Scientific Name: Varanus niloticus
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Scleroglossa
Family: Varanidae
Genus: Varanus
Physical Characteristics
Nile monitors grow to about 1.5 to 2 meters (4.5 to 6.5 feet) in length. They have muscular bodies, strong legs and powerful jaws. The teeth are sharp and pointed in juvenile animals and become blunt and peg-like in adults. They also possess sharp claws used for climbing, digging, defense, or tearing at their prey. Like all monitors they have a forked tongue, with highly developed olfactory properties.
Distribution
Nile monitors live throughout Africa except for desert regions. They have also been introduced to Florida. They were sighted in and near Sanibel, Florida, and one was spotted in Homestead, FL.
