Animal Name: Nile Monitor Lizard

The Nile monitor (Varanus niloticus) is a large member of the Monitor lizard (Varanidae) found throughout most of Sub-Saharan Africa and along the Nile, with invasive populations in North America. The population in West Africa forests and savannahs is sometimes recognized as a separate species, the West African Nile monitor. It is List of largest extant lizards one of the largest lizards in the world reaching and even surpassing the Perentie by size. Other common names include the African small-grain lizard, as well as Iguana and various forms derived from it, such as, water leguaan or river leguaan (leguan, leguaan, and likkewaan mean monitor lizard in South African English, and can be used interchangeably). A feral population of the lizards, descended from escaped or intentionally released pets, has become established in several locations in Florida.

The Nile monitor is Africa's longest lizard. They grow from about 120 to 220 cm (3 ft 11 in to 7 ft 3 in) in length, with the largest specimens attaining 244 cm (8 ft). In an average-sized specimen, the snout-to-vent length will be around 50 cm (1 ft 8 in). In body mass, adults have been reported to vary widely, one study claiming only 0.8 to 1.7 kg (1.8 to 3.7 lb), others state weights ranging from 5.9 to 15 kg (13 to 33 lb) in big monitors. Variations may be due to age or environmental conditions.