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Project Noah Nature School
Varanus varius
This was a big animal, and I almost died when it shot out from the rocks and undergrowth not far in front of me. Over 6 foot in length, this goanna was in no mood for a photo session. All goannas are carnivorous, consuming anything they can overpower. They will also eat carrion, and can be a real nuisance in campsites and picnic areas where people are prone to feed them. However, they possess large, sharp claws which can inflict serious wounds, and if provoked, goannas will bite. No such problem with this handsome fellow though, as he was quite shy. There are 19 species of Goanna to be found in Queensland. An interesting fact: This group contains the world's largest living lizard, the komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis) from Indonesia which grows to more than 3 metres. The komodo dragon is most closely related to the goanna (Varanus varius) and there is fossil evidence suggesting that komodo dragons once also occurred in Australia.
Section of park between subtropical rainforest and drier eucalypt forest. Found amongst rocks and undergrowth on the Westcliff Track, Bunya Mountains National Park, southeast Queensland. Here's some park info - http://www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/parks/bunya-...
The reference link says "bad request", but please ignore this. It will still take you to the site required, that being the Queensland Museum.
Spotted on Oct 17, 2014
Submitted on Oct 21, 2014
6 Comments
Hi Pam. Hi Daniele. Camera has been put to good use, and pics are on the way :-)
looking forward to seeing the photos, Neil...
Nice big fat fellow Neil. You're making the best of your new camera (and long service leave :-))!
Hi Ernst. I've been taking some long service leave. One of those holidays where the phone and laptop are turned off, and I must say it's been quite liberating. Done a few national parks, so have a few nice pics to add.
Thanks, Jae. He was a lovely big fellow.
Great capture, Neil.