Lizard type animal. The largest lizard in the world

The bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps) is a lizard that even a novice terrariumist can keep. Nature has endowed this creature with an amazing appearance and sufficient unpretentiousness for living at home. The bearded dragon is native to the Australian continent. At one time, the Australian authorities very strictly controlled the export of representatives of the local fauna, but nevertheless, relatives of the agama found their way beyond the mainland and began to successfully breed in other territories that were quite suitable for their living conditions. The bearded agama is amazing not only for its appearance, but also for its name directly associated with it. Latin word Pogona in translation just means the presence of a beard, and vitticeps has an even more bizarre meaning - “headband made of bulbs.” So Latin name lizard indicates the presence of leathery spines around the ears, head and throat of the agama. These spikes imitate a beard. Because of this feature, the British even nicknamed the agama a bearded dragon - central bearded dragon. And one more unique ability bearded dragon - change color when the lizard is scared or anxious. In this state, the bearded dragon becomes lighter in color and its paws take on a bright yellow or orange hue. The color of a lizard can also change depending on the ambient temperature.

Agama tree

Already from the name of the tree agamas of the species Agama atricollis it is clear that nature has probably adapted these lizards to woody image life. And above all, she gave them a patronizing connotation. Try to spot a tree agama in the lush greenery of an African tropical forest - you are unlikely to succeed. Its variable brownish, olive or green body easily blends with foliage or tree bark, and its elongated shape can resemble anything - a protruding branch, a growth on a trunk, or a piece of the same bark. The sharp claws of the tree agama help it deftly move through the trees. But there are also atypical representatives of Agama atricollis, for example, with a bright blue head. By the way, such lizards are also excellent camouflages. Despite their mistrust and not the easiest taming, they like to keep tree agamas in terrariums. True, this is only possible if they are provided with suitable conditions - temperature, humidity, food. Tree agamas are quite capricious creatures and can easily wither away if something goes wrong. environment It will be “not to their liking”, that is, not for their health. And don’t expect devotion and affection from the lizard; it is not easy to make contact and at first may be afraid of its owners, and after getting used to it, ignore it.

Bengal monitor lizard

The Bengal monitor lizard (Varanus bengalensis) is a reptile that has a body size of up to 2 meters, as a rule, on average it does not exceed 170 cm. These animals have a slender body and a narrow, noticeably pointed head in front. Their tail is of moderate length, laterally compressed and has a low double keel along its upper edge. The body of monitor lizards is dark olive in color, covered on top with numerous specks and round spots. yellow. They are transverse rows. Adult representatives of this species are uniformly colored yellow, brownish-olive or brownish-gray, on which faintly visible dark spots.

Cape monitor lizard

The Cape monitor lizard is also called the Bosca monitor lizard or the steppe monitor lizard (lat.Varanus exanthematicus) is a species of reptile from the monitor lizard family. This name of this species is erroneous, since this animal does not live in the Cape Mountains, but since it was first brought to Europe and described from South Africa, this name has stuck to it to this day.
Subspecies of this lizard are not distinguished. However, some herpetologists in their works provide a description of 4 subspecies, based on their habitat, but almost all taxonomists have recognized them as invalid, and consider the species to be integral.
These animals as adults have a body length with a tail of 80–110 cm and up to 2 meters. Their body is atypical for monitor lizards, as it is quite heavy, but it fully corresponds to the life activity that the animal leads. That is, it is aimed at endurance of the body and saving vital energy, and not at climbing trees and diving in water.
Cape monitor lizards have a short body and muzzle; it has obliquely set nostrils, shaped like slits, located very close to the eyes. These animals have short fingers with very large claws. The lizard's body is covered with small scales, the tail is laterally compressed and has a double ridge on the upper edge. The color of these reptiles is gray-brown with yellow stripes and spots. The underside of the monitor lizard's body is lighter than the back, the throat is yellowish-white, and the tail has brown and yellow rings.

