Desert waral lizard
A species of Monitor lizards Scientific name : Varanus griseus Genus : Monitor lizards
Desert waral lizard, A species of Monitor lizards
Scientific name: Varanus griseus
Genus: Monitor lizards
Content
Description General Info
Photo By מינוזיג - MinoZig , used under CC-BY-SA-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
The desert monitor, Varanus griseus, is a species of monitor lizards of the order Squamata found living throughout North Africa and Central and South Asia. Three subspecies have been described:
General Info
Lifespan
20-25 years
Diet
Desert waral lizard primarily feeds on small mammals and birds. It also consumes insects, eggs, and occasionally vegetation, demonstrating an opportunistic and varied diet.
Appearance
Desert waral lizard is a large, robust monitor lizard with a powerful tail. Sporting a scaly skin that is predominantly grey-brown, these creatures often have bands of darker brown or black across their back and tail. Juveniles have spots instead of bands. They feature elongated necks and strong, sharp claws. There are no substantial differences in appearance due to age, gender, or subspecies.
Behavior
Desert waral lizard is a primarily solitary and territorial species, using chemical markings for territory delineation. Notable for its opportunistic hunting behavior, it prefers ambush tactics with a sit-and-wait approach. Adapted for arid desert habitats, desert waral lizard burrows to escape high temperatures and retains water efficiently, exhibiting facultative estivation during extreme heat.
Photo By מינוזיג - MinoZig , used under CC-BY-SA-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
Monitor lizards Genus
Monitor lizards Species
Desert waral lizard