The White-Throated Savannah Monitor Lizarad (Varanus albigularis albigularis) is a medium-sized lizard from southern Africa. It is a reptile.
The White-Throated Savannah Monitor is grey or brown with a pronounced bulbous head, and large ear holes and large nostrils. It has 3-8 white cross-bars or rows of white sports on its body. The top of the head is dark, and its underbelly is paler. It has short legs with large claws on its feet. It has small eyes with round pupils. It forked tongue is long and blue.
White-Throated Savannah Monitor Lizard
It can grow to 200 centimetres (79 inches) in length.
It prefers dry and moist savannah habitats, woodlands, and semi-deserts. It is widespread in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and south to South Africa and Namibia.
It is diurnal, active during the day. It is terrestrial, living on the ground (and not in trees), although it climbs well and can be seen in trees and rocky outcrops. It protects itself by thrashing its strong tail.
It feeds on baby tortoises, birds, eggs, snails, beetles, grasshoppers, and small snakes, as well as other insects.
Females use a termite mound, rocky crevice, or moist soil as a nest. She lays 8-50 eggs, which hatch about 4 months later.
White-Throated Savannah Monitor Lizard
White-Throated Savannah Monitor Lizard
Photographer: Martina Nicolls
Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM