out because the fluid tastes so bad. Breeding: Females lay eggs in
forest streams
Spot the Difference Life span: Unknown
There are several differences between male and female Status: Least concern
Malaysian tree toads. Females are twice the size of the
males, so they can produce many eggs. Adults breed all 227
year around. They gather by clear forest streams, where
females lay strings of eggs on underwater plants. Males
are a drab brown color. Females range from leaf green
to grayish purple covered with yellow spots. Females
found on the Malaysian peninsula are always spotted.
Only about half of those found in Borneo have spots.

The Malaysian tree toad is often called the yellow-
spotted tree toad because of the distinctive
yellow spots that are seen on the females.

Mambas

Mambas have a reputation for being some of the
most aggressive snakes in Africa. These venomous

snakes are often shy and will only attack
when they feel threatened.

228

Mambas are lithe snakes with an elongated head Snakes and Lizards
and large eyes. The western and eastern green
mambas and Jameson’s mamba have green skin. This Fact File
provides camouflage as they hunt in the treetops. The
black mamba has gray-brown skin. It takes its name for Mambas
the black skin inside its mouth. Dendroaspis species
Species: 3 green mamba species;
Fast and Venomous 1 black mamba
Mambas are swift hunters. A black mamba can travel Family: Elapidae
at the same speed as someone running, even over Suborder: Serpentes
rocky ground. Mambas prey on birds, mice, squirrels, Order: Squamata
and even other snakes. They bite their prey once or Where do they live?: Africa south
twice. The venom prevents the muscles of its victim of the Sahara Desert
from working. Once the prey has stopped moving, Habitat: Rain forest and savannah
the mamba swallows its meal. Black mambas produce Size: Head–tail length 5–14 ft. (1.5–
much more venom than green mambas. A single black 4.3 m)
mamba has enough venom to kill at least ten people. Coloration: Green or gray-brown
They only attack people when they feel threatened. Diet: Rodents, bats, and birds
Breeding: Females lay clutches
Mamba Breeding of around ten eggs; eggs hatch
Female mambas lay eggs in rotting vegetation inside after about 80 days
termite mounds, or tree hollows. The warmth from the Life span: Unknown
vegetation helps the young to develop. The hatchlings Status: Locally common
emerge three months later. They measure 16–24 inches.
The hatchlings start to hunt for small rodents. Within 229
one year, they may grow to 6 feet. Deforestation means
that green mambas are moving to human settlements.
They may be found in plantations, parks, and gardens.

Black mambas are long, slender snakes that live
among dusty rock piles, hollow tree trunks, and
termite mounds in the African savannah.

Mantellas

Mantellas are jewel-bright frogs of the
Madagascan rain forest. The vivid colors of these
amphibians advertise to other rain forest animals
that they are poisonous and should not be eaten.

230

Mantellas are tiny frogs from the rain forest of Frogs and Toads
Madagascar off the eastern coast of Africa.
The colorful skin of these amphibians acts like a Fact File
warning signal to other animals that mantellas are
poisonous and should not be eaten. Mantellas produce Mantellas
toxins in glands under their smooth skin. Some of Mantella species
these poisons can make animals such as birds and Species: 12
snakes very sick. Some mantellas are not poisonous Family: Mantellidae
but still have the protection of colorful skin! Order: Anura
Where do they live?: Madagascar
Mantella Lifestyle
Most mantellas prey on ants and termites. They sit Equator
next to the trails of these insects and pick off their prey
as they pass. Mantellas accumulate small amounts of Habitat: Rain forest
poison found in some ant species. This poison builds Size: Head–body length 0.75–0.25
up in the frog’s body and forms the amphibian’s own in. (2–3 cm)
poisonous secretion. Coloration: Bright colors often
with patches of brighter skin
Most mantellas lay up to 60 whitish eggs in moist Diet: Invertebrates, including ants
leaf litter or other damp places. When the tadpoles Breeding: Females lay small clutches
hatch, heavy tropical rains wash them into pools or of eggs on the ground or in trees;
streams. One mantella species lays a few eggs in water- eggs hatch after 1 to 2 weeks
filled tree hollows above the ground. The tadpoles feed Life span: 5–10 years
on insects that fall into the water. Young mantellas are Status: Varies according to species
less poisonous than the adults, and have green skin
with dark blotches for camouflage. Over two-thirds of 231
the original rain forest on Madagascar has been cleared
to make farmland or to sell timber. All mantellas are
vulnerable to this deforestation.

