It is difficult to come up with a list of the Largest Lizards in the World as there are a lot of factors to take into consideration. These include the largest recorded individuals, largest average size, whether you include tail length, overall mass of the lizard and so on.
For this list, we choose to work off the average length of the lizards. However, some of these lizards are very similar in length so it is difficult to rank one ahead of the other. If you like this list, be sure to check out our list of the Largest Snakes in the World.
#1 Largest Lizards in the World – Komodo Dragon
The Komodo Dragon is the heaviest and largest lizards in the world. These lizards are only found on a few islands in Indonesia including the island of Komodo.
These massive lizards can grow to about 8 foot in length and weigh over 150 pounds (70kg). The largest recorded Komodo Dragon measured 10.3 feet in length and weighted 366 pounds (166kg).
These lizards are very muscular and have a forked tongue that they use to ‘taste’ the air. They have large curved, serrated teeth that can tear through flesh and they are one of the few lizards that have a venomous bite.
Komodo is the largest of the islands that these lizards call home. This small island is only about 35km long and it is ruled by these massive reptiles. They can be found throughout the island in forests, beaches and rocky outcrops.
#2 Largest Lizards in the World -Crocodile Monitor
Crocodile Monitors are one of the largest lizards in the world in terms of overall length. They grow to roughly the same size as the Komodo Dragon, about 8 feet. However, there have been recorded specimens in private collections that have reached 12 foot in length.
These large lizards are native to New Guinea and other surrounding islands. They are found in tropical forests throughout these islands and are known to be quite arboreal, despite their massive size.
The colouration of the Crocodile Monitor can vary depending on their location but they are generally dark green in colour with yellow spots. They have extremelly long tails which make up a large portion of their length.
#3 Largest Lizards in the World – Asian Water Monitor
The Asian Water Monitor is native to South and South-East Asia. They are the third largest lizards in the world and generally grow to between 4-6 feet in length.
This lizard likes to live in humid tropical forest’s but they have adapted to thrive in a wide range of habitats. This is why they are distributed over such a large range. They are even known to live around human habitation.
They are semi-aquatic lizards and will spend a large amount of time in the water. They are capable of swimming across large bodies of water which would explain how subspecies can be found on many South-East Asian islands.
The Asian Water Monitor is a muscular lizard with a long and powerful tail. They have a distinctive black band with yellow edges that extends back from the eye. Their body is usually a dark brown or black with yellow spots. These spots are more prominent on the side of the lizard with less spotting on their back.
#4 Biggest Lizards in the World – Perentie Goanna
The Perentie Goanna is one of the largest lizards in the world. It is the largest lizard native to Australia and can grow to almost 8 foot in length. They are found throughout the central parts of Australia.
Their range extends from Western Australia through the central parts of the Northern Territory and South Australia. Their range extends into Queensland but does not reach the eastern coast.
The Perentie Goanna is not commonly seen in Australia due to the remoteness of their natural habitat. They are a very shy lizard and will usually disappear into a burrow rather than coming into contact with humans. Like many monitors, they can stand on their hind legs to get a better view of their surroundings.
It was long believed that these lizards were non-venomous but recent research shows that the contain a mild venom. This can cause localised swelling in a human but is not believed to be life threatening. However, infection from a lizard bite can be quite dangerous due to the bacteria in their mouth.
#5 Biggest Lizards in the World – Nile Monitor
The Nile Monitor is the largest species of Lizard native to Africa. They are commonly kept in captivity despite being one of the largest lizards in the world. However, they can be quite aggressive and will often bite, scratch and lash out with their tail. They are capable of inflicting severe injuries to humans.
These lizards typically grow to 4-6ft in length, but the average length is estimated at 1ft 8in snout to vent. The remainder of the length is made up of the tail. These lizards have muscular bodies and a very powerful tail.
While these lizards are found along the Nile River, their distribution extends much further. They can be found throughout sub-Saharan Africa but do not live in any of the deserts on the continent, other than along the rivers that flow through these deserts.
The Nile Monitor has been introduced to Florida where it is a treat to native species, especially crocodiles. This is because one of their primary sources of food is unattended crocodile eggs.
