Gould's monitor, Sand monitor, Racehorse goanna
The Sand goanna (Varanus gouldii ) is a species of large Australian monitor lizard, also known as Gould's monitor, Sand monitor, or Racehorse goanna.
Sand goannas are large and have beautifully patterned scales. They are greenish-gray in color with small yellow spots all over their bodies. These spots are most prominent on their tails and lower bodies and their heads have a yellow pattern on the sides.
Sand goannas inhabit a vast range throughout Australia. They can be found in northern and eastern Australia, where they live in open woodlands, shrublands, and grasslands.
Sand goannas are terrestrial reptiles that excavate large burrows for shelter or shelter in rock escarpments and tree hollows. They are diurnal and prefer to live on their own. These relentless foragers have a forked tongue, with which they "taste" the air. During the hunt, scents are picked up on each side of the fork which, when retracted, brushes over an area in the mouth called Jacobson's organ, which identifies on which side the scent is stronger. Sand goannas are also good at climbing trees and are good swimmers.
Sand goannas are carnivores and scavengers that will prey on anything smaller than themselves. The diets of hatchlings and juveniles often consist mostly of insects and small lizards, but generally vary more with age. Adults will prey on mice, other small mammals, small birds, crustaceans, large insects, small lizard species, snakes, amphibians, eggs, and carrion. They are seemingly immune to snake venom and will kill and eat even the most venomous species such as the Inland taipan.
Sand goannas breed during the wet season. Females lay their 10 to 17 eggs in termite mounds to protect them from the harsh desert climate.
The main threats to this species include the loss and poisoning of their native habitat, poaching, collisions with traffic, and predation by raptors.
According to IUCN Red List, the Sand goanna is locally common and widespread throughout its range but no overall population estimate is available. Currently, this species is classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List and its numbers today remain stable.