The Probert Encyclopaedia of Nature

MONITOR

The monitor is any of various lizards of the family Varanidae, found in Africa, South Asia, and Australasia.

Monitors are generally large and carnivorous, with well-developed legs and claws and a long powerful tail that can be swung in defence. Monitors include the Komodo dragon, the largest of all lizards, and also the slimmer Salvador's monitor (Varanus salvadorii), which may reach 2.5m. Several other monitors, such as the Lace monitor (Varanus varius), the perentie Varanus giganteus of Australia, and the Nile monitor (Varanus niloticus) of Africa, are up to two meters long.
Research Monitor