![\"Argus-Monitor-150\u00d7150\"](\"https:\/\/www.decatur-parks.org\/scovill-zoo\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2016\/01\/Argus-Monitor-150x150.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nArgus Monitor<\/strong> Argus monitors are among some of the largest lizard species in the world and are related to Komodo dragons. In order to appear larger if threatened, Argus monitors stand on their hind legs and use their muscular tails to balance. They\u2019re avid diggers and create large burrows to spend the hotter portions of the day in. If necessary, an Argus monitor will take over an existing burrow. They are 4 to 5 feet in length. Their diet consists of fish, crabs, small birds, small mammals, insects, and even other monitors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Recent studies suggest that the Marine Toad infestation has severely damaged the population of Argus monitors. It is estimated that numbers have dropped by as much as 90% in many areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Scovill Zoo\u2019s only Argus monitor is a female named Keuka.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Iguanas & Relatives:<\/strong> Rhinoceros Iguana<\/strong> Rhino iguanas are much more terrestrial than green iguanas which allows them to live in rockier and drier areas. They are rarely found in trees or even forested areas. Rhino iguanas get their name because of horn-like structures that are found on the heads of males. It is not known if these structures serve any purpose, but they may aid in courtship. Male iguanas go through elaborate courtship behaviors of head bobbing and erecting their spines along the back. Normally iguanas are quite timid and will flee if approached, but during courtship the males can be quite aggressive. The rhino iguana is not as long as the more common green iguana, but can be over twice the weight. Their total body length of up to 4.5 ft. 10-20 pounds. They are omnivores and will eat a wide assortment of vegetable matter, invertebrates, small mammals and birds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Because their populations are restricted to islands, rhino iguanas are especially vulnerable to environmental as well as man made disturbances. Iguanas are often eaten as food because of their accessibility and the relatively poor economic status of the people on these islands. The iguanas are protected from wide-scale release in the pet trade and zoos are playing an integral role in the conservation of this species.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Kiwi is Scovill Zoo\u2019s female rhino iguana<\/strong>. She was donated to Scovill Zoo from the Phoenix zoo in 2019. We don\u2019t have her exact age, but she arrived at the Phoenix Zoo in 2004, so we know that she is at least 16 years old.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Geckos<\/strong> Geckos are small, vocal, and usually nocturnal lizards. Some are very agile climbers and can go up smooth, vertical surfaces, even overhangs. There are desert species that live in burrows or rock crevices and species that live in tropical and subtropical countries. Geckos are unique among lizards in producing an array of sounds. These sounds are used to attract mates or to defend territory. It also helps nocturnal geckos to find each other. Females often lay pairs or single eggs at a time. Sometimes several will lay their eggs in the same pile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Leopard Geckos<\/strong> Leopards Geckos can grow up to 10 to 12 inches long. They are common in South Asia including Afghanistan, Pakistan, and western India and live in warm, arid environments. In the wild they will eat insects, spiders and scorpions. At the zoo we feed them crickets dusted with a powdered vitamin and mineral supplement. The female first reproduces during her second year of life, laying 2 eggs at a time and burying them in the soil. The young geckos hatch in 9-14 weeks. They are banded and more brightly-colored than the adults. The leopard gecko has movable eyelids, unlike most geckos whose eyes are covered by an immovable, transparent scale. It also lacks adhesive toe pads that are found in many arboreal geckos. The leopard gecko is most active at dusk. It stores fat in its tail when food is abundant. This characteristic is found in many lizards that live in dry environments where food is seasonally abundant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Leopard geckos are often kept as pets. They are easy to care for, and they often breed in captivity. However, it is important to keep males separated from one another, as they will fight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Lacertilia
Superfamily: Varanidae
Range: southern New Guinea
Habitat: Grasslands
Scientific Name: Varanus panoptes<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Lacertilia
Superfamily: Iguania
Family: 3
Species: 1,412<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Range: Haiti and adjacent islands
Habitat: Dry rocky areas and savannas
Conservation Status: Threatened
Scientific Name: Cyclura cornuta<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Lacertilia
Superfamily: Gekkota
Family: 4
Species: 1,054<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Order: Squamata
Family: Gekkonidae
Range: South Asia
Habitat: Desert
Conservation Status: Common
Scientific Name: Eublepharis macularius<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n