Nile monitor Introduction (Hook): Meet the Nile monitor—one of Africa’s most powerful and intelligent reptiles! With razor-sharp claws, a whip-like tail, and an appetite for almost anything, this lizard is a true survivor of the wild! Main Content: The Nile monitor (Varanus niloticus) is one of the largest lizards in Africa, growing up to 7 feet (2.1 meters) long! Found near rivers, lakes, and swamps, this incredible reptile is an expert swimmer, capable of holding its breath underwater for up to 15 minutes. But don’t be fooled—this lizard is not just a swimmer; it’s also an aggressive hunter! Nile monitors have a powerful bite and sharp claws, making them skilled predators. Their diet? Pretty much anything they can catch—fish, birds, eggs, small mammals, and even crocodile eggs! Their intelligence is another remarkable trait. These reptiles are known to work together to raid crocodile nests—one distracts the mother crocodile while the other steals the eggs. Nature’s teamwork at its finest!