Ackie Monitor

(Varanus acanthurus)

IUCN Status: Least Concern

Range: Northern Australia, primarily in the arid regions of Western Australia, Northern Territory, and Queensland

Habitat: Rocky outcrops, arid scrublands, and dry woodlands

Lifespan: 10–20 years in captivity, shorter in the wild

Size: 16–28 inches (including tail)

Diet: Insects, small vertebrates, eggs, and occasional plant matter

Clutch Size: 4–18 eggs

Incubation: Approximately 100–120 days at around 85–90°F (29–32°C)

The Spiny-Tailed Monitor

Ackie monitors (Varanus acanthurus) are small, agile lizards native to the arid and semi-arid regions of northern and western Australia. They thrive in rocky outcrops, spinifex grasslands, and scrublands, where they utilize crevices and burrows to escape extreme heat and predators. Their spiny tails, which give them their name, serve as a defense mechanism, making it difficult for predators to pull them from tight spaces. Ackies are diurnal and spend much of their day basking in the sun or foraging for food, which consists mainly of insects, small reptiles, and the occasional egg. Their keen intelligence and strong climbing abilities allow them to navigate complex terrain in search of food and shelter. During cooler months, they may become less active, retreating into burrows to conserve energy. As opportunistic hunters with an adaptable nature, ackie monitors play a vital role in their ecosystem by controlling insect populations.

Fun Facts!

  1. Spiky Tails for Defense! – Ackie monitors have spiny tails that help protect them from predators. If a predator tries to pull them out of a rock crevice, their rough tail makes it really hard to grab!

  2. Super Fast Runners! – These little lizards may not be big, but they are super speedy! If they feel threatened, they can dash across the ground or even up rocks to escape danger.

  3. Sunbathing Experts! – Ackies love to soak up the sun! Since they are cold-blooded, they need sunlight to warm up and give them the energy to move, hunt, and explore.

  4. Diggers and Burrowers! – In the wild, ackies dig burrows to stay cool in the hot desert heat. These burrows also help keep them safe from predators like snakes and larger lizards.

  5. Insect Hunters! – Ackie monitors love to eat insects like crickets, beetles, and grasshoppers. They use their sharp claws and quick reflexes to catch their food before it scurries away!