Overview
A long, muscular tail slipping into the water may be the first sign that a Nile monitor is nearby. This large, alert lizard is strongly associated with rivers, lakes and wetlands, where it moves confidently between land, water and overhanging trees.
Nile monitors are highly adaptable predators and scavengers. They hunt fish, frogs, crabs, insects, molluscs, reptiles, birds and small mammals, while also raiding nests for eggs and feeding on carrion when available. Their strong jaws and blunt rear teeth allow them to crush hard-shelled prey such as snails and freshwater crustaceans.
Although often seen basking beside water, Nile monitors are anything but slow. They are powerful swimmers, capable climbers and quick runners, retreating rapidly into water, vegetation or a burrow when disturbed.
Behaviour & How to Identify
Look for a large, elongated lizard with a narrow head, muscular limbs and a long tail flattened from side to side. The body is usually dark olive, brown or blackish, marked with rows of yellow spots and bands that continue along the tail.
The forked tongue is constantly flicked in and out as the monitor investigates its surroundings. Scent particles collected by the tongue are transferred to the Jacobson’s organ in the roof of the mouth, helping it locate prey, carrion and potential threats.
Nile monitors spend much of their time near water and can remain submerged when escaping danger. Their laterally compressed tails act like paddles, while powerful claws help them climb trees, excavate nests and tear into burrows.
Interesting facts
They are excellent swimmers. Their powerful, flattened tails propel them through the water and help them escape predators or pursue aquatic prey.
They regularly raid nests. Nile monitors eat the eggs of birds, crocodiles and other reptiles whenever they can find them.
Their rear teeth are built for crushing. Adults develop broad, blunt teeth that help break open snails, crabs and other hard-shelled prey.