Savannah Monitor Varanus exanthematicus

The Savannah Monitor, also called Bosc's Monitor, is a large, fast lizard native to western Saharan and sub-Saharan Africa as far south as the Congo. It can grow over a metre long.

Mainly carnivorous and terrestrial, it climbs well and eats invertebrates (snails, scorpions, millipedes, crickets), rodents, eggs, young birds and other reptiles/frogs (including snakes).

Its attractive spotted back and striped underside and tail (especially the juvenile, above right) give it camouflage and, together with its intelligence, have made it popular in the pet trade.