Komodo dragon

Komodo dragon received its name due to the fact that its habitat is the small island of Komodo in Eastern Indonesia, where it was described as a separate species in 1912. These reptiles have remained virtually unchanged over the past 2 million years. They take their origin from ancient snakes, having inherited a poisonous gland from them.
Komodo dragons are the most large reptiles on Earth. Their sizes can reach up to 3 meters in length and weigh 150 kg. Wild monitor lizards are significantly smaller in size than their relatives kept in captivity.
Juveniles of the described species are quite brightly colored. On top they are a beautiful light chestnut color, which smoothly turns into green-yellow on the nape and neck, and carrot-orange on the shoulders and back. According to these colors, reddish-orange spots and rings are located in transverse rows on the animal’s body, which can merge into continuous stripes on the neck and tail. Over time, the coloring of monitor lizards changes to a monotonous dark brown color, which can sometimes have dirty yellow specks.

Monitor lizard of the Nile

The Nile monitor (Varanus niloticus) is another of the huge number of lizards.
These animals can reach up to 2 meters in length, although such individuals are very rare. As a rule, the body size of a monitor lizard is 1.7 meters, of which 1 meter is the tail. In reptiles of this species, the tail is flattened on the sides and is equipped with a longitudinal keel (ridge) on top. There are no longitudinal rows of wide scales above the eyes on the head, the nostrils are round and set closer to leading edge eyes. The teeth of monitor lizards are cone-shaped in front and have blunt crowns in the back.
The body color of lizards is a dark yellowish-green, against which there is a beautiful pattern of irregular transverse stripes formed by small yellow specks and spots. Between the shoulders and groin there are horseshoe-shaped yellow spots, and in front of the shoulders there is a black semicircular stripe. The color of the tail in its lower part is yellow with transverse stripes, and the first part of the tail has yellow-green rings.

Striped monitor lizard

The striped monitor lizard (Varanus salvator) is a species of animal that belongs to the class of reptiles. It has many names, depending on where it is distributed. On the island of Bali, striped monitor lizards are called "Alyu", and on the island of Flores - "Weti". In other areas of Malaysia and Indonesia, these animals are called "Biawak air" by the local population. In Thailand they are called nothing more than “Khiah”, but the term “Tua-nguyen-tua-tong” is more often used. In Sri Lanka, striped monitor lizards are called "Karabaragoya", while in Bengal they are called "Ram godhika", "Pani godhi" or "Pani goisap". In the Philippines, these monitor lizards are called "Halo", but the most commonly used name is "Bayawak".

Gray monitor lizard

The gray monitor lizard (Varanus griseus) is a representative of the suborder of lizards of the reptile class. The size of an adult animal, including its tail, can reach a length of 150 cm and a weight of up to 3.5 kg. The body of this animal is massive, equipped strong legs with curved claws on the fingers. Just like most monitor lizards gray monitor lizard very strong and long rounded tail. The color of the scales blends into the surrounding background, which is good remedy for shelter from enemies and for catching prey, because not every animal is able to recognize the grayish-brown body of an animal with a reddish tint, which is hidden on the steppe plain. The lizard has dark spots and dots scattered throughout its body, and almost parallel stripes of the same color run across its back and tail. On the head of the reptile there are curved nostrils that open near the eyes. This anatomical structure will make it easier for the animal to explore burrows, since the nostrils are not clogged with sand. The gray monitor lizard is strong and long; in the oral cavity there are sharp, slightly curved teeth that help hold the victim. Throughout the life of the animal, they are erased and replaced with new ones.

