Giant girdled lizard or sungazer
A species of Smaug, Also known as Gant spinytail lizard, Giant spiny-tailed lizard Scientific name : Smaug giganteus Genus : Smaug
Giant girdled lizard or sungazer, A species of Smaug
Also known as:
Gant spinytail lizard, Giant spiny-tailed lizard
Scientific name: Smaug giganteus
Genus: Smaug
Content
Description General Info
Photo By Cymothoa exigua , used under CC-BY-SA-3.0 /Cropped and compressed from original 
Description
The sungazer (Smaug giganteus, syn. Cordylus giganteus), also known as the giant girdled lizard or giant dragon lizard or giant zonure, is the largest species of the Cordylidae, a family of lizards from Sub-Saharan Africa. This threatened species is endemic to Highveld grasslands in the interior of South Africa. In 2011, it was assigned to the new genus Smaug along with seven other species previously belonging to the genus Cordylus, based on
General Info
Lifespan
8-10 years
Diet
Giant girdled lizard or sungazer predominantly thrive on a diet of invertebrates like termites, spiders, small beetles, and ants. Their armored scales are optimal for foraging these animals, particularly in termite mounds.
Appearance
Giant girdled lizard or sungazer is a large reptile with oval body shape, covered in rough, scaled skin. The dominant coloration is an earthy brown, often with a greenish tinge and marbled with darker patches. Giant girdled lizard or sungazer possesses no significant features like horns or wings. Males are larger and more vibrantly colored than females. This reptile displays almost no changes in appearance with age or between subspecies.
Behavior
Giant girdled lizard or sungazer is predominantly solitary, dwelling inside self-excavated burrows. Characterized by basking behavior, giant girdled lizard or sungazer absorbs heat from sun-exposed rocks for thermoregulation. Giant girdled lizard or sungazer employs remarkable camouflage, blending seamlessly with its rocky habitat. Territory is defended vigorously; intruding males are expelled through fierce combat.
Population
Decreasing
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
Girdled lizards Genus
Smaug Species
Giant girdled lizard or sungazer 
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