The Komodo Dragon

The world's largest lizard, the Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis) is endemic to a few Indonesian islands, including the island of Komodo, hence their name. They can reach up to 3 metres in length and weigh over 100kg. The Komodo dragon is a formidable predator since no other carnivore occupies the same ecological niche. Their varied …

The Lesser Antillean Iguana

Critically endangered, the Lesser Antillean iguana (Iguana delicatissima) is in serious decline due to human activity. Endemic to the Lesser Antilles in the Caribbean, the population of this large lizard is estimated at fewer than 20,000 individuals. Moreover, the recent introduction of the non-native green iguana (Iguana iguana) to these islands has resulted in increased …

The African Rock Python

Africa's largest snake, the African rock python (Python sebae) may exceed 6m in length. They have an impressive and varied diet including warthogs, antelopes, monkeys and even crocodiles. Unbelievably, one individual was even recorded eating an adult spotted hyena weighing 70kg. Inhabiting a plethora of habitats across Central and Western Africa, this mighty python is …

The Green Sea Turtle

Extremely sensitive to changes in temperature, the green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) is one of the thousands of species which faces extinction due to climate change. This endangered reptile has a vast range, inhabiting tropical and subtropical seas all around our planet. These turtles spend most of their time in seagrass beds, salt marshes and coral …

The Gila Monster

Covered in pink and black bead-like scales, the Gila monster (Heloderma suspectum) is the largest lizard native to the United States. It is one of only two venomous lizards found in North America, along with Mexican beaded lizard. However, they are slow-moving and sluggish by nature so pose little threat to humans. These reptiles live …

The Nile Crocodile

The largest freshwater predator in Africa, the Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus) is a formidable hunter with a great historical significance. They are widespread throughout sub-Saharan Africa, where they feed mainly on fish - like their Indian relative, the Gharial. However, these reptiles are opportunists so will attack almost anything unfortunate enough to cross its path, …

The Pig-Nosed Turtle

As you can probably imagine from their name, the pig-nosed turtle (Carettochelys insculpta) is quite an unusual looking reptile. To some, they may appear a little disturbing, but I actually find them rather adorable. Their odd features are surprisingly phenomenal adaptations to their aquatic habitat, and should be admired rather than mocked. The pig-nosed turtle …

The Green Basilisk Lizard

Also known as the Plumed basilisk (Basiliscus plumifrons) or Jesus Christ lizard (I'll get to that later), this omnivorous reptile is native to Central America and is part of the Iguana family. In their tropical rainforest habitat, the green basilisk lizard feeds on insects, small mammals, fruits, flowers and even other lizards. They have quite a …

The Panther Chameleon

A large chameleon endemic to Madagascar, the panther chameleon (Furcifer pardalis) is an arboreal reptilian which has also been introduced to Mauritius and Réunion. This vividly bright species is perfectly adapted to live in the tropical forests of northern Madagascar... The panther chameleon has a long tongue which they use to capture their insect prey; the …

The Leatherback Sea Turtle

The leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) is the world's largest turtle, weighing between 250 and 700 kilograms. Instead of having a bony shell like other sea turtle, the leatherback has a leathery carapace made up of skin and oily tissue. They are mainly grey/black in colour with frequent white spots in places. Their dark dorsal …