Sand goanna
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[Photo] Sand monitor on Brampton Island, Queensland, Australia, in December 2005. Photo by Nickj.

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The Sand goanna is a large Australian monitor lizard - also known as Gould's monitor.

The name sand monitor can be used to describe many different species. The Gould's monitor is a terrestrial or "ground-dwelling" reptile that excavates large burrows for shelter. Rock escarpments and tree hollows are also suitable dwellings. Varanus gouldii inhabits a vast range throughout Australia. The Gould's monitor reaches an average size of 140 cm with the males attaining larger sizes. They can be found in Northern and Eastern Australia where they inhabit open woodlands and grasslands. Varanus flavirufus, a similar species resides in Australia's interior. There are some places however where Gould's, Flavi's and Argus all live in the same area. The similarities between the species and their close proximity frequently cause taxonomic confusion.

The Gould's monitor is a relentless forager. It is diurnal so most of its activities take place during the day. Anything smaller than itself will be eagerly devoured. The diet of hatchlings and juveniles often consists mostly of insects and small lizards but generally varies more with age. Adult monitors will prey on mice, large insects, small agamids and geckoes, smaller varanids, snakes, and carrion. The Gould's monitor does consume smaller species of monitor. Ackies, Rock Monitors and other dwarf species are often found and eaten. It is common to see a Gould's disturbing rock piles in an attempt to flush out any odatria.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sand_goanna

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