Nile monitor
(Varanus niloticus)
This species is Introduced in the United States
Origin
Varanus niloticus is native to sub-Saharan Africa. Nile monitors were introduced to the United States as intentionally released or escaped pets.
Life Cycle
This large lizard can grow to more than 5 ft (1.5 m) in length with a gray-brown body with bands of lighter-colored spots with speckles between them. Nile monitors have muscular bodies with long tails that assist in swimming. V. niloticus are opportunistic predators that will consume any prey they can overtake, including eggs of birds, alligators, crocodiles, turtles, and household pets. They may impact threatened and endangered species including burrowing owls and sea turtles. Female Nile monitors bury approximately 12-13 eggs for smaller lizards and 53-60 eggs for larger individuals. V. niloticus can live up to 10-15 years in the wild.
Distribution
Current breeding populations of V. niloticus are contained in Charlotte, Lee, and Palm Beach counties in Florida. Isolated populations are found in Broward and Miami-Dade counties in Florida.
Control Efforts
Nile monitors are no longer allowed to be kept as pets in Florida. Do your research before buying an exotic pet, and remember, Don’t Let It Loose! Surrender unwanted exotic pets at one of FWC’s Exotic Pet Amnesty Day events or call the Pet Amnesty hotline at 1-888-IVE-GOT1.
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw338
https://www.evergladescisma.org/the-dirty-dozen/nile-monitor/
https://www.cabi.org/isc/datasheet/60306
Varanus niloticus is native to sub-Saharan Africa. Nile monitors were introduced to the United States as intentionally released or escaped pets.
Life Cycle
This large lizard can grow to more than 5 ft (1.5 m) in length with a gray-brown body with bands of lighter-colored spots with speckles between them. Nile monitors have muscular bodies with long tails that assist in swimming. V. niloticus are opportunistic predators that will consume any prey they can overtake, including eggs of birds, alligators, crocodiles, turtles, and household pets. They may impact threatened and endangered species including burrowing owls and sea turtles. Female Nile monitors bury approximately 12-13 eggs for smaller lizards and 53-60 eggs for larger individuals. V. niloticus can live up to 10-15 years in the wild.
Distribution
Current breeding populations of V. niloticus are contained in Charlotte, Lee, and Palm Beach counties in Florida. Isolated populations are found in Broward and Miami-Dade counties in Florida.
Control Efforts
Nile monitors are no longer allowed to be kept as pets in Florida. Do your research before buying an exotic pet, and remember, Don’t Let It Loose! Surrender unwanted exotic pets at one of FWC’s Exotic Pet Amnesty Day events or call the Pet Amnesty hotline at 1-888-IVE-GOT1.
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw338
https://www.evergladescisma.org/the-dirty-dozen/nile-monitor/
https://www.cabi.org/isc/datasheet/60306
Resources
- Florida's Exotic Wildlife Species Detail - Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
- Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database - U.S. Geological Survey
- Wikipedia - Wikimedia Foundation, Inc
Selected Images
Maps
EDDMapS Distribution - This map is incomplete and is based only on current site and county level reports made by experts, herbaria, and literature. For more information, visit www.eddmaps.org
State Lists - This map identifies those states that have this species on their invasive species list or law.
Invasive Listing Sources
Taxonomic Rank
| Domain: Eukarya |
| Kingdom: Animalia |
| Phylum: Chordata |
| Class: Reptilia |
| Order: Squamata |
| Suborder: Anguimorpha |
| Infraorder: Paleoanguimorpha |
| Superfamily: Varanoidea |
| Family: Varanidae |
| Genus: Varanus |
| Varanus niloticus |
References
Common Name Reference: Integrated Taxonomic Information System on-line database.
Scientific Name Reference: Integrated Taxonomic Information System on-line database.