Monitor Lizards

49 species

Monitor lizards are large lizards native to Africa, Asia, and Oceania; one species is found in the Americas as an invasive species. Monitor lizards have long necks, powerful tails and claws, and well-developed limbs. Most are terrestrial, but arboreal and semiaquatic monitors are also known. While most Monitor lizards are carnivorous, some also eat fruit and vegetation, depending on where they live. They are normally solitary, however, groups as large as 25 individuals are common in areas with limited water resources. Monitor lizards maintain large territories and employ active-pursuit hunting techniques that are reminiscent of similar-sized mammals. Anatomical and molecular studies indicate that all Monitor lizards are partially venomous. Their venom is diverse and complex. Monitor lizards are oviparous and lay from 7 to 37 eggs, which they often cover with soil or protect in a hollow tree stump.
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Monitor lizards are large lizards native to Africa, Asia, and Oceania; one species is found in the Americas as an invasive species. Monitor lizards have long necks, powerful tails and claws, and well-developed limbs. Most are terrestrial, but arboreal and semiaquatic monitors are also known. While most Monitor lizards are carnivorous, some also eat fruit and vegetation, depending on where they live. They are normally solitary, however, groups as large as 25 individuals are common in areas with limited water resources. Monitor lizards maintain large territories and employ active-pursuit hunting techniques that are reminiscent of similar-sized mammals. Anatomical and molecular studies indicate that all Monitor lizards are partially venomous. Their venom is diverse and complex. Monitor lizards are oviparous and lay from 7 to 37 eggs, which they often cover with soil or protect in a hollow tree stump.
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