Gould's monitor, Sand monitor, Racehorse goanna
The Sand goanna (Varanus gouldii ) is a species of large Australian monitor lizard, also known as Gould's monitor, Sand monitor, or Racehorse goanna.
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DiurnalDiurnal animals are active during the daytime, with a period of sleeping or other inactivity at night. The timing of activity by an animal depends ...
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CarnivoreA carnivore meaning 'meat eater' is an organism that derives its energy and nutrient requirements from a diet consisting mainly or exclusively of a...
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ScavengerScavengers are animals that consume dead organisms that have died from causes other than predation or have been killed by other predators. While sc...
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TerrestrialTerrestrial animals are animals that live predominantly or entirely on land (e.g., cats, ants, snails), as compared with aquatic animals, which liv...
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OviparousOviparous animals are female animals that lay their eggs, with little or no other embryonic development within the mother. This is the reproductive...
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PrecocialPrecocial species are those in which the young are relatively mature and mobile from the moment of birth or hatching. Precocial species are normall...
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BurrowingA burrow is a hole or tunnel excavated into the ground by an animal to create a space suitable for habitation, temporary refuge, or as a byproduct ...
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PredatorPredators are animals that kill and eat other organisms, their prey. Predators may actively search for or pursue prey or wait for it, often conceal...
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ArborealArboreal locomotion is the locomotion of animals in trees. In habitats in which trees are present, animals have evolved to move in them. Some anima...
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SolitaryNo
Not a migrantAnimals that do not make seasonal movements and stay in their native home ranges all year round are called not migrants or residents.
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starts withSand goannas are large and have beautifully patterned scales. They are greenish-gray in color with small yellow spots all over their bodies. These spots are most prominent on their tails and lower bodies and their heads have a yellow pattern on the sides.
Sand goannas inhabit a vast range throughout Australia. They can be found in northern and eastern Australia, where they live in open woodlands, shrublands, and grasslands.
Sand goannas are terrestrial reptiles that excavate large burrows for shelter or shelter in rock escarpments and tree hollows. They are diurnal and prefer to live on their own. These relentless foragers have a forked tongue, with which they "taste" the air. During the hunt, scents are picked up on each side of the fork which, when retracted, brushes over an area in the mouth called Jacobson's organ, which identifies on which side the scent is stronger. Sand goannas are also good at climbing trees and are good swimmers.
Sand goannas are carnivores and scavengers that will prey on anything smaller than themselves. The diets of hatchlings and juveniles often consist mostly of insects and small lizards, but generally vary more with age. Adults will prey on mice, other small mammals, small birds, crustaceans, large insects, small lizard species, snakes, amphibians, eggs, and carrion. They are seemingly immune to snake venom and will kill and eat even the most venomous species such as the Inland taipan.
Sand goannas breed during the wet season. Females lay their 10 to 17 eggs in termite mounds to protect them from the harsh desert climate.
The main threats to this species include the loss and poisoning of their native habitat, poaching, collisions with traffic, and predation by raptors.
According to IUCN Red List, the Sand goanna is locally common and widespread throughout its range but no overall population estimate is available. Currently, this species is classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List and its numbers today remain stable.
