Lace monitor
One of Australia’s largest lizards, the carnivorous tree-dwelling lace monitor, or tree goanna, can grow to 2m in length and is found in forests and coastal tablelands across eastern Australia. These Australian animals are typically dark blue in colour with whitish spots or blotches.
Read more about Lace monitor
The carnivorous lace monitor feeds on other reptiles, birds, eggs and mammals. These Australian animals can often be seen foraging near campgrounds, but one thing you’re not likely to see is their most unusual breeding habit.
When breeding, the female lace monitor will dig a hole in the side of a termite hill and lay 6-12 eggs. The termites rebuild the mound over the eggs, keeping them safe and at a steady 30 degree celcius. When the young hatch, some 8-9 months later, the female lace goanna returns to dig them out.
Animal facts
- Common name
- Lace monitor
- Scientific name
- Varanus varius
- Conservation status in NSW
- Protected
Parks in which this animal is found
- Bongil Bongil National Park
- Booti Booti National Park
- Bundjalung National Park
- Crowdy Bay National Park
- Dharug National Park
- Glenbrook area in Blue Mountains National Park
- Glenrock State Conservation Area
- Green Cape area in Beowa National Park
- Kalyarr National Park
- Lane Cove National Park
- Mount Jerusalem National Park
- Murray Valley Regional Park
- Nightcap National Park
- Southern Blue Mountains area in Blue Mountains National Park
- Wollumbin National Park