The golden mantella is brilliant golden orange all
over, apart from a patch of red under its back legs.
This bright color deters would-be predators.

Marine Iguana

Marine iguanas are the only lizards on Earth that live
by the sea and swim beneath the surface to forage for

seaweed. These endangered reptiles live only on a
small group of islands off the coast of South America.

232

Marine iguanas are distinctive reptiles. They have Snakes and Lizards
heavy bodies, muscular limbs, and a crest of
tooth-shaped scales down their back and tail. Unlike Fact File
other iguanas, they have blunt snouts. Marine iguanas
graze on small algae or seaweeds that grow on rough Marine iguana
rock. Their jaws have a flat front, which helps them Amblyrhynchus cristatus
gnaw at the algae-covered rocks. Tough scales on Family: Iguanidae
their lips protect their mouths from damage. Suborder: Sauria
Order: Squamata
Life in the Ocean Where do they live?: Galápagos
Marine iguanas have several adaptations that help Islands off the coast of Ecuador
them live by the ocean. Their tails are flat like rudders, Habitat: Rocky coastal regions
and this helps them to swim in the sea. Their thick, Size: Head–body length 30 in. to
curved claws allow them to grip onto the rocks even 4 ft. (75–130 cm)
when they are pounded with heavy waves. Coloration: Gray with patches
of red or turquoise
Marine iguanas usually graze on seaweed when it Diet: Marine algae or seaweed
is uncovered by tides. A few large males will dive Breeding: Females lay a clutch
underwater to graze. They can hold their breath for up of between 1 and 6 eggs in tunnels
to an hour and can swim to depths of 40 feet or more. on the shore; eggs hatch after about
95 days
The Galápagos Islands are situated on the equator, Life span: Up to 12 years
but the water is still very cold. This is because ocean Status: Vulnerable
currents carry water from the freezing Antarctic up
toward the islands. Only the large males can store 233
enough heat in their bodies to stay active in the cold
water. Females, young males, and hatchlings have
smaller bodies and would get cold too quickly. Marine
iguanas swallow lots of salt water when swimming.
Too much salt in the bodies would be poisonous, so

The distinctive marine iguana is a common sight
basking on rocks on the islands of the Galápagos
archipelago off the coast of Ecuador.

Marine Iguana

Large male the iguanas get rid of it by sneezing continue to bask in the hot midday
marine the salty water from their nostrils. Sun. Once the males are warm
iguanas bask in enough, they dive into the cold ocean
the Sun to warm Day in the Life waters to feed. After swimming, the
their bodies before Marine iguanas live in large groups males clamber back onto the rocky
diving into the called colonies. These lizards spend shore and bask while their food
cold ocean waters the first few hours of the day basking digests. The iguanas slow down and
to forage for in the sunlight. Like other reptiles, do not move greatly between the
seaweed. marine iguanas are cold-blooded afternoon and late evening. Before
creatures. They need to warm up sunset, they shelter among warm
in the Sun to get enough energy rocks, where they stay for the night.
to move about and get active. The The iguanas often huddle together in
females and youngsters then start to large, closely packed groups at night
graze on seaweed, while the males to share the warmth of their bodies.

