The robust limbs, whip-like tails, and remarkably similar claws of monitor lizards equip them well to mount a defense, despite their seemingly vulnerable status as potential prey for leopards.
During a safari expedition in Zambia, Costa Frangeskides had the privilege of capturing footage featuring a water monitor in an energetic display of tail-swinging tactics, as it valiantly resisted an opportunistic leopard seeking a meal.
While on a morning wildlife safari in central Zambia, Frangeskides spotted a monitor lizard walking near two prowling leopards.
He reported witnessing the active pursuit of the monitor by two leopards. When one of the leopards advanced, the lizard instinctively switched to a defensive stance.
As their name implies, water monitors are primarily aquatic creatures, often seeking refuge in rivers or dams when faced with threats.
In this particular situation, the monitor had no recourse to a watery escape, necessitating a fight response.
When under attack, water monitors, sometimes referred to as Nile monitors, would valiantly defend themselves by inflating their bodies and vigorously swaying their large tails.
If this defensive tactic proves insufficient, their arsenal includes razor-sharp claws and fangs that can inflict significant harm if an attacker is careless in their approach.
Nonetheless, the leopard appeared undeterred and, after a series of forceful tail strikes, managed to puncture the lizard’s throat with its fangs.
Let’s watch the video:
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