5076 x 3384 px | 43 x 28,7 cm | 16,9 x 11,3 inches | 300dpi
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Goanna is the name given to any of the various Australian monitor lizards of the genus Varanus as well as to certain species from Southeast Asia There are around 20 species of goanna 15 of which are endemic to Australia They are a varied group of carnivorous reptiles that range greatly in size and fill several ecological niches The Goanna features prominently in Aboriginal mythology and Australian folklore Traditionally it formed an important part the diet of many Aboriginal peoples Being predatory lizards goannas are often quite large or at least bulky with sharp teeth and claws The largest is the Perentie Varanus giganteus which can grow over 2m in length Goannas prey on all manner of small animals insects lizards snakes mammals birds eggs Meals are often eaten whole and thus the size of their meal may depend on the size of the animal itself although all species are scavengers and will readily eat animals as large as cattle and camels However the Perentie has been observed killing a young kangaroo and then biting out chunks of flesh like a dog Goannas have even been blamed for the death of sheep by farmers though most likely erroneously as goannas are also eaters of carrion and are attracted to rotting meat Not all goannas are gargantuan Pygmy goannas may be smaller than a man s arm The smallest of these the short tailed monitor Varanus brevicuda reaches only 20 cm in length They survive on smaller prey such as insects and mice Most goannas are dark in coloration whites greys blacks and greens featuring prominently Many desert dwelling species also feature yellow red tones Camouflage ranges from bands and stripes to splotches speckles and circles and can change as the creature matures juveniles sometimes being brighter than adults Like most lizards goannas lay eggs Most lay eggs in a nest or burrow but some species lay their eggs inside termite mounds This offers protection and incubation additionally the termit