234

Snakes and Lizards

Island Races Breeding Season
Most scientists think that the marine
iguana is the descendant of different The breeding season of the marine iguana lasts
land iguanas that were swept out to from November to January. Males guard areas
sea from South America on bits of of rock in which the females live. The males bob
vegetation. Today, there are different their heads and display the red skin on the sides
races of marine iguanas on different of their bodies. If these displays do not work,
Galápagos Islands. Those from the the males fight (see below). The winner then
island of Fernandina in the west mates with the females. The females lay their
are large and dark gray. The waters eggs in warm sand away from the shore. Three
off this island are rich in nutrients, months later the hatchlings scramble from the
which means there is a lot of seaweed nest to the rocks where the other iguanas live.
around. The iguanas there can grow
to be very large. Iguanas from the DID YOU KNOW?
island of Genovesa in the north are
small and black. The sea is not so Marine iguanas can climb to heights
rich there, so there is not as much of 250 ft. (80 m) up rocky hills on
seaweed on which to graze. the Galápagos Islands.
An average-sized adult can survive on
Threats to Survival about 1 oz. (28 g) of algae each day.
Scientists think that there are at least Marine iguanas eat only red and green algae
50,000 iguanas scattered across the such as sea lettuce. They avoid brown algae,
Galápagos Islands, but there may be because it does not have enough nutrients.
more than double that number. The
main threat to the survival of these
reptiles is the introduction of species
such as cats and dogs, which are
common around towns. Until they
have warmed up in the Sun, marine
iguanas are slow and sluggish. Young
iguanas are therefore easy pickings
for dogs and cats. Dogs will also
tackle the larger adults.

235

Matamata

The matamata is a freshwater turtle that lives in
South America. This distinctive reptile is an ambush pred-

ator. It lies in wait in rivers and lakes, and sucks
up passing fish and other small water-dwelling creatures.

236

Turtles, Terrapins, Tortoises

The matamata is a bizarre turtle. In Venezuela, Fact File
people call it la fea, which means “the ugly one.”
It has a broad, flat, and triangular head when viewed Matamata
from above. The head and long neck are fringed with Chelus fimbriatus
thin skin flaps and strands. The matamata has tiny Family: Chelidae
eyes and a broad mouth. Its nostrils are at the end of a Suborder: Pleurodira
short, bendy, trunklike snout. It has small, weak limbs Order: Testudines
and toes without webbing. The matamata’s oval shell
is studded with knobby cone-shaped scales and looks Where do they live?: Northern
rather like a rough piece of bark. parts of South America

Ambush Predator Habitat: Freshwater lakes, ponds,
The matamata ambushes its prey. It lies in wait in and slow-moving rivers
shallow, murky water. It does not need to hold its
breath because its snout can stretch to the surface Size: Head–shell length up to 26 in.
rather like a snorkel. The nostrils take in air while the (66 cm)
animal remains submerged. The matatmata cannot see
very well with its small eyes, but it can sense what is Coloration: Reddish brown to black;
going on around it. The skin flaps around the turtle’s younger matamatas often
head move when fish and other prey swim close by. have red or pink throats
Fish are often attracted towards the wiggly strands
on the matamata’s head, which look like worms. Diet: Mostly small fish

When prey gets close, the matamata stretches out its Breeding: Females lay around
neck, opens its mouth, and quickly expands its throat. 20 hard eggs in riverbank nests;
This sucks in water and any fish in it. The matamata eggs hatch after about 30 weeks
then closes its mouth and forces out just the water.
This turtle has no teeth or hard jaw edges to bite or Life span: Up to 25 years
chew prey, so it swallows its food whole.
Status: Common
The matamata’s head looks rather like a fallen leaf
on the riverbed. This camouflages the matamata
from predators such as caimans.

237

Mexican Burrowing Frog

The Mexican burrowing frog is fairly common,
but it is only seen during the breeding season. This
secretive species spends most of its life in underground

chambers, feeding on termites and their larvae.

238

The Mexican burrowing frog is almost square Frogs and Toads
in shape, with a short, fat leg at each corner.
The spadelike hind feet are used to dig holes in the Fact File
soil. Indeed, Mexican burrowing frogs spend most
of their lives underground. They hide in chambers Mexican burrowing frog
several inches beneath the surface. The frog’s head is Rhinophrynus dorsalis
tiny and blunt with a cone-shaped snout. It can force Family: Rhinophrynidae
its tough snout through the walls of termite nests. The Order: Anura
frog’s sticky tongue can change shape so it can poke it Where do they live?:
through the hole and catch termite adults or larvae. Central America

