Largest lizard in the world: When you think of lizards, you probably picture those small garden geckos or tiny reptiles crawling across walls. But the lizard family is way bigger, literally. Some species grow so massive that they look like creatures straight out of prehistoric times. From the mighty Komodo dragon to water-loving monitors, the world is home to reptilian giants that command both fear and fascination.
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Top 7 Lizards in the World
Let’s check out the list of the top 7 lizards in the world:
Rank | Lizard Type | Approx. Length | Approx. Weight |
1 | Komodo dragon | 3 m (10 ft) | Up to 166 kg (366 lb) |
2 | Asian water monitor | 3.2 m (10.5 ft) | 25 kg (55 lb), more in captivity |
3 | Crocodile monitor | 2.5 m+ (8+ ft) | 20 kg (44 lb) |
4 | Nile monitor | 2.4 m (8 ft) | 20 kg (44 lb) |
5 | Perentie | 2.4 m (8 ft) | 20 kg (44 lb) |
6 | Black-throated Monitor | 2.1 m (6.89 ft) | 27 kg (60 lb) |
7 | Lace Monitor | 2.0 m (6.55 ft) | 14 kg (30.87 lb) |
Which is the Largest Lizard in the World?
So, as per the various sources, the title of the largest lizard in the world goes to the Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis). These lizards’ absolute units can stretch over three meters (about 10 feet) long and weigh upward of 70 kg (around 154 lb), with some captivity records hitting an insane 166 kg (366 lb). Recently, scientists have also found that their teeth are coated with iron, which keeps the edges wicked sharp and ready to tear into prey like it’s no big deal.
Other Top Lizards
Following the Komodo dragon, there are five more lizards in the list, including, Asian Water Monitor, Crocodile monitor, Nile monitor, Prenetie, Black-throated Monitor, and Lace monitor.
The Asian water monitor is a giant lizard found in South and Southeast Asia. It can grow up to 10 feet long and weigh over 50 pounds. These lizards are excellent swimmers and love living near rivers and swamps. They eat almost anything they find, fish, birds, eggs, and even leftovers from humans. In some cities, especially in Thailand, you can actually spot them wandering around parks and canals.
The Crocodile monitor comes from the forests of New Guinea and is known as the longest lizard in the world, sometimes stretching more than 13 feet! It’s slimmer than the Komodo dragon but looks just as fierce, with dark skin covered in yellow spots. It’s a great climber and spends a lot of time in trees. Even though it looks scary, it usually avoids people and prefers to stay hidden in the jungle
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Conclusion
So there it is, from Indonesia to Australia, these creatures prove that the reptile kingdom is still having a big punch. Whether it’s the iron-toothed Komodo dragon, the swim-savvy Asian water monitor, or the desert-dwelling Perentie, each of these lizards brings unique energy, epic scale, and a whole lot.
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