Kingdom Animalia Order Squamata Family Varanidae Scientific name Varanus brevicauda Rank Species | Phylum Chordata Suborder Lacertilia Genus Varanus Higher classification Monitor lizard | |
 | ||
Similar Monitor lizard, Pygmy Mulga Monitor, Mitchell's water monitor, Reptile, Rusty desert monitor | ||
The short-tailed monitor, or the pygmy goanna, (Varanus brevicauda) is the second smallest living monitor lizard in the world with a maximum length of 25 cm. They live in desert regions of Australia.
Contents
Etymology
The generic name Varanus is derived from the Arabic word waral ورل, which is translated to English as "monitor". The specific name is a combination of two Latin words: brevis meaning "short" and cauda meaning "tail".
Distribution
The short-tailed monitor ranges throughout central Australia from the coast of Western Australia through the interior of Northern Territory and northwestern South Australia to western Queensland. This monitor burrows in compacted sandy loam and gravel, in areas dominated by spinifex (Triodia spp.). This terrestrial species is secretive and rarely seen active above ground; it is mainly encountered by digging up its burrow.
Diet
Pygmy goannas are highly active foragers in the wild. They eat insects and reptile eggs, spiders, scorpions, small lizards and occasionally frogs and even small snakes. These small monitors are bold and fierce predators, despite their size.
Reproduction
Mating occurs for this monitor lizard in September and October after hibernation, and by February, the eggs hatch. The clutch size usually is two or three, but in some coastal areas, up to five eggs are produced. "In dry years when food is scarce no reproduction occurs at all."
Conservation
The main threat to short-tailed monitors is predation by larger animals.