Safety note: Bites and scratches — invasive, do not approach
The Nile Monitor is a large African lizard invasive in South Florida. It is highly intelligent, grows to 7 feet, and devastates ground-nesting bird and native turtle populations. Populations are established in several Florida counties.
Habitat
Introduced: canals, wetlands, and suburban areas in South Florida
Diet
Turtle eggs, bird eggs, small mammals, and invertebrates
How common
Uncommon
Recent Nile Monitor sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spot a Nile Monitor? Identify it instantly.
Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal for an instant ID, its rarity, and a live map of where it is being seen near you.
Get HuckGet an alert when a Nile Monitor is spotted
Pick a park, state, or city and we’ll email you when one turns up there. One check a day, only when there’s something new.
Free. Unsubscribe from any email. See our Privacy Policy.
Love reptiles & amphibians? Get Huck field notes
Spotting tips, new species, and the best of what people are finding in the wild - straight to your inbox.
More reptiles & amphibians
North American Racer
Coluber constrictor
Northern Alligator Lizard
Elgaria coerulea
Northern Cricket Frog
Acris crepitans
Northern Leopard Frog
Lithobates pipiens
Northern Red-bellied Cooter
Pseudemys rubriventris
Northern Rubber Boa
Charina bottae
Northern Two-lined Salamander
Eurycea bislineata
Northwestern Garter Snake
Thamnophis ordinoides