Reptiles
Gould's Monitor
Varanus gouldii · also called sand goanna
On a sandy track in the Australian outback, a sand goanna rears up on its hind legs, balanced on its tail, and surveys the spinifex for movement.
Overview
Gould’s monitor, Varanus gouldii, is a Least Concern lizard of arid and semi-arid scrub, grassland, and woodland across most of mainland Australia. Its upright stance, wide foraging, and burrowing habits make it one of the most familiar and widespread goannas of the Australian interior.
A lizard that stands to look
Rearing up on its hind legs lifts the sand goanna’s head above the grass, giving it a better view of both prey and threats.
Status
Least Concern, widespread and common.
Gould's Monitor: common questions
What is a goanna?
It is the Australian name for a monitor lizard, and Gould's monitor is also called the sand goanna.
Why does Gould's monitor stand on its hind legs?
It rears up, balanced on its tail, to look out over low vegetation and spot food or danger.
What does it eat?
It eats lizards, small mammals, insects, eggs, and carrion.
Where is Gould's monitor found?
It lives in arid and semi-arid scrub, grassland, and woodland across most of mainland Australia.