Page 100 - World of Animals - Deadly Predators

With their serrated
teeth, sharp claws and
mild venom, iguanas
form a major threat to
smaller prey

GREEN IGUANA
Iguana iguana
Lifespan 10-12 years
Adult weight 3-4kg
(7-9lbs)
Conservation status
© Thinkstock

LEAST CONCERN

The Crocodile monitor is the
Escape largest known monitor lizard,
being as long as 2.4 metres
(eight feet) in length

Lizards are capable of running up walls
and trees when escaping predators,
but when no such escape routes are
available, they are also well equipped
for camouflage. Many have disruptive
patterns to make their silhouette harder
to spot, especially when blended in
among undergrowth. Chameleons are
well-known for their ability to change
colour, but for most species this is
used for signalling rather than defence.
However, the Smith’s dwarf chameleon
will adapt its colour when threatened
in an attempt to blend in with the
surroundings. Meanwhile, the Eastern
CROCODILE MONITOR
fence lizard is one of many species that
Varanus salvadorii
resorts to ‘playing dead’ when threatened, Lifespan 12-20 years
a defence mechanism that is thought to Adult weight Up to 90kg
(200lbs)
reduce an animal’s chances of being eaten Conservation status
by tricking the attacker into thinking they
may be in some way spoiled and cause
© Vassil
harm if eaten. LEAST CONCERN

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