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Project Noah Nature School
Varanus varius
I've never been so close to a wild Goanna. I spooked it out of the undergrowth and up a tree, but even now I don't know who was more frightened. Not the largest Goanna I have seen, but I think this is an interesting spotting. This individual is undergoing a process called "ecdysis", which simply means the animal is shedding the outer layer of skin. The old skin can still be seen around the front portion of the leg, and around the base of the tail, as well as the tail itself. I've been told this is an uncomfortable process and the animal can become quite aggressive. This Goanna also has a very full stomach, hence it looks rather fat. There is a camping ground not too far from this location, so I think this individual is quite accustomed to people, although it didn't stop this one from seeking the safety of a tree when it felt threatened. Its also missing a large portion of its tail - I'd say up to about 30 cms. Lots of information about this speces can be found at the reference links.
On a track at Camp Mountain, just off Mount Nebo Road. Densely forested section of D'aguilar National Park, although not too far from a camping area.
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 Apr 19, 2015
Submitted on Apr 19, 2015
4 Comments
Thanks. They're an impressive lizard.
Wow lovely creature
And you'd certainly know if one latched onto you. I tend to keep a respectable distance from most large reptiles.
Nice one Neil. Had one run right up to my daughter in Noosa Nat Park once. They can move pdq!