Madagascar day gecko

Among the representatives tropical fauna there are so many truly beautiful animals, often in amazingly vibrant colors. Perhaps this is explained by the fact that the nature of the tropics itself is distinguished by a riot of colors. For example, in tropical latitudes there are exotic birds painted in incredible shades, as well as exotic lizards, one of which will be discussed in this article. The Madagascar day gecko (Phelsuma madagascariensis) deserves to be known not only to herpetologists and avid terrarium keepers. Although among lovers of exotic reptiles he is rightly called a veteran of terrariums. What makes the Madagascar day gecko so unusual? First of all, it is the bright color of the body. Moreover, the colors that nature gave to this lizard are unlikely to find analogues among the shades artificially created by man. The Madagascar day gecko's body is a rich velvet green contrasted with large bright red spots along its back. Moreover different representatives species can have variable colors, for example, being green-blue with several small red splashes or pure green with a red stripe on the back. The Madagascar gecko is named a diurnal gecko in accordance with the circadian rhythms of its life. The lizard, as the name implies, lives only in Madagascar and belongs to the felsum genus endemic to this island. By the way, one of the most common and largest subspecies of the Madagascar day gecko is called the magnificent Phelsuma madagascariensis grandis for its amazing appearance.

Madagascar gecko

The Madagascar flat-tailed gecko, along with the common gecko, is one of the celebrities of the tropical fauna because of its amazing appearance. He has unique feature change body color depending on ambient temperature and lighting. In the sun, the Madagascar gecko is deep green, but in the shade it can easily turn olive, brown, or even lose its greenery and put on a gray outfit. In bright sunlight, the lizard's body takes on a lemon tint, but if you look at it against the light, the gecko is already aquamarine with a deep tail. blue color. This lizard is named flat-tailed for its tail, which is wide and flattened at the top and bottom with jagged edges. And although the flat-tailed gecko is also classified as a Madagascar species, its habitat is not limited only to this island. Broad-tailed lizards are also found in the Seychelles and Hawaii, although scientists believe that the reptiles were introduced there, while Madagascar is their natural homeland. Madagascar flat-tailed geckos are smaller in size than common day geckos, but otherwise they have similar characteristics. Which ones exactly – read in the relevant sections. And of course, these lizards, like day geckos, are popular “exhibits” of terrarium collections. But in order for the flat-tailed gecko to always be vigorous, healthy and bright, it is especially necessary to maintain a suitable level of moisture in the environment. But for ordinary day geckos this is not the most important indicator.

Legless lizards and snakes seem the same, but this is only at first glance. It turns out that there are a number of differences between these reptiles. In what ways do they differ? What types of legless lizards are the most common? Read about this in the article.

Brief description

The legless lizards that will be discussed in this article look like snakes. They are missing limbs. Their eyelids are movable. These reptiles lead an underground lifestyle: they spend most of their time in the ground. With the help of a shovel-like head, as well as thanks to specific body movements, they make numerous passages in loose soil. Legless lizards feed on insects and invertebrate organisms.

These reptiles are ovoviviparous. At one time, a female can bring several cubs, most often no more than four. Lizards reach sexual maturity at three years.

Differences from snakes

When people encounter a legless lizard, they most often mistake it for a poisonous snake and try to kill the animal. Of course, reptiles have similarities: both legless lizards and snakes move by wriggling their bodies. However, if you look closely, you can find several pronounced differences between the two types of reptiles. Let's look at the difference using the example of two lizards: the spindle and the yellow-bellied lizard.

Firstly, they have movable eyelids, while in snakes they are fused, thereby forming a transparent protective layer over the eyes. Lizards have an ear opening, which is located behind the organs of vision. Snakes do not have it.

Secondly, the head and body are fastened differently in reptiles. If the spindle and the yellow-bellied do not have any narrowings in the neck area, then in snakes they are clearly pronounced.

In lizards, the left and right parts of the jaws are connected more rigidly; in addition, these animals have a shoulder girdle.

What lizards are common in Russia?

Legless lizards live in many parts of the planet. Several species of these animals are found in Russia. In the European part of our country, as well as in the Caucasus, the spindle is common. In the south of the state you can stumble upon a yellowbell.

Spindle

has a beautiful appearance. Its scales are very smooth and shiny. It is painted brown, brown or dark gray with a bronze tint. Males have small blue spots on their backs. In captivity, reptiles molt in about a month.

