Savannah monitor
(Varanus exanthematicus)
This species is Introduced in the United States
Origin
Varanus exanthematicus is native to Africa. Savannah monitors were introduced to the United States as escaped or intentionally released pets.
Life Cycle
Measurements and descriptions vary due to V. exanthematicus having 5 subspecies. Savannah monitors are thick-bodied monitors with a wide head, short neck, and tail. V. exanthematicus can be up to 6.6 ft (2 m) in length. The coloration of Savannah monitors are brown to gray in color with the tail having alternating brown and yellow rings. V. exanthematicus are diurnal and feed on eggs and other small vertebrate species including birds, mammals, and lizards. Male Savannah monitors are territorial and aggressive. Females dig nests and lay 15-50 eggs. Incubation takes 5-6 months.
Distribution
Savannah monitors are found in Florida.
Control Efforts
V. exanthematicus pose a threat to native wildlife species.
https://www.evergladescisma.org/the-dirty-dozen/nile-monitor/
https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Varanus_exanthematicus/
Varanus exanthematicus is native to Africa. Savannah monitors were introduced to the United States as escaped or intentionally released pets.
Life Cycle
Measurements and descriptions vary due to V. exanthematicus having 5 subspecies. Savannah monitors are thick-bodied monitors with a wide head, short neck, and tail. V. exanthematicus can be up to 6.6 ft (2 m) in length. The coloration of Savannah monitors are brown to gray in color with the tail having alternating brown and yellow rings. V. exanthematicus are diurnal and feed on eggs and other small vertebrate species including birds, mammals, and lizards. Male Savannah monitors are territorial and aggressive. Females dig nests and lay 15-50 eggs. Incubation takes 5-6 months.
Distribution
Savannah monitors are found in Florida.
Control Efforts
V. exanthematicus pose a threat to native wildlife species.
https://www.evergladescisma.org/the-dirty-dozen/nile-monitor/
https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Varanus_exanthematicus/
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.
Taxonomic Rank
| Domain: Eukarya |
| Kingdom: Animalia |
| Phylum: Chordata |
| Class: Reptilia |
| Order: Squamata |
| Suborder: Anguimorpha |
| Infraorder: Paleoanguimorpha |
| Superfamily: Varanoidea |
| Family: Varanidae |
| Genus: Varanus |
| Varanus exanthematicus |
References
Common Name Reference: Integrated Taxonomic Information System on-line database.
Scientific Name Reference: Integrated Taxonomic Information System on-line database.