Forked tongue lizards with a nasty bite arrive at Orana

They hatch in a termite mound, have long forked tongues and a nasty bite – and now a pair of Lace Monitors (aka goannas) have found their way to Christchurch.

The two, nine-month-old Lace Monitors are the newest addition to Orana Wildlife Park.

The park’s native species manager Catherine Roughton said the delightful lizards - which are yet to be sexed - were transferred to Orana on Tuesday from Auckland Zoo where they hatched.

She said her team is very excited to welcome the foot long lizards.

“Lace Monitors are amazing animals that are related to Komodo dragons.

“We are privileged to have the opportunity to work with them. These juveniles will eventually grow to two metres long.

“Lace Monitors possess strong claws for digging and climbing.

“They are highly intelligent animals, evidenced by their relationship with termites.

“The female digs a hole in a termite mound to lay her eggs, leaving the termites to close up the hole.

“The young hatch after eight to nine months and the female will return to dig them out.

She said the monitors are carnivorous and will eat anything that fits in their mouth including birds, small mammals, carrion and they actively forage for bird eggs.

“They are very food motivated and extremely active, making them a fantastic addition to our Reptile House.

“Visitors will have the opportunity to learn first-hand about the unique traits of these stunning animals compared to our unique and cryptic native reptiles.”