The legless lizard (spindle) feeds on mollusks, earthworms and insect larvae. It holds prey with sharp teeth bent back. Thanks to this, slippery worms and slugs remain in the reptile's mouth. The lizard absorbs food in the following way: it swallows slowly, moving its head in different sides. If the worm grabs onto something and does not leave the earthen hole, then the spindle straightens its body and begins to rotate in one direction. In this way, she tears off part of the prey. When eating snails, the reptile slowly pulls the mollusk out of its shelter, first resting its head against the mouth of the shell.

Brittle spindle

The spindle family includes a huge number of species. There are more than a hundred of them in total. General characteristics spindles have already been presented in this article. Now we will talk about one of the most prominent representatives of the family - the brittle spindle. By the way, the legless snake-like lizard and the spindle are not the same thing. There is a big difference between them: for example, spindles have auditory openings and temporal arches.

The length of these reptiles reaches 45 centimeters. Two thirds of their body is a flexible, movable tail. At the same time, the border between the body and the tail is almost invisible to the naked eye. The scales of the animal are reinforced with bone plates. Typically, spindles have gray or brown with a coppery sheen. However, there are also albino individuals, as well as melanists, whose color is completely black. The cubs were once mistakenly classified as a separate species, because in early age their color divides the body into two halves: chocolate and golden. You can meet brittle spindle in the forests. Sometimes she crawls into fields and gardens. In addition, this reptile can swim, so occasionally it appears near bodies of water.

Yellow Tummy

The legless yellow-bellied lizard also has another name - capercaillie. This reptile is large, its length is one and a half meters. Yellowtail - not really legless lizard. The remains of the limbs are represented by two claws located along the edges of the cloaca. They are most pronounced in adult males. The reptiles belong to the genus Armored spindles.

Appearance lizards is this: they have long body, protected by fused scales. They perform the function of a shell. Skin folds run along the sides of the body. There are two of them in total. They simplify the life of lizards, facilitate their breathing and provide elasticity to the shell when eating large pieces of food. The color of the body can be brown and yellowish, often red blotches appear on it. It is easy to determine the age of a lizard by the color of its shell: individuals that are not yet a year old have a striped coloration, represented by dark stripes against a brown-yellow background.

Distribution of yellowbellies

This species of legless lizards is common on the southern coast of Crimea, in the territory Central Asia, Kazakhstan, Caucasus, Syria, Israel, Iran and Iraq. Most often, when people come across this animal, they confuse it with a medium-sized snake. The Yellow Tummy tries to avoid conflict and hides in the grass first. However, some individuals are still injured or even killed.

Yellowbellies live in various areas. They feel comfortable on forest edges and rocky slopes, on river banks and in the steppes. These lizards are not at all afraid of people, which is why they can be found in vineyards and orchards. They feed on terrestrial animals, most often insects, as well as plants. They wait out the winter under stones, tree roots, and in shelters such as rodent burrows. As soon as the air temperature warms up to +16 degrees Celsius in spring, yellowbellies become active again. They are typical diurnal lizards. Their activity peaks in the morning and early evening. On very hot days they may return to their shelters and hibernate.

California lizard

The California legless lizard is not very large. Its worm-like body reaches a length of only 25 centimeters, and this is the maximum. Upper part the body is colored in a grayish-olive or brownish tint. Some subspecies are dark brown or even black in color. The underside is usually yellow and the head is dark. In young individuals, three longitudinal lines on the body are clearly visible.

This reptile is common on the California coast. For this, the lizard got its name. You can also meet her in San Francisco. It makes passages in the ground at a depth of 10-15 centimeters. Settles most often in areas with sparse vegetation and sandy soil. However, this does not mean that it cannot be found in the rocks. Tree trunks lying on the ground, voids under stones - the lizard uses all these places as shelters.