After the Rains Tropic of Cancer
Mexican burrowing frogs leave their burrows when
it rains. In Central America, the rains come in short, Habitat: Lowland forests and
heavy bursts. The land soaks up water, fields and coastal plains
ditches flood, and temporary pools form. The males Size: Head–body length 2.5–3 in.
gather in the pools and start to call females. They puff (6.5–7.5 cm)
up their body and make a “whooooo” call. Skin sacs Coloration: Dark gray with white
inside their bodies blow up like balloons to increase spots and an orange or pink stripe
the volume of the call. Females can hear the call from down its back
0.5 mile away. Females mate with the loudest males. Diet: Ants and termites
Breeding: Females lay up to
Females lay clumps of eggs, which float at the surface 8,000 small eggs in clumps in
of the water. The tadpoles hatch after a few days but water; eggs hatch after 3 days
they stay in groups, even when they move around. Life span: Up to 25 years
This provides safety in numbers from predators such Status: Common
as herons and other waterbirds. To feed themselves,
the tadpoles wag their tails together to waft water 239
containing tiny food particles past their mouths.

Mexican burrowing frogs emerge from their burrows
in heavy rains. The frogs feel the dampening soil and
burrow out to find a mate.

Midwife Toads

Midwife toads get their name for the way they look
after their young. Males carry strings of eggs on their

backs for weeks until they are ready to hatch.

240

Midwife toads look like most other toads. They Frogs and Toads
are small and stocky with warty, dull-colored
skin. There are four different species: the midwife toad, Fact File
the Iberian midwife from northern Spain and Portugal,
the southern midwife from southern Spain and Midwife toad
Portugal, and the Majorcan midwife from the island of Alytes species
Majorca off the Spanish coast. All the midwife toads Species: 4
have excellent camouflage to hide from predators such Family: Discoglossidae
as grass snakes. Most are active at night and feed by Order: Anura
lunging to catch passing prey. Midwife toads are unlike Where do they live?: Europe from
all other toads in their interesting breeding behavior. Britain down to southern Spain
Habitat: Varies from woodland,
Fatherly Care fields, and parks to quarries and
Male midwife toads call at night or on rainy days stone walls
in spring. The call is a tuneful “poo… poo… poo.” Size: Head–body length 1.5–2 in.
Females call back and move toward the deepest calls, (3.8–5 cm)
which are made by the biggest males. After mating Coloration: Pale gray, brown, or
takes place, the female produces a string of eggs. olive with scattered dark botches
The male then wraps the eggs around his back legs. Diet: Invertebrates such as flies
and slugs
The male is an attentive parent. He prevents the eggs Breeding: Females lay up to
from drying out by spending lots of time in a damp 50 eggs; males carry the eggs in
burrow. When the weather is very dry, he may take a strings on their backs; eggs hatch
dip in a pool to wet the eggs. Secretions from glands after 3 to 8 weeks
in his skin help protect the eggs from going moldy. By Life span: Up to 25 years
carrying the eggs, he protects them from predators. The Status: Varies according to species
male can feel the young wriggling when they are ready
to hatch. He takes them to a stream or pond to release 241
the tadpoles, which then feed on tiny water insects.

Male midwife toads carry strings of eggs on their
back legs. The eggs stay in place there for the next
one to two months as the young develop.

Milksnake

The milksnake is an unusual reptile. It comes
in many different sizes and color combinations
depending on where it lives. Milksnakes can be
found in a wide range of habitats, from humid

tropical rain forests to cool mountaintops.

