Monitor Lizards in Uganda
Monitor lizards are one of the large reptiles that travelers on their reptile safaris to Uganda can encounter. They are similar to the small lizards but they are large. These monitor lizards are characterized by the species of the Nile lizards and rock lizards which are within Uganda’s destinations. The Nile lizards are the most common species to travelers on their safaris. They belong to the Varanidae family and also are considered to be carnivorous.
Characteristics of the monitor lizards
These reptiles have several characteristics including;
- Their body is elongated about 15 to 300 centimeters in length.
- They are fond of standing on the rocks to monitor the surrounding areas of their inhabitants.
- It is a shy reptile once it sees a human, it runs away.
- They also have a flat broad head with a distinctive snout.
- Their bodies are so scaly compared to other reptiles and often colored differently.
- They have powerful legs and sharp claws.
- Their weight is about 1 to 300 kilograms.
- They are semi-aquatic wildlife.
- Monitor lizards are active hunters who use speed and strength while hunting.
- They are among the solitary wildlife but other species live in groups and families.
- Monitor lizards are excellent swimmers and highly intelligent.
What is the gestation period of the monitor Lizards?
Monitor Lizards reproduce through laying eggs where the female monitor lizards are seen with large bellies as they search for the best place to lay their eggs. As they lay their eggs, they incubate them until they hatch and this incubation is usually affected by several climatic factors. This period takes about 8 to 9 months and the eggs take about 3 eggs to hatch.
What is the lifespan of monitor lizards?
Monitor lizards are reptiles that have a long have expectancy and live for a quite long time. The life expectancy of these lizards in the wild is about 15 to 20 years and while in captivity, they can live for about 40 years. The life span of the monitor lizards is much affected by the following ;
- Habitat loss in the wild due to encroachment.
- Health conditions also affect these species in form of the respiratory diseases and other parasites.
Where to see monitor lizards in Uganda?
In Uganda, there are several destinations where travelers can see the monitor lizards and some of these destinations include ;
Murchison Falls National Park
This is the largest national park in Uganda which is located in northwestern Uganda. It is one of the destinations that travelers can engage in for the search of monitor lizards during a Uganda safari. The monitor lizards in this park are usually seen during a boat cruise on the Victoria Nile and the lake Albert in the park.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
This park is located in western Uganda at the border of Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo and it is one of the popular destinations in Uganda that travelers on their safaris engage in for the search of the monitor lizards in Uganda. These wildlife are usually spotted on the Kazinga Channel and Mweya peninsular during the boat cruise.
Which activities can I do to see monitor lizards in Uganda?
While in Uganda for the search the monitor lizards, there are several other activities that travelers engage in during the Uganda safari and they include;
Game drive
This is one of the primary activities that travelers engage in in the savannah national parks of Uganda. It is done to have a view of the wildlife in the park on designated trails of the park. The wildlife in these parks that are usually encountered include lions, warthogs, hippos, leopards, buffaloes, and many others. Game drives are done in the morning, afternoon, evening, and night game drives.
Gorilla trekking
Gorilla trekking is an interesting activity where travelers encounter the large and powerful primates mountain gorillas. The tracked gorillas are usually first habituated for them to get used to the human presence and it takes about 2 years. The gorilla trekking in Uganda is done in the Bwindi impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park which are all in southwestern Uganda. The activity takes about 2 to 7 hours of the day and upon meeting the gorillas, travelers have one hour viewing them in their natural habitat.
Chimpanzee trekking
Chimpanzee trekking is another activity that travelers on their safaris engage in to encounter several chimpanzee species. In Uganda, there are several chimpanzees situated around the country. The chimpanzee can be seen in the Kyambura gorge, Kibale National Park, Kalinzu Forest, Budongo forest, and Bugoma Forest. Travelers are supposed to acquire the chimpanzee trekking permits during the safari.
Boat cruise
Boat cruise is another activity that travelers on their Uganda safaris engage in for the safari. It is done using the motorized boats that take around the several water bodies in Uganda. The boat cruise is done on the Kazinga channel, lake Victoria, Lake Edward, Lake George, Mweya Peninsula, Victoria Nile, Lake Albert, Lake Mburo, and many others.
Nature walks
Nature walking is another activity that travelers engage in on foot during a Uganda safari at several destinations. The activity is done under the guidance of the ranger guide who takes you around the area on foot to see several attractions in the area. The nature walks are done in several national parks, cultural communities, forest reserves, and many others.
What is the best time to see monitor lizards in Uganda?
In Uganda, monitor lizards can be seen throughout the year and the best time to see the monitor lizards is during the dry season June to September, and December to February. During this time, the area is dry and clear for the viewing of the lizards and they are seen during the day while hunting for fish in waters.
