Lace Monitor

Lace Monitor

Scientific name: Varanus varius
Conservation Status: Secure

come and experience the curious lace monitors!

Lace monitors are a type of large monitor lizard that can be found in the wilds of eastern and south-eastern Australia. These impressive reptiles are known for their lace-like pattern on their skin, giving them a unique and striking appearance. At Symbio Wildlife Park, we are lucky to have these beautiful creatures, and we invite visitors to come and learn more about these amazing reptiles.

ABOUT

Lace monitors, also known as lace goannas, are a fascinating species. These agile and intelligent reptiles are native to Australia and are the second-largest species of monitor lizard in the country. They have distinctive yellow and black markings on their skin, which helps them blend in with their surroundings. Lace monitors are also known for their intelligence and curiosity, which can make them a fascinating sight to behold. Our team of keepers at Symbio Wildlife Park is committed to providing top-notch care for our lace monitors, while also offering visitors a chance to discover the fascinating world of these impressive reptiles.

DIET

Lace monitors are opportunistic predators that have a diverse diet. They are known to eat a variety of prey including insects, small mammals, birds, eggs, and carrion. They are also skilled hunters, using their sharp claws and strong jaws to catch and kill their prey. Lace monitors are also known to be scavengers, using their keen sense of smell to detect and locate carrion. At Symbio Wildlife Park, our lace monitors are provided with a well-balanced diet that includes a variety of protein sources, as well as fruits and vegetables to ensure they receive all the nutrients they need to stay healthy.

Lace Monitor at Symbio Zoo
Lace Monitor

Fun Facts

  • Lace monitors are excellent climbers and can often be seen scaling trees or fences to find food or escape danger.
  • They have a keen sense of smell and are able to detect the scent of their prey from great distances.
  • Lace monitors are known for their impressive intelligence and problem-solving skills, which they use to find food and navigate their environment.
  • These reptiles are also skilled scavengers and will eat a variety of food, including carrion, insects, and small mammals.
  • They are often considered to be one of the most intelligent reptile species in the world, capable of learning and recognizing individual humans.
  • Lace monitors are also known for their distinctive appearance, with their yellow and black patterned skin earning them the nickname "tree goannas" in some regions.
  • Despite their intimidating size and appearance, lace monitors are generally docile towards humans and will only become aggressive if they feel threatened or cornered.
  • In some Indigenous Australian cultures, lace monitors are considered to be a sacred animal and are respected as an important spiritual symbol.
  • Lace monitors are one of the largest monitor lizard species, with adults reaching lengths of up to 2.1 meters (7 feet) and weighing up to 20 kilograms (44 pounds).
  • These lizards are native to Australia and can be found throughout most of the country, with the exception of the driest regions.
  • Lace monitors are solitary animals, except during breeding season, when males will seek out females to mate with.
  • Females lay their eggs in termite mounds or other protected areas, and the eggs are left to incubate for several months before hatching.
  • Despite being excellent climbers, lace monitors are also strong swimmers and can swim across rivers and lakes to search for food or escape danger.
  • In the wild, lace monitors have been observed using tools to obtain food, such as using their claws to pry open bird nests or using sticks to dig for insects.
  • Like many reptiles, lace monitors are ectothermic, which means they rely on external sources of heat to regulate their body temperature. They will bask in the sun to warm up, and retreat to shade or water to cool down.
  • In some parts of Australia, lace monitors are considered to be a pest species due to their habit of raiding chicken coops and other small animal enclosures

“MONSTER LIZARD HUNTS KANGAROO FROM LOVE NATURE, UPLOADED BY LOVE NATURE ON YOUTUBE (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07zapzcuR84)”

If you are looking for more unforgettable experiences, we have a range of other close encounters that you won’t want to miss. With so many amazing close encounters to choose from, there is something for everyone at Symbio Wildlife Park.

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