The largest living reptile
in the world, adult males can reach up to 20-23 feet in length! Females are
smaller and seldom exceed 10 feet. Fear of this species is not unfounded,
with a number of people injured or killed each year, although in most cases
these tragedies can be avoided with increased awareness. As its name implies,
this species has a high tolerance for salinity, being found in water around
coastal areas and in rivers, and It is also present in freshwater rivers,
billabongs and swamps.
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These impressive lizards
have large umbrella-like frills that fold around the length of its semi-long
neck. This frill can be extended outwards to make the lizard appear much
larger when confronted by a predator, or another agamid. The frill has a
great variety of colour that can range from yellow, orange, or to a jet
black. The lizard is marginally large, reaching a snout-to-tail length of 30
inches. They love to climb, and are highly active.
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