The food for the California lizard is soil insects, their larvae, spiders and various arthropods. She mines them underground. The reptile also hunts on the surface of the soil, detecting the location of prey by smell and quickly grabbing it with its head sticking out of the sand.

The fantastic leaf-tailed gecko can actually be seen in Madagascar. If, of course, you can distinguish the disguise guru from what he pretends to be - a dry leaf.

A mutant tailless lizard discovered in Australia has two pairs of front legs, two brains, and eats out of two mouths. Alas, the two heads cannot agree with each other: the larger one constantly strives to bite the smaller one.

Lobe-tailed or flying gecko, found in tropical forests southeast asia, capable of gliding at a distance of up to 70 meters. Its wing is a leathery fold, which is straightened by the flow of air. A flat, spade-shaped tail helps to maneuver.

Thanks to the growth on its tail, the sail lizard from the islands of Southeast Asia is equally good at swimming, diving and climbing trees. The height of the “sail” in males reaches 10 cm - with a body length of up to 110 cm. In females, the dimensions are more modest, and the “crest” is not so steep.

The Galapagos land iguana is a real heavyweight in the world of lizards: with a length of just over a meter, its weight reaches 10 kg. The giant's diet is as harsh as its appearance: the basis of its diet is the fruits and leaves of the prickly pear cactus, along with its spines

The marine iguana is found only on the Galapagos Islands and is larger than the land iguana: up to 12 kg with a length of up to 140 cm. Unlike other lizards, marine iguana spends a lot of time in the water. During the mating season, nondescript males become covered with noticeable red spots. And this is hardly the color of shame.

With an average weight of 70 kg, Komodo dragons from the islands of Indonesia are the largest living lizards. Adults do not have natural enemies. And the fate of their victims is not to be envied: the monitor lizard hooks its prey with its powerful tail, injects poison into the wound and coolly waits for the animal to die from blood poisoning.

Scientists noticed the Kharaguan sphero only in 2001. And it’s not surprising: after all, the length of the dwarf gecko is Dominican Republic does not exceed 18 mm, and the weight is a meager 0.2 grams.

The armadillo lizard or small belt-tailed lizard is famous for its spectacular defensive pose: curled up in a ring, biting the tip of its tail and bristling with large, spine-like scales. But the endemic of southern Africa is also notable for the fact that it is one of the few viviparous reptiles.

The wide collar of the frilled lizard is not a decoration, but an excellent means of thermoregulation and intimidation of the enemy. However, if things start to smell hot, the unique resident of northwestern Australia and southern New Guinea stands on two hind legs and quickly runs away into the nearest bushes.

Each of the 5907 species of living lizards is worthy of a separate dissertation or even a doctorate. But for now, we will limit ourselves to the traditional ten most unusual representatives of a diverse suborder, which are simply impossible not to mention.

Pets living with us in the same apartment or house are becoming more sophisticated and interesting. The classic ones are becoming less and less common: cats, dogs and birds. Increasingly, people are bringing in various insects, arachnids and reptiles. Various kinds of lizards are especially common, and this is not surprising, because many of them are very cute and friendly, which allows each of them to become a replacement for the notorious cat or puppy.

Lizards suitable for home life, weight. IN this material Some of the most popular ones have been collected. With a description of their features, as well as photo materials for each type.

Chameleons

• Yemen chameleon– quite popular, often found as pet, view. The reason for such love for the Yemeni chameleon was its unpretentiousness in housing conditions and nutrition. Appearance: adults often reach up to 60 centimeters in length (females are slightly inferior). A chameleon's color changes during periods of stress and pregnancy. Containment conditions: contain this type it is necessary to do it alone, giving the lizard a large terrarium with ventilation. Chameleon feeding small insects.
• Three-horned chameleon- not yet so common, but a very bright and noticeable representative of lizards. Appearance: the chameleon justifies its name with its extraordinary appearance; the three-horned chameleon has a bright green color. There are three horns on the head, one straight and two curved. Curved tail used as a hook. Conditions of keeping: the individual should be kept in the same conditions as other chameleons: large, vertical terrarium, with good ventilation, while being single.

