Monitor lizards (or leguaans, although in South Africa we commonly use the Afrikaans name, "likkewaan") are fascinating but neglected animals, we don't see them as often as we used to, now mainly out in the bush on rare occasions.
This particular one was along the side of the St Lucia estuary, a beautiful specimen close to the boardwalk we were on. A slight rustle to the side and he caught my eye, well camouflaged in his surroundings.
Not very particular about what they eat, fish, frogs, small birds, small mammals and are known to snack on crocodile eggs when working in teams to raid the nest.
Known for a strong tail to whip and thrust, along with a fierce jaw to capture prey with, they have a forked tongue to follow scent trails (much like a snake).
I wouldn't venture to close to them, they are pretty fast on-land and Nile Monitors can swim.
Photo taken with a Canon PowerShot SX160 IS - ƒ/5.9 - 80.0 mm - 1/1000 - ISO 400 - Flash (off, did not fire)
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