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Need help identifying a goanna/monitor

Sat 19 Oct, 2019 9:45 pm

I spotted this goanna/monitor when walking back to Wondabyne Station from Kariong Brook Falls (so in the Brisbane Water National Park in NSW). I was wondering if anyone knew what species it was? It was about 50-100cm long at an estimate. Wikipedia claims that the Rosenberg's monitor lives in the area, but I don't know how accurate that is. Sorry for the quality of image, this is a screenshot from a video clip.
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Re: Need help identifying a goanna/monitor

Sat 19 Oct, 2019 10:18 pm

Lace Monitor (Varanus varius)

Re: Need help identifying a goanna/monitor

Sun 20 Oct, 2019 8:09 am

Thank you.

Re: Need help identifying a goanna/monitor

Sat 26 Oct, 2019 2:18 pm

Yes, as DaveNoble pointed out, a Lace Monitor. Sizes and patterning vary. They can be quite large and intimidating -- especially if they amble leisurely and unfussed through your campsite with their eye on an open or unattended food box!!

This one was found at Kooyoora State Park in Victoria -- a very big, well-fed and slow moving fellow. One our our group of campers descided to go home after seeing this local resident.
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Re: Need help identifying a goanna/monitor

Sun 27 Oct, 2019 10:15 am

when i see that last photo, komodo dragon comes to mind :mrgreen:

Re: Need help identifying a goanna/monitor

Sun 27 Oct, 2019 10:27 am

Biggest Goanna I ever saw was a Bells Lace Monitor on Wombeyan Cave Roads. It ran across the road in front of us and a quick visual measure I would say it was easily 2.5-3m long and thick around the guts. I've seen big Monitors before but this one was special.
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