Want to know where and when to find Rock Monitor? opspoor shows recent sightings across South Africa's parks and when each species is usually active.
Where to see Rock Monitor in South Africa
About the Rock Monitor
The rock monitor is a large, powerful monitor lizard of southern and eastern Africa, commonly associated with rocky areas, savanna and woodland. It has a heavily built body, strong limbs, sharp claws, a long muscular tail and a dark grey-brown coloration with pale markings. It is an opportunistic predator and scavenger, feeding on insects, reptiles, birds, eggs, small mammals, carrion and other available food. Despite its size, it is an agile climber and capable of moving quickly when threatened.
How to identify the Rock Monitor
Large, heavily built monitor lizard with a broad head, powerful limbs, strong claws and a long muscular tail. Usually dark grey to brown with pale spotting or bands, and a distinctive pale throat.
Did you know?
Rock Monitors are powerful climbers and swimmers despite their heavy build, and they can also deliver a strong defensive bite when threatened.
Also known as: Leguaan, Klipleguaan, Monitor Lizard
Planning a safari? Pick a park above to see when and where to look for Rock Monitor, and log your own sightings in opspoor, even with no signal.