Want to know where and when to find Nile Monitor? opspoor shows recent sightings across South Africa's parks and when each species is usually active.
Where to see Nile Monitor in South Africa
About the Nile Monitor
The Nile monitor is a large, powerful semi-aquatic monitor lizard found across much of sub-Saharan Africa. It has a long muscular body, strong limbs, sharp claws, a long laterally compressed tail and dark colouring marked with yellow or pale spots and bands. It is an excellent swimmer and is commonly associated with rivers, lakes, wetlands and other permanent water. It is an opportunistic predator and scavenger, feeding on fish, frogs, reptiles, birds, eggs, small mammals, insects, crustaceans and carrion.
How to identify the Nile Monitor
Large, powerful monitor with a long muscular tail, strong limbs and sharp claws. Usually dark grey or olive-brown with yellowish spots or bands, a pale underside and a distinctive dark-and-yellow patterned head.
Did you know?
Nile Monitors are excellent swimmers and can remain underwater for several minutes while hunting or escaping predators.
Also known as: Nylleguaan, Monitor Lizard, Leguaan
Planning a safari? Pick a park above to see when and where to look for Nile Monitor, and log your own sightings in opspoor, even with no signal.