Introduction

Scientific Classification

• Kingdom: Animalia. 
• Phylum: Chordata. 
• Class: Reptilia. 
• Order: Squamata. 
• Family: Varanidae. 
• Genus: Varanus.
• Species: acanthurus. 

Distribution and habitat

• Found in Australia, predominantly Western Australia, the Northern Territory and parts of Queensland. 
• Mainly found in arid/dry temperatures, along rocky ranges and scrublands.

Species status

• Common and not currently under threat. 
• Current predators include snakes, raptors, other monitors and humans. 

Life span

• Around 15-20 years.

Diet

• Carnivorous. 
• In the wild, they eat mainly insects and other small lizards, as well as small mammals, birds and bird eggs Lizard nutrition. 
• In captivity, they should be fed insects, with the possible addition of other foods such as egg and turkey. 

Variations

• Two subspecies can be identified: 
  • V. a. acanthurus (Red ackies): northwestern range of Australia. 
  • V. a. brachyurus (Yellow ackies): eastern range of Australia. 
• There is little difference between these two subspecies.

Breeding

• Females lay clutches of up to 18 eggs Lizard reproduction. 
• Incubation period of 3-5 months. 
• Up to 6 clutches can be laid per year. 

As pets

• Can be kept as pets, but research into the species is advised.

Predatory behavior

• Sit-and-wait predators, ie they will wait for prey to become readily available. 

Biological Data