While monitor lizards are not the best choice for beginners, they can be an intelligent and interesting pet for skilled reptile hobbyists. Monitor lizards get their genus name — varanus — from an Arabic word that means “monitor”. These lizards have an occasional habit of standing on their two hind legs. It seems like they are monitoring their surroundings! Legend says that monitor lizards rear up to warn people that crocodiles are nearby. Across the board, monitor lizards are known for their intelligence. Rock monitors at the San Diego Zoo can distinguish numbers up to six. Nile monitors cooperate while … Continue reading →