Common Giant Plated Lizard
Matobosaurus validus
Silhouette: Beth Reinke · PhyloPic
- KingdomAnimalia (Animals)
- PhylumChordata (Chordates)
- ClassSquamata
- FamilyGerrhosauridae (Plated Lizards)
- GenusMatobosaurus
- SpeciesMatobosaurus validus (Common Giant Plated Lizard)
About the Common Giant Plated Lizard
The giant plated lizard (Matobosaurus validus) is a lizard in the family Gerrhosauridae, which is found in dry to mesic habitats of southern Africa. They are wary and stay close to their rocky retreats. A large lizard with a flattened head and body with a total length of up to 69 cm (27 in) or even 75 cm (29.5 in) and a snout-vent length (SVL) of 28 cm (11 in). The soles of the feet have black rubber-like balls, an adaptation to living on rock outcrops. It is called the plated lizard because of the platelike scales on the back. This lizard is very shy and hard to approach. When threatened, it will jam itself into rock crevices (aided by its flattened body) and inflate with air, making it impossible to extricate it.
It is omnivorous, consuming a fair amount of plant matter in addition to insects and even baby tortoises. It also tends to form loose colonies. Wikipedia →
Recent sightings of Common Giant Plated Lizard in Hwange National Park
LIVEiNaturalistClosest Relatives at Hwange National Park
Global Distribution
Warmer areas are where this animal is recorded most often.
Parks Where Found
| # | Park | Country | Daily sighting probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gonarezhou National Park | 🇿🇼 Zimbabwe | |
| 2 | Hwange National Park | 🇿🇼 Zimbabwe | |
| 3 | Kruger National Park | 🇿🇦 South Africa | |
| 4 | Mana Pools National Park | 🇿🇼 Zimbabwe |
Quick answers
What are the chances of seeing a Common Giant Plated Lizard in Hwange National Park?
About 30% of wildlife watchers report a Common Giant Plated Lizard sighting in Hwange National Park, based on 11 verified sightings from GBIF citizen-science data.
When is the best time to see Common Giant Plated Lizard in Hwange National Park?
March has the highest sighting rate for Common Giant Plated Lizard in Hwange National Park in our monthly data.