Varanus prisca (giant monitor lizard)

Varanus prisca or giant monitor lizard is an extinct member of the monitor lizard family (Varanidae).

The giant monitor lizard was the largest lizard ever to live on land. Fossils of Varanus prisca have only been recovered from eastern Australia, from Pleistocene deposits (between 2.6 million years and 10,000 years ago).

The giant monitor lizard is thought to have become extinct due to effects of climate change.

Species detail

Komodo dragon

Varanus prisca shares numerous features in common with Komodo dragons, especially in the

detailed structure of the skull
large body size

Varanus prisca was originally described in a separate genus (Megalania) but is now recognised as a close relative of the living Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis).

Taxonomy

Read about the taxonomy of Varanus prisca, including how it is similar to and can be distinguished from other lizards.
Evolution

Learn more about the the evolutionary tree of Varanus prisca and the similar features it shares with Komodo dragons and other monitor lizards.
Distribution

Discover the locations that Varanus prisca fossils have been recovered from and the estimated date the species is thought to have become extinct.
Biology

Find out size estimates for Varanus prisca and what it used its sharply serrated teeth for.
References

Get reference material for Varanus prisca.