Lizards

Overview

The creepy caves are home to the following types of Lizards:

Peach Throat Monitor

These lizards spend their lives in the trees. They are very good climbers. Peach Throat Monitors like to eat insects, small mammals and frogs. Peach Throat Monitors are rather shy, nervous animals and will often run away if an intruder comes nearby.

FUN FACT: Peach Throat Monitors can grow to over a metre in length.

Monkey Tailed Skink

The Monkey Tailed Skink uses its tail as an extra limb whilst climbing in trees. The tail is strong enough to support the entire body if need be. These animals spend most of their lives in the tree canopies and are mainly nocturnal. Monkey Tailed Skinks are herbivores, only eating fruits and plants.

FUN FACT: When born, baby skinks can be as large as 35cm. This is the equivalent of a human woman giving birth to a six year old child!

Saharan Spiny Tailed Lizard

This species of lizard are found in rocky, dry desert areas in North Africa. They like to live in temperatures up to 54°C. Saharan Spiny Tailed Lizards grow to approximately 34cm and are one of the most brightly coloured lizards, with their skin being a red, orange or even yellow patterned.

FUN FACT: Saharan Spiny Tailed Lizards can take eight years to reach their full size. Males grow slightly faster than females.

Standing's Day Gecko

Standing's Day Geckos originate from Madagascar where they spend most of the day looking for insect prey. They are able to shed their tails in order to avoid predators and escape unharmed. With a fascinating colour, this species is one of the more beautiful of the Geckos.

FUN FACT: Standing’s Day Geckos do not have eyelids, but use their long tongues to clean their eyes.

Nile Monitor

Nile Monitors are carnivores, which means they like to eat meat. They eat small mammals, birds and other reptiles. Their powerful tail, sharp claws, strong bite and quick running speeds up to 18mph make them very good hunters. Nile Monitors can be found throughout Africa and are not currently endangered. Females have been known to have 50 eggs in one clutch!

FUN FACT: The Nile Monitor is believed to have got its name from ability to stand on its hind legs and 'monitor' their habitat.

Sudan Plated Lizards

Sudan Plated Lizards get their name from their strong body armour, which is made of thick, plated grey/brown shields. This armour helps protect them from predators. Even though they may look quite mean, they only eat plants and insects.

FUN FACT: Stegosaurus means ‘plated lizard’

Lizards can be found in the Creepy Caves.