{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Taxon",
  "slug": "monitor-lizard",
  "name": "Nile Monitor",
  "scientificName": "Varanus niloticus",
  "category": "Reptile",
  "summary": "The Nile monitor (Varanus niloticus) is a large African water monitor that raids crocodile and bird nests for eggs and also takes fish, frogs, and carrion. Adults often weigh around 15 kg and reach nearly 2 m. Native across sub-Saharan wetlands — and invasive in Florida — it is listed Least Concern.",
  "conservationStatus": "Least Concern",
  "taxonomy": {
    "kingdom": "Animalia",
    "phylum": "Chordata",
    "class": "Reptilia",
    "order": "Squamata",
    "family": "Varanidae",
    "genus": "Varanus"
  },
  "stats": {
    "weightKg": 15,
    "lengthM": 1.8,
    "topSpeedKmh": 20,
    "lifespanYears": 15
  },
  "facts": [
    {
      "label": "Scientific name",
      "value": "Varanus niloticus"
    },
    {
      "label": "Diet",
      "value": "Carnivore (eggs, fish, carrion)"
    },
    {
      "label": "Habitat",
      "value": "Rivers, lakeshores, and wetlands"
    },
    {
      "label": "Lifespan",
      "value": "Around 15 years in the wild (varies by population and captivity)."
    },
    {
      "label": "Weight",
      "value": "About 15 kg typical adult mass (sex and region vary)."
    },
    {
      "label": "Top speed",
      "value": "Up to roughly 20 km/h when moving at speed."
    },
    {
      "label": "Conservation status",
      "value": "Least Concern (IUCN)"
    }
  ],
  "range": {
    "nativeRange": "Rivers and wetlands across much of sub-Saharan Africa; also invasive in Florida.",
    "continents": [
      "Africa"
    ]
  },
  "sources": [],
  "lastReviewed": "2026-07-16",
  "canonicalUrl": "https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/monitor-lizard/",
  "license": {
    "name": "CC BY-NC 4.0",
    "url": "https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/",
    "attribution": "Global Animal Guide — https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/monitor-lizard/",
    "note": "Free to reuse for non-commercial purposes with attribution and a link back to the canonical page."
  }
}