Kimberley rock monitor facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Kimberley rock monitor |
|
|---|---|
.jpg) |
|
| Varanus glauerti male | |
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Varanus
|
| Species: |
glauerti
|
| Synonyms | |
|
|
The Kimberley rock monitor (scientific name: Varanus glauerti) is a cool type of monitor lizard. It's a medium-sized species of reptile. This lizard belongs to the family called Varanidae.
It is native to Northern Australia. People also know it as Glauert's monitor or the Kakadu sand goanna. This monitor lizard is part of a special group called Odatria.
Contents
Where Its Name Comes From
The scientific name, glauerti, was given to honor a person. It is named after Ludwig Glauert. He was an Australian expert who studied reptiles and amphibians.
Where It Lives
You can find the Kimberley rock monitor in a specific part of Australia. It lives in the far northwestern area of Western Australia. It also lives in the very northern tip of the Northern Territory.
What It Looks Like
The Kimberley rock monitor can grow quite long. It reaches up to 80 cm (31 in) in total length. About three-quarters of its length is its very long tail.
Habitat and Behaviour
This monitor lizard mostly lives on rocky cliff faces. It loves these rocky areas. You can also find it in humid forests. It prefers places that are damp and rocky.
What It Eats
The Kimberley rock monitor is a hunter. It preys on different kinds of insects. These include caterpillars, cockroaches, and grasshoppers. It also eats small lizards, like geckos, and their eggs.
Reproduction
The Kimberley rock monitor reproduces by laying eggs. This means it is oviparous. Sometimes, a female can even lay eggs that hatch without a male. This is called parthenogenesis.
