Goanna in tree

Goanna in tree, originally uploaded by Ladymaggic.

A Huge goanna was on the tree.
He did not move all the time I watched him. He sat in the same spot silent and watchful, perfectly camouflaged in the trunk.

http://www.kidcyber.com.au/topics/goanna.htm

A goanna is a kind of lizard. Goannas are covered in scales.
Goannas eat lizards, the eggs of snakes and lizards,and small animals.
Goannas climb trees, swim, run fast, and can stand on their back legs.

When white people first came to Australia they saw large reptiles they thought were a kind of iguana, and called them 'goanna'. The goanna is in fact not an iguana, but a species of monitor lizard.

The goanna is about 160 cm long altogether. Its head and body measure about 70 cm. Its body is flattened, it has strong legs with long toes and claws. It has a long neck. It can give a fierce blow with its long tail. It has a tongue rather like a snake's, which it flicks in and out.