Top 5 Most Dangerous Lizards In The World

For most people, lizards are among one of the most scariest species out there. Many consider it to be rather threatening due to its looks of little to no expression on top of the sharp claws and teeth.

But the truth is most species of lizards do not pose any harm to humans while others can be very aggressive the moment they lay their eyes on us. These lizards can cause some serious damage to us if ever confronted and can even have the potential to kill us.

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Here we would like to share the top 5 most dangerous lizards in the world that you should be wary of.

5. Gila Monster

Gila Monster was named after the Gila River Valley and it can be found in several parts of the US like Arizona, California, Nevada, Utah, New Mexico, and some parts of Mexico like Sonora and Sinaloa.

This lizard can grow up to 50 cm in size and has a chubby body with black to orange spots all over its body. It is the biggest lizard species in the US and during summer, the Gila monster will usually prey on small mammals, birds, and its eggs at night time.

The fat that is stored in its tail will later be used during the cold winter. It's huge head and muscular jaw are capable of producing a powerful force on top of the poison released that will flow into its victim.

Bites on humans or even deaths are something rare to happen with the last known reports of death happening back in 1939.

4. Mexican Beaded Lizard

A species that is closely related to the Gila monster will be the Mexican Beaded lizard which is slightly bigger by 80 cm in size and has much darker skin too. This lizard lived by the coast of the Mexican Pacific from the borders of Sinaloa and South Sonora to the borders of Mexico and Guatemala.

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It has a somewhat similar behavior to the Gila monster where its fat is stored in its tail for the winter. It too has a toxin released from its teeth to its prey. Despite the painful bite, there has yet to be a case of death from this species.

Unfortunately, this lizard has been a part of the illegal trafficking with a big portion of them being sold to the US, Europe, and Japan.

3. Salvadori Lizard

The Salvadori lizard is commonly found in the islands of Papua New Guinea as the majority of them prefer to be around lowlands that are close to the beach. It can sometimes be seen in mountainous areas of up to 650 meters above sea level.

It has a dark skin color with green to yellow spots on its body and is capable of growing up to 90 kg. Despite the Komodo being much bigger in weight, this species is slightly longer in length up to 5 meters.

The Salvadori lizard is often hunted for its meat and skin where it will be used to make clothes and drum skin. This creature is known for its aggressive behaviour where it will not hesitate to attack if threatened.

2. Asian Water Monitor

The Asian Water Monitor originates from the Greater Sunda Islands and the beach coast of the Bay of Bengal, South China Sea, and Sri Lanka. Similar to other lizards, this one has a long head and neck with huge body size, a long tail, and agile feet.

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Its tongue resembles that of a snake and this lizard can grow up to 2.7 meters long. It is carnivorous in nature and likes to eat small insects, mammals, fish, and even birds. However, this lizard is also hunted for its meat and skin where it will be used as a traditional medicine and antiques.

Its toxin will often cause minimal effects on humans as it will not cause death. But its powerful and sharp claws will definitely leave some serious damage.

1. Komodo Dragon

Komodo Dragon is known to be the biggest lizard species in the world and with such might, it is also the deadliest one. This lizard is native to Komodo Island and several other islands close to the Lesser Sunda Islands in Indonesia.

But this species is currently endangered as we witness its population decline over the years. This lizard can grow up to 3 meters long and weighs 135 kg. The Komodo tends to dig as deep as 9 meters into the ground to lay its eggs.

Their main food will be carcasses but they also hunt down pigs, deer, and calves. They also practice cannabilism as they feast on the smaller komodos. Don't be fooled by its huge size, as the Komodos are known to have a fast pace and are capable of killing a human.

Several reports have been made of their attacks in recent years.

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