| The
Savannah Monitors home in the wild
extends through central Africa from coast to coast,
ranging from Senegal to Eritrea and as far south as
the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This monitors
name can be confusing, as it is also used to describe
a few other monitor species that commonly live in savannahs.
The scientific name of the Savannah Monitor is Varanus
exanthematicus.
The original name of this lizard species was 'Bosc's
Monitor'. Because of the confusion with its
current name, this monitor is still quite commonly called
the Bosc's Monitor.
The Savannah Monitor is a very strong species of lizard,
with especially well-developed muscles in their limbs
which they use for digging and burrowing. They grow
to an average length of 4 feet to 5 feet. Their diet
in the wild consists of many insects, like millipedes
and giant crickets, also scorpions, birds, other lizards
and small mammals.
When a Savannah Monitor bites, venom
passes from the monitor to the animal, but it does not
inject its venom like a snake. The monitors venom surrounds
and pools on their teeth, and enters the open wound
made when the teeth enter the preys flesh.
The Savannah
Monitor Pictures will give you an idea
of the size of these lizards.
Savannah Monitors are only recommended for experience
lizard keepers. Learn about caring for these lizards
with our Savannah
Monitor Care Sheet.
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