Agamidae

Monitor lizards

• Black and white tegu – typical representative lizards South America. Appearance: this individual often reaches sizes of up to one and a half meters. This representative of the monitor lizard is a predator, emerging from its hole during the day, eating small and large animals that it can catch up with. Conditions of keeping: to keep this in captivity you will need a truly gigantic terrarium, or better yet a whole pen. The lizard's diet must include chicks, locusts, and rats. Just look at the photo of this “dinosaur” to understand that everything is serious.

Geckos

• The fat-tailed gecko is a very small and even cute representative of the lizard family. In nature, it leads a rather secretive lifestyle. Lives throughout the territory West Africa. Appearance: The size of the gecko rarely exceeds 30 centimeters. Due to its “compactness”, the fat-tailed gecko easily fits even into a small terrarium. Conditions of detention: hundreds of liters are enough to accommodate three females and one male. You cannot put two males in one terrarium. This will lead to constant struggle for territory. These lizards feed on small insects and artificial, vitamin-rich reptile food.
• Leopard lizard- another representative of geckos. Larger, but at the same time more popular among exotic lovers. Appearance: This lizard is not easily called the namesake of the leopard. It is the similar spotted color that causes similar associations and sets it apart from other geckos. The spotted gecko reaches an average of 30 centimeters in length. The gecko is captivating at first sight, take a look at the photo below to see for yourself. Housing conditions: as in the case of the fat-tailed gecko, you can get by with a small terrarium of 60-90 liters and calmly plant a couple of geckos there. These lizards do not need soil.

Iguanas

Skinks

• Blue tongue skink– a very patient and homely lizard, which, despite its “angry” appearance, can become best choice for beginners. Appearance: large animal light color with large scales. Distinctive feature, based on the name, became the language blue. Conditions of detention: this species lives in Australia and is prohibited from being exported from there. At the same time, the lizard is available for sale with us, and it feels great at home. A terrarium 100 centimeters long and 50 centimeters wide is perfect.

Domestic lizards

Do you believe in the existence of dragons? If not, then be sure to read our article. It may shake your confidence. Indeed, in fact, on the distant island of Komodo lives so big lizard that the locals confidently call her a dragon. And not only locals. The name “Komodo dragon” is scientific and is also used by professionals.

You will learn about how the largest lizards in the world live from our material.

Historical background

These giants were first discovered in 1912 on Komodo Island. It’s easy to guess that this has something to do with the name of the large lizard.

Since then, these creatures have been the object scientific research. Scientists have found that the evolutionary history of this species is connected with Australia. From a historical ancestor Varanus separated about 40 million years ago and emigrated to this remote continent. For some time, giants lived in Australia and nearby islands. Later, for various reasons, monitor lizards were pushed to the islands of Indonesia, where they settled. Scientists suggest that this is due to changes in relief and seismic activity. Komodo Island itself, by the way, is also of volcanic origin. It is worth noting that the resettlement of bloodthirsty giants to the islands saved many representatives of the Australian fauna from complete extermination. The large lizard has conquered new territories and dominates there to this day.

Appearance

How big can a Komodo dragon reach? It’s hard to imagine, but the Komodo dragon lizard is comparable in size to a young crocodile.

Scientists took measurements of a sample of 12 individuals and described them external features. The monitor lizards studied reached a length of 2.25-2.6 meters, and their weight was 25-59 kilograms. But these figures are average. Several much more outstanding cases have been recorded and described. The length of some lizards reaches 3 meters or even more, and the largest known specimen weighed more than one and a half centners.

The skin of the monitor lizard is dark green, rough, often covered with small yellowish spots and leathery spines. These animals have a powerful build, strong short legs with sharp claws. At first glance, powerful jaws with large teeth reveal this animal as a fierce predator. A long and mobile forked tongue completes the picture.