242

Milksnakes are found across a wide range. They Snakes and Lizards
live in southern Canada and most of the United
States, except deserts and high mountains. Milksnakes Fact File
are also found throughout Central America south to
the foothills of the Andes Mountains in Ecuador. Milksnake
In general, the largest adult milksnakes are found in Lampropeltis triangulum
warmer, tropical regions farther south. The smallest Family: Colubridae
live in the northernmost parts of the snake’s range. Suborder: Serpentes
There is one exception, however. The milksnakes found Order: Squamata
in warm, subtropical Florida are much smaller than
milksnakes from the northeastern United States. The Where do they live?: From Canada
reason is that milksnakes in Florida are burrowers and in North America to Ecuador in
live most of their lives in rotting tree stumps. A big South America
snake would find this lifestyle difficult.
Habitat: Varies from damp forests
Seasonal Habits and desert edges to sandy beaches
Milksnakes live slightly different lives depending on and rocky mountains
where they live. Milksnakes from tropical areas are
always active because the temperature is very warm Size: Adult head–tail length 20 in.
throughout the year. Milksnakes from temperate regions (50 cm) to 6.5 ft. (2 m)
avoid the cool winters by entering a sleeplike state called
hibernation. Milksnakes hibernate for several months. Coloration: Usually blotched
They find dry, sheltered places such as woodland rabbit or striped with red, black, and
burrows, holes in trees, stone walls, and the cellars of white/yellow; some are brown,
buildings. Eastern milksnakes often hibernate in groups gray, or even black
of up to twenty-eight snakes. They huddle together to
share their warmth. Female milksnakes may also group Diet: Small mammals such as mice;
together early in the summer to lay their eggs. In cooler lizards; other snakes

Milksnakes are cylindrical snakes with small head Breeding: Females lay between
scales and glossy body scales. Some milksnakes may 4 and 15 eggs; eggs hatch after
grow to more than 6 feet long. 40–60 days

Life span: Usually 10–15 years

Status: Common

243

Milksnake

DID YOU KNOW? habitats, they may lay the eggs in
rotting sawdust or manure heaps,
Kingsnakes are close relatives of which keep the eggs warm as the
the milksnake. Many kingsnakes young inside develop.
are striped like milksnakes. To
add to the confusion, some Color Variations
milksnakes are sometimes Most milksnake hatchlings are red
called kingsnakes. with black-and-white stripes. This
Milksnakes got their name distinctive color pattern is similar to
because farmers once thought coral snakes, which are often found
that these reptiles stole milk from in the same places as milksnakes.
cows. Milksnakes are often found Coral snakes are venomous, but
in barns, where they hunt the milksnakes are not. In coral snakes,
mice that live there. red and yellow bands meet, while

The red milksnake is commonly found in the red and black bands meet in
easternmost parts of its range, particularly in the case of milksnakes. An
Florida. These snakes are much smaller than most easy way to remember
milksnakes, rarely exceeding 20 inches in length. the difference is the
244 following mnemonic:
“Red to yellow, kill a
fellow: Red to black,
venom lack.” For both,
the bright color pattern
acts as a warning signal
to potential predators.
The predators recognize
the possible danger of

being poisoned if they eat the
snakes. However, hatchlings and very
young milksnakes often fall victim
to predators that include bullfrogs,
hawks and other birds of prey,
raccoons, and other snakes.

Snakes and Lizards

One or many? scientists think that milksnakes should
be named as a different subspecies (types
There are about 25 forms of milksnake. within the same species). Subspecies are
They differ in size, color, stripe pattern, isolated from each other because they
and where they live. The forms include live in different places. But the different
the Mexican, Honduran, Ecuadorian, milksnakes often overlap in range. The
Pueblan, and eastern milksnakes. The variations in size and pattern between
eastern milksnake (shown below)â•‹is gray forms are gradual so it is very tricky to say
with brown blotches down its back. This when one form ends and another begins.
coloration camouflages the snake against
the leaf litter in which it is found. Some

Some milksnakes become darker in milksnake from Colombia—becomes
color as they grow older. Large adult completely black, but most just get
milksnakes have fewer predators. The darker. The dark color helps the
darkening happens because black snakes to absorb heat more easily
pigment spreads through the red and when basking. It also makes them
white scales. One form—the black less obvious to predators and prey.

245

Monitor Lizards

Monitor lizards are long-bodied lizards with a wide
distribution, from Africa east to the islands of the
Pacific Ocean. These lizards make their homes in many
different habitats and come in a range of sizes. The

family includes some of the world’s biggest lizards.

