There are 26 recognized species of goanna (known as monitor lizards to the rest of the world) in Australia. The Rosenberg’s Goanna is the only goanna on Kangaroo Island and the photos in this post were all taken on Kangaroo Island. This species was once common over large portions of southern Australia but they are now listed as vulnerable to threatened on the mainland and their last stronghold is on Kangaroo Island.
They like to lay in the sun for warmth and they are commonly seen laying on roads. This habit is one of their most common causes of death by being ran over by cars.
Some of the feature on the Rosenberg’s Goanna that I find fascinating are the yellow strips on their tail but their legs and feet have yellow dots.
The photos below were taken near the remarkable rock and I like the contrasting coloration of the goanna up against the orange color on the rocks.
Australian wildlife is one of the features that makes traveling to Australia such a unique experience. Almost all of the wildlife that you will see in Australia can not be seen anywhere else and the Rosenberg’s Goanna is a great example of Australian wildlife that is not only seen just in Australia but primarily on Kangaroo Island.
About this Reptile
Location: Southern coast of Australia but best seen on Kangaroo Island.
Interesting Fact: Rosenberg’s Goanna lay their eggs inside termite’s mounds. Termites will repair the mound completely encasing the goanna eggs. The eggs will stay in the termite mound for 8 months. Once the young goanna hatch they will live in the termite mound for up to 5 months and survive by eating the termites.
Life span: Up to 30 years.
Size: Up to 1.5 meters long and weight up to 1.9 Kg.
Diet: Road kill, birds, eggs, small mammals, invertebrates and other reptiles.
Related Posts
