MOST DANGEROUS LIZARS

 

MOST DANGEROUS LIZARS

Lizards are a diverse group of reptiles that belong to the order Squamata, which also includes snakes. They have scaly skin, four legs (except for some legless species), movable eyelids, and external ear openings. They are mostly carnivorous and have various adaptations to avoid predators, such as venom, camouflage, and tail regeneration. There are more than 7,000 species of lizards in the world, living in different habitats and climates. Some of the most well-known lizards are the Komodo dragon, the chameleon, the gecko, and the iguana.

Lizards are not dangerous to humans, however, some lizards are poisonous and can harm a person if they are touched or bitten by these reptiles. Certain lizards, such as the Komodo dragon, can grow to large sizes and have been known to attack and kill people. Most lizards, in reality, are harmless to humans, as are most turtles; however, there are certain members of both groups that can kill, maim, make ill, or inflict at least mild levels of pain on their hapless human victims. Some lizards are, in fact, venomous, and some are quite aggressive.

Most lizards are actually quite docile and many people keep lizards as pets. However, lizards can carry salmonella or parasites, so it is important to wash your hands after any contact with them. Lizards can also bite in self-defense, but the bites are usually not very serious. The shock of the bite may be scarier than the bite itself.

Some of the world’s most dangerous lizards are:

Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis): The largest and heaviest lizard in the world, it can grow up to 3 meters (10 feet) long and weigh up to 70 kg. It has powerful jaws, sharp teeth, and a venomous bite that can cause severe bleeding and infection. It can also run fast and swim well, making it a formidable predator that can kill large animals such as deer, pigs, and even humans.

Gila monster (Heloderma suspectum): The largest lizard in the United States, it can reach 50 cm (20 inches) in length and weigh up to 2.3 kg. It has a stout body with black and pink blotches or bands, and beadlike scales. It is one of the few venomous lizards in the world, with grooved teeth that deliver a nerve poison that can cause intense pain, swelling, and nausea. It feeds on small mammals, birds, and eggs, and can store fat in its tail and abdomen for long periods of hibernation.

Mexican beaded lizard (Heloderma horridum): A close relative of the Gila monster, it is also venomous and has a similar appearance, but with black and yellow markings. It is slightly larger than the Gila monster, reaching up to 80 cm (31 inches) in length and weighing up to 4 kg. It lives in dry forests and deserts in Mexico and Guatemala, and feeds on small animals and eggs. It can also go without food for months by using the fat reserves in its tail and body.

Crocodile monitor (Varanus salvadorii): Also known as the tree crocodile, it is one of the longest lizards in the world, with a total length of up to 4 meters (13 feet), including a tail that is twice as long as its body. It has a slender body, a long snout, and sharp claws. It lives in the rainforests of New Guinea, where it climbs trees and hunts birds, mammals, and reptiles. It has a powerful bite that can inflict deep wounds, and its saliva may contain bacteria that can cause infection.

Nile monitor (Varanus niloticus): A large and aggressive lizard that can grow up to 2.1 meters (7 feet) long and weigh up to 15 kg. It has a dark brown or black body with yellow spots or bands, and a forked tongue. It lives in various habitats in Africa, from deserts to swamps, and feeds on fish, frogs, snakes, birds, eggs, and small mammals. It can also attack larger animals, such as crocodiles, antelopes, and humans, using its strong jaws, sharp teeth, and muscular tail. It is an invasive species in Florida, where it poses a threat to native wildlife and pets.