Unexpected Visitor

02 March 2025

The Marina had an unexpected guest pop in this weekend. Rock monitors (Varanus albigularis), also known locally as legavaans or leguaans, are fairly common to the area especially near rivers, estuaries, and coastal bush. They are South Africa’s largest lizards, growing up to 1.5 meters long, but despite their size, they are not dangerous to people. They are shy and will usually retreat if approached. While they have strong jaws and sharp claws for climbing and digging, they only bite if threatened. These fascinating reptiles help control rodent and insect populations and are a natural part of the local ecosystem. For more information please visit iNaturalist and Wikpedia.