Nile Monitor
ExploreReptiles
Nile Monitor
Varanus niloticus
The Nile Monitor is a large lizard that loves water. It has a long tail and is a great swimmer.
Habitat: Rivers, lakes, and wetlands.
Appearance
The Nile Monitor is a large lizard with an olive-green to grey-brown body covered in yellowish spots and bands. It has a long, powerful tail and a pointed snout, making it look sleek and agile.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassSquamataOrderLacertiliaFamilyVaranidaeGenusVaranus
Category
ReptilesRarity
Rare
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
Interesting facts
Baby monitors often hatch inside warm termite mounds, safe from predators.
Some Nile monitors can grow as long as two adult humans lying head-to-toe!
These clever reptiles can eat crocodile eggs, turning a predator into a meal!
They are fantastic climbers, using strong claws to scale trees quickly!
Special abilities
Ability
Underwater Hunter
Nile Monitor can hold its breath for over an hour to hunt fish and other prey underwater.
Ability
Tail Whip Defense
Nile Monitor has a powerful tail that helps them deliver a painful whip to scare off predators.
Ability
Super Sniffer
Nile Monitor uses its forked tongue to 'smell' the air and track down prey from far away.
Ability
Egg Raider
Nile Monitor can dig into the ground to steal and eat eggs from nests, even crocodile nests.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 120-240 cm
- Weight
- 5-20 kg
- Lifespan
- 10-20 years
- Top Speed
- 20 km/h
- Swim Speed
- 8 km/h
- Clutch Size
- 20-60
- Incubation
- 95-150 days
- Maximum Depth
- 5 m
Diet & Feeding
These powerful lizards eat almost anything they can catch, from tasty insects to fish and even crocodile eggs!
Age differences: Young monitors eat more insects; adults prefer larger prey like fish, rodents, and birds.
Primary Foods
- Fish
- Frogs
- Rodents
- Birds
- Eggs
- Insects
Foraging Method
- Ambush
Ecological connections
eats
Nile Crocodile
Crocodylus niloticus
Nile Monitors feast on their eggs.
hunts
African Catfish
Clarias gariepinus
Frequently targeted prey in aquatic environments.
hunts
Cape Gerbil
Tatera afra
Monitors prey on small rodents in their habitat.
depends on
Giant Termite
Termes bellicosus
Lays eggs inside termite mounds for warmth.
Traits
Wildlife
Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats.
Piscivorous
Piscivorous organisms are animals that primarily subsist on a diet of fish.
Aquatic
Aquatic habitats encompass environments where organisms live predominantly in water, including oceans, rivers, lakes, and wetlands.
Nocturnal
Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.
Also known as
African Monitor
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
Look but don’t touch. Keep a safe distance and wash hands after exploring.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Nile Monitor?
120-240 cm
How much does Nile Monitor weigh?
5-20 kg
How long does Nile Monitor live?
10-20 years
How fast can Nile Monitor move?
20 km/h
What does Nile Monitor eat?
These powerful lizards eat almost anything they can catch, from tasty insects to fish and even crocodile eggs!
How fast can Nile Monitor swim?
8 km/h
Where is Nile Monitor usually found?
Rivers, lakes, and wetlands.
How does Nile Monitor hunt?
Ambush
Snap Map
Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.
Loading map…
Recent Snaps
Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.
