White-throated monitor

DESCRIPTION

The white-throated monitor is the heaviest and the second largest species of lizard found in Africa.
They have a generally grey and brown mottled body with yellowish or white spots. The throat is a lighter colour. It has a pink or blue forked tongue. The forked tongue allows greater precision when locating the scent of prey.

ETHOLOGY

The male begins its courtship with quick movements of the head and neck, or through small bites to the female; if the female accepts, mating will take place. One month later, the female will lay 20 to 50 eggs. After 5 or 6 months of incubation at a temperature of 28º-30º, the hatchlings will be born.

CURIOSITIES

In case of danger, it uses its tail as a defensive weapon before biting directly, although its jaws are among the most powerful among all existing lizards.