It is aboreal (lives in trees) and is one of the world’s longest lizards (up to 8 to 10 feet in length). That puts it near the length of its “cousin,” the monitor lizard, but the latter is more massive.
Figure 1. An adult crocodile-monitor lizard.
The crocodile-monitor lizard is known for its sharp fangs and hooked claws. It has a very long and powerful tail that is prehensile, thus it can hang onto branches with its rear legs and its tail. The crocodile-monitor lizard is an excellent climber and swimmer. It is an effective hunter on land and in the water. It is aggressive and unpredictable, thus not a good pet! Their bite is not venomous.
This lizard, which is endemic to New Guinea, South America, lives in swamps and forests mangrove in South America.
Classification
Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Reptilia
Order Squamata
Family Varanidae
Genus Varanus
Type Species: V. salvadorii
Based on DNA sequences, the crocodile-moniter lizard is part of a “lizard species cluster group” that reached Australia (via Asia) about 32 million years ago (middle Oligocene time), when Australia and southeast Asia were connected (via the Indonesian archipelago). About 17 million years ago (middle Miocene time), the crocodile-monitor lizard evolved) (Wikipedia, 2026).
Note: Supposedly, you can see the crocodile lizard alive at the Smithsonian Institution. Also, there are some good videos online about this lizard.
REFERENCE
Wikipedia, 2026.
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