Quick Facts
Facts sourced from Wikidata (CC0).
Best Months to Spot
Most sightings recorded in May, Jun, Nov. Data from GBIF - a global database of verified wildlife observations by researchers and citizen scientists.
The Nile monitor is a large member of the monitor family (Varanidae) found throughout most of Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in drier regions, and along the Nile River and its tributaries in East Africa. Additionally, there are modern, invasive populations in North America. The population found in West African forests and savannahs is sometimes recognized as a separate species, the West African Nile monitor and Ornate monitor. While it is dwarfed by its larger relatives, such as the Komodo dragon, the Asian water monitor or the crocodile monitor, it is still one of the largest lizards in the world, reaching Australia's perentie in size. Other common names include the African small-grain lizard, as well as iguana and various forms derived from it, such as guana, water leguaan or river leguaan.
Description adapted from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where to Find
Top parks for Nile Monitor. Sightings recorded in 200 safari areas total.
Best Safari Destinations
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