Savanna Monitor Lizard in Kenya

The Savanna Monitor Lizard in Kenya is a large, heavy lizard, growing up to 1.6 metres (5 feet) long. The Savanna Monitor Lizard (Varanus albigularis) is grey or brown with a rounded nose, and light yellow spots on its body.

The lizard is diurnal (active during the day), and likes thick grassland and savanna. It is terrestrial but it can climb trees and rocks. It is widespread across Kenya from sea level to about 1500 metres (4,900 feet) above sea level.

The monitor lizard eats small mammals, birds, eggs, snakes, other small lizards, and tortoises. The female will dig a hole to lay eggs, or deposit them in holes within termite mounds or rock crevices.

MARTINA NICOLLS is an international aid and development consultant, and the author of:- The Shortness of Life: A Mongolian Lament (2015), Liberia’s Deadest Ends (2012), Bardot’s Comet (2011), Kashmir on a Knife-Edge (2010) and The Sudan Curse (2009).

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