Goanna

Uncommon card · No. 120941

A goanna is any one of several species of lizard of the genus Varanus found in Australia and Southeast Asia. Around 70 species of Varanus are known, 25 of which are found in Australia. This varied group of carnivorous reptiles ranges greatly in size and fills several ecological niches. The goanna features prominently in Aboriginal mythology and Australian folklore. Being predatory lizards, goannas are often quite large with sharp teeth and claws. The largest is the perentie (V. giganteus), which can grow over 1.5 m (4.9 ft) in length. Not all goannas are so large; pygmy goannas may be smaller than the arm of an adult human. The smallest of these, the short-tailed monitor (V. brevicauda), reaches only 20 cm (8 in) in length. They survive on smaller prey, such as insects and mice. Goannas combine predatory and scavenging behaviours. They prey on any animal they can catch that is small enough to eat whole. They have been blamed by farmers for the death of sheep, though most likely erroneously...

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