Monitor Lizards of Morocco
Morocco's giant lizard
The Desert Monitor (Varanus griseus) is the largest lizard in Morocco and its only monitor, one branch of a family that reaches from Africa to Australia and includes the Komodo Dragon. An apex predator of the desert and the pre-Saharan steppes, it forages on the move and takes prey ranging from rodents and small lizards to venomous snakes.
Morocco
The Desert Monitor evolved in a landscape with nothing built in it, and has no answer to what is appearing there now. Agricultural water basins are spreading across its range, and their steep concrete or plastic walls leave no way out for an animal that falls in. Monitors are also tied to many beliefs in the Sahara, such as warding off snakes or curing illness with their skin.
Varanus griseusDesert MonitorHow to identify a Monitor Lizard in Morocco
Morocco's single monitor lizard is shy but can inflict powerful bites. Keep your distance, this guide is for identification, not to encourage handling.
1 Is it really a Monitor lizard?
COLLAGE: Desert Monitor, full body on whiteThree quick checks
- Largest lizard in Morocco, well over a metre long
- Very long tail, broad, powerful limbs
- Sandy colour crossed by darker bands, deeply forked tongue
Monitor Lizards of Morocco
Is the Desert Monitor dangerous?
If you don't approach it, the monitor is not dangerous. If you try to catch it, it may bite you or lash you with its tail. A bite can be extremely painful, damaging and bleed a lot. The monitor has large, cutting teeth.
What is the largest lizard in Morocco?
The Desert Monitor is the largest lizard in Morocco. It can reach 1 metre or more.
Where does it live?
In the desert and pre-Saharan steppes of the south, in open, sandy and stony country.
Is it threatened?
Yes. It is persecuted out of fear and tradition, and many individuals drown in steep-sided water reservoirs they cannot climb out of.
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