Spiny Tailed Monitor

Genus and Species: Varanus acanthurus

Spiny-tailed monitors are small lizards found in Northern Australia. Their appearance is often likened to that of a miniature Komodo dragon.

Native Habitat:
Spiny-tailed monitors are well adapted to hot, arid conditions and are found across a wide area of Northern Australia. They will also live in trees, burrows and lowland areas of shrubs and spinifex grass. In stony areas, they like to shelter in rock crevices or in burrows under slabs of rock where they are protected from predators and extreme temperatures.

Fun fact:
It can defend itself with its spiny tail, which can be wielded like a club.

Conservation status:
Not Endangered

Around the world:
Australia