What are Monitor Lizards?

About Monitor Lizards:

• They are a group of large reptiles belonging to the family Varanidae.
• They are known for their distinctive appearance, with long bodies, powerful limbs, and well-developed tails.
• They are considered to be the most intelligent of all lizards and some of the most intelligent reptiles in general.
• Distribution:
  • They are mainly native to Asia, Africa, and Australia.
  • India is home to four Monitor lizards– the Bengal Monitor (Varanus bengalensis), the Asian Water monitor (Varanus salvator), the Yellow monitor (Varanus flavescens) and the Desert monitor (Varanus griseus).
• Features:
  • They have large claws, powerful tails, long necks, and well-developed legs.
  • They can move quickly and powerfully in pursuit of prey. 
  • Most monitor lizards are terrestrial and largely carnivorous. 
  • They do not blink and they have very good vision. 
  • They have forked tongues which they use for smelling. 
• Conservation Status:
  • Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule 1

Key Facts about Komodo dragon:

• It is a type of monitor lizard.
• Scientific Name: Varanus komodoensis.
• It is the largest species of monitor lizard, and it can grow up to ten feet long and weigh 300 pounds.
• They are also generally known to be the most dangerous types of monitor lizards
• The skin of a Komodo dragon is also unusual compared to other monitors. It has tiny bones called osteoderms throughout its skin, which reinforces its toughness against predators.