246

Most monitor lizards have similar body shapes, Snakes and Lizards
with long necks and bodies and thick, strong
legs. Each leg has five toes, which are tipped with long, Fact File
sharp, curved claws. Monitors have long, muscular tails.
If the monitor damages its tail or if it breaks off, it will Monitor lizards
not regrow, unlike other lizards. The head of a monitor Varanus species
lizard is generally long with a pointed snout. Its eyes Species: 57
have large, round pupils. Monitors have long, forked Family: Varanidae
tongues, which they flick out while moving along. Order: Squamata
The teeth are sharp and point slightly backward. Where do they live?: Africa, Asia,
Australia, and some islands in the
Monitor Meals Pacific and Indian oceans
Depending on the size of the monitor lizard and where
it lives, these predators eat a wide variety of animals. Equator
Coastal monitors eat mostly fish and crabs, while
monitors that live in trees usually eat birds and their Habitat: Varies from coastal
eggs. Monitors generally eat whatever food or prey is swamps and grassland to barren
available. The lizards find their food using their keen desert and humid rain forest
sense of smell. They have nostrils to smell, but they Size: Head–body length 10 in.
also use their tongue to detect scents. (25 cm) to 15 ft. (4.75 m); weighs
from 0.3 oz. (10 g) to 330 lb.
Monitors are swift runners. Once they catch their (150 kg)
prey, they may swallow it whole or tear it into chunks Coloration: From sandy brown
with their strong claws and teeth. They can eat large to dark green, with dark and light
chunks of meat because the lower jaw and the bones blotches over the body
in their throats are loose. Monitors develop fatter, Diet: Small mammals, lizards,
rounded tails when they are well fed. The tail acts as a crabs, insects, and birds’ eggs
store of fat, which is used up when there is not much Breeding: Females lay between
food around or when monitors are breeding. 7 and 51 eggs in burrows;
eggs hatch after 2 to 10 months
Aâ•‹lace monitor basks in the warm sunshine. Life span: 15–45 years
Lace monitors are among the largest lizards Status: Varies according to species
in Australia, where they are known as goannas.
247

Monitor Lizards

DID YOU KNOW? Dangers to Monitors
The greatest threat to monitor lizards
At 15 ft. (4.75 m), the world’s longest lizard is is the destruction of their habitat, but
the crocodile tree monitor. Nearly two-thirds of its monitors can adapt to live in different
length is taken up by its thin, whiplike tail, which it habitats. Full-sized adults have few
uses to help it balance while climbing in the treetops. predators. Giant monitors such as
Monitor lizards are called goannas in Australia. the Perentie monitor and Komodo
Some goannas eat poisonous snakes. In the past, dragon are easily the largest predators
Aborigines in Australia thought that the goannas in their habitats. However, the eggs,
were immune to the snakes’ venom. So they killed hatchlings, and young are at risk
goannas to make an oil that was used as a medicine. from predators ranging from larger
monitors to birds of prey. Monitors
A monitor lizard uses its sharp, curved claws to are also at risk from poisonous
climb up a tree in search of food such as birds’ eggs. predators such as the cane toad
and various snake species. When it
faces danger, a monitor hisses, sways
its body, and puffs up its throat.
Monitors often lash out with their
powerful tails, and they may even
vomit on their attacker.

Monitors at Risk
In the past, many monitor species
were hunted for their meat and skins.
Some body parts were also used in
local medicines. Some of the rarest
species are now protected in many
countries, but others are still killed
for their skins. For example, the skins
of the Nile monitors and other water
monitors are used to make bags, belts,
and shoes. Crocodile tree monitor
skins are made into drumheads.

248

Snakes and Lizards

In the water lives in northern Australia. It has a tall,
flattened tail to help it glide through
Monitor lizards are excellent swimmers. the water. Its nostrils are on the top of
They flatten their legs against the sides of its snout, which makes breathing while
their bodies and wave their tails to move in the water easier. The Nile monitor
through the water. They have big lungs (above)â•‹has similar adaptations. It lives
and can hold their breath underwater in the River Nile in Egypt. However, both
for up to thirty minutes. Monitor lizards monitors spend some time on the ground.
swim in both freshwater and oceans, often They live in dry habitats, climbing trees
moving between nearby islands. Some and digging burrows like other monitors.
monitors are particularly well adapted for
life in the water. Merten’s water monitor

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