If you’re looking for a rare and unusual hunting adventure to add to your safari, consider hunting the West African Forest Monitor Lizard (Varanus Ornatus). This large and aggressive reptile is found in West and Central Africa, including Congo and Gabon.

In terms of habitat, this species of monitor lizard inhabits closed-canopy forests, swamps, and rainforests, where they can swim and climb trees to hide from predators such as large snakes, leopards, and crocodiles. They often retreat to water when under attack or hide within their burrows.

They are omnivorous, with a varied diet including fish, snails, crabs, eggs, frogs, and snakes.

AT A GLANCE

Name:
Varanus Ornatus

Range:
Central & West Africa

Length:
6 feet

Weight:
15-18 pounds

Life span:
15 years (captivity)

Hunting West African Forest Monitor Lizard

Size and Appearance

Weighing up to 18 pounds, the West African Forest Monitor Lizard can reach 6 feet and is solidly built. Their scales are dark olive green to black on their body, with sections of yellow and cream forming patterns across their body and tail, while the underbelly is a lighter yellow with gray. It has a long, light-coloured tongue. It has strong claws and strong legs that assist it in climbing trees and swimming.

Hunting Methods

An African hunt featuring this cold-blooded reptile through the forests can be challenging, with the dense undergrowth making a walk-and-stalk a testing experience. Ambushing these lizards near water would also work well, as they appear to hunt and feed.

Challenges and Rewards

This monitor lizard is extremely fast and elusive, resulting in this hunting safari being quite fast paced at times. Being in the dense rainforest, the monitor lizard can be difficult to track and can be aggressive when cornered. The reward is a most unusual specimen to add to any trophy room.