Features of the view

Despite its impressive dimensions and apparent clumsiness, the dragon lizard is excellent swimmer, runner and climber. Komodo dragons are excellent tree climbers, they can even swim to the neighboring island, and on short distances no potential victim can escape from them.

The Komodo dragon is not only an excellent tactician, but also a brilliant strategist. If this predator has its eye on a prey that is too large, it may use more than just brute force. Varan knows how to wait, he is able to trail behind a dying animal for weeks, anticipating the coming feast.

How do dragons live today?

The large lizard does not like the company of its relatives and avoids them. Monitor lizards lead a solitary lifestyle, and contact with their own kind only in mating season. These contacts are by no means limited to love pleasures. Males wage bloody battles among themselves, disputing the rights to females and territories.

These predators are diurnal, sleep at night, and hunt at dawn. Like other reptiles, Komodo dragons are cold-blooded and do not tolerate temperature changes well. And from the scorching sun rays forced to hide in the shadows.

Birth of the Dragon

Many interesting facts about lizards are associated with the continuation of the species. After a bloody fight, which often ends with the death of one of the fighters, the winner receives the right to start a family. These animals do not form permanent families; in a year the ritual will be repeated.

The winner's chosen one lays about two dozen eggs. She guards the clutch for about eight months in order to small predators or even the closest relatives did not steal the eggs. But from birth, dragon children are deprived of maternal affection. Having hatched, they find themselves face to face with the harsh island reality and at first survive only thanks to the ability to hide.

Differences between monitor lizards of different sexes and ages

Sexual demorphism in these creatures is not very pronounced. Large sizes are characteristic of dragons of both sexes, but males are somewhat larger and more massive than females.

The cub is born inconspicuous, which helps it hide from predators and hungry relatives. Growing up, the large lizard acquires a rich color. The young have bright spots on their bright green skin, which fades with age.

Hunting

If you are interested in interesting facts about lizards, this issue requires the most careful study. There are no natural enemies on the islands; they can safely be called the top link of the food chain.

Monitor lizards hunt almost all of their neighbors. They even attack buffalos. Archaeologists who have established that the islands were inhabited several thousand years ago do not exclude the possibility that it was some species of large lizards, related to the modern Komodo dragon, that became the reason for their complete extermination.

Giant lizards do not disdain carrion. They happily feast on those thrown out by the sea. underwater inhabitants or the corpses of land animals. Cannibalism is also common.

Modern giants lead a solitary lifestyle, but when hunting they can spontaneously form bloodthirsty packs. And where their powerful muscles, teeth and claws are powerless, they use more sophisticated weapons that deserve special attention.

I

About the behavioral features of these amazing creatures has been known for a long time. Scientists have found that monitor lizards sometimes bite their prey and then wander after it without showing aggression. The unfortunate animal has no chance, it weakens and slowly dies. It was once believed that the cause of the rapid spread of the deadly infection was pathogenic microflora, which settles in the oral cavity of monitor lizards while eating carrion.

But recent research has proven that this creature has poisonous glands. The venom of a monitor lizard is not as strong as that of some snakes; it cannot kill instantly. The victim dies gradually.

By the way, one more record is worth mentioning here. The Komodo dragon is not only the largest lizard in the world, but also the largest venomous creature.

Danger to people

The status of a rare species and mention in the Red Book raises the question of who is more dangerous to whom. Komodo dragons are rare species, hunting them is prohibited.

But one cannot count on reciprocal pacifism. There are known cases of monitor lizards attacking humans. If you do not go to the hospital in time, where the patient will be given comprehensive treatment, the poison will be neutralized and an antibiotic will be administered, there is a high risk of death. Monitor lizards are especially dangerous for children. They often attack human corpses, as a result of which it is customary on the island to protect graves with concrete slabs.

In general, humans and the largest lizard in the world coexist quite peacefully. On the islands of Komodo, Rincha, Gili Motang and Flores, unique parks are organized, where many tourists come every year to admire unusual and amazing reptiles.