Lizards are from the group of squamate reptiles that can be easily found globally with more than 6,000 species. A prominent part of the lizard species is also native to Australia. Australia has over 860 species of reptiles, number one compared to other continents. Therefore, in this post, we have listed the top 5 largest lizards in Australia as of 2022.
The list is ranked based on the overall size and weight of the particular lizard. These biggest lizards are very shy to humans; hence they always try to avoid us. So, without any further discussion, let’s begin the list.
5) Rosenberg’s monitor
Rosenberg’s monitors are one of the biggest lizards in Australia. They are categorized under varanid reptiles and can be witnessed in the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, South Australia, and Victoria.
They are high-speed monitor lizards with a body length of up to 1.5 meters from head to tail. Rosenberg’s monitors are in dark color with light yellow stripes all over the tail. They mainly feed on eggs, insects, and small birds.
Size- up to 1.5 metres (4.92 ft) long
Weight- 1.9 kilograms (4.18 lb)
Scientific name- Varanus rosenbergi
Diet- Insects, small birds, eggs
Location- Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, South Australia, Victoria.
4) Sand goanna
Sand goanna, also known as Gould’s monitor, sand monitor, or racehorse goanna, is one of the largest lizards found in Australia. Sand goannas are widely spread across Australia and can be easily witnessed under extensive burrows or tree hollows. They primarily prey on mice, snakes, and carrion.
They are also immune to snakes’ venom and are responsible for eliminating most of the venomous snakes. Like other goannas, sand goannas have forked tongue that assists them in picking the scents in the air.
Size- up to 1.4 m (4.6 ft)
Weight- 6 kilograms (13 lb)
Scientific name- Varanus gouldii
Diet- Insects and small lizards
Location- All across Australia
3) Yellow-spotted monitor
Yellow-spotted monitor is one of the biggest lizards found in the northern and western regions of Australia. It is also known as Argus monitor. These monitors are primarily yellow in color with a brown or dark tan background.
They mainly feed on fish, rodents, crabs, and other insects. Yellow-spotted monitors are very fast and quick. They can run and dig large burrows in no time when being chased. Also, sometimes, these monitors are able to hybridize with Sand goannas due to similar genital composition.
Size- average 1.5 metres (4.92 ft) long
Weight- 8-20 kilograms (44.09 lb)
Scientific name- Varanus panoptes
Diet- Fish, crabs, small birds, rodents, and insects
Location- Western Australia
2) Lace monitor
Lace Monitor is the second largest monitor lizard native to Eastern Australia. These monitors have a dark gray to dull bluish-black body with various cream-colored spots and can be found in Queensland, New South Wales, and the Flinders Ranges in South Australia.
They are also a great climber, despite having large size body. Lace Monitors are apex predators who love to eat eggs, dead carcasses, leftover meat scraps, and small mammals.
Size- up to 2 meters (6.6 ft) long
Weight- 14 kilograms (31 lb)
Scientific name- Varanus varius
Diet- Insects, Birds, small mammals, eggs, dead carcasses
Location- Eastern Australia
1) Perentie
The Perentie is the largest monitor lizard in Australia. It can be found in the arid region of Western Australia, South Australia, the Northern Territory, and Queensland. However, Perenties are very difficult to discover because of their shy nature.
They generally avoid human contact and quickly retreat with their enormous claws. Despite having large sizes and heavy weights, Perenties can easily climb trees with the help of their large claws.
Also, researchers categorize Perentie under venomous lizard, and its bite can cause swelling, blood clotting, and tremendous pain.
Size- up to 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) long
Weight- 20 kg (44 lb)
Scientific name- Varanus giganteus
Diet- Birds, small mammals, and other reptiles
Location- Great Dividing Range
Here, we conclude our article on “Top 5 Largest Lizards in Australia.” We hope you like it. We will be back with another article. Till then, stay tuned with us and read other Top 10s mentioned below.
References
Image Source: Wikipedia
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Monty is a founder of How It See. Being a life science student in a reputed university, he always wonders about an eclectic correlation between science and nature. After engaging in various college projects, Monty determined to share all his knowledge with you as a writer. In the meantime, he loves to research and study about the various types of colorful animals.