We had a visit from a racehorse goanna this morning
By Judy Evans
@JudyEv (325815)
Rockingham, Australia
November 30, 2015 9:11pm CST
While commenting and responding this morning, a movement out the window caught my eye and there was a young racehorse goanna coming towards the house. Luckily Vince mostly has his camera sitting on the desk and was able to snap this shot.
Other names for these are Gould's monitor, sand monitor, bungarra or sand goanna (Varanus gouldii). I've always known it as a racehorse goanna because it is very fast. Sure enough, when Vince went out to try to get a better photo it was nowhere to be seen.
You can see it has powerful claws and often takes over rabbit burrows, enlarging them for its own purposes. They are NOT dangerous so I don't want any comments about people not wanting to come to Australia. 
Having said that, I've heard of them climbing up a person to get away from dogs if there are no trees around.
You might be able to see his tongue. It is forked. Outside scents are picked up on each side of the fork and swept over 'Jacobson's organ' which helps the creature identify the nature of the scent. Isn't he beautifully marked?
Having said that, I've heard of them climbing up a person to get away from dogs if there are no trees around.
You might be able to see his tongue. It is forked. Outside scents are picked up on each side of the fork and swept over 'Jacobson's organ' which helps the creature identify the nature of the scent. Isn't he beautifully marked?11 people like this
11 responses
@GardenGerty (157555)
• United States
1 Dec 15
Your picture did not show up. I have to admit, when I read your title, I had to go find out what you were talking about. I thought I remembered goannas being a lizard. I do not mind lizards and wikipedia makes him sound pretty good to have around.
3 people like this
@JudyEv (325815)
• Rockingham, Australia
1 Dec 15
@GardenGerty @TheHorse @sishy7 @celticeagle What are you all talking about? I can see the picture on my screen 
Actually I forgot to put it in. Sorry about that. Thanks for reading.
Actually I forgot to put it in. Sorry about that. Thanks for reading.1 person likes this
@celticeagle (159098)
• Boise, Idaho
1 Dec 15
I guess your picture didn't download. You certainly see a lot of reptiles around there don't you? A forked tongued little devil, eh? Bet he was a looker.
2 people like this
@JudyEv (325815)
• Rockingham, Australia
1 Dec 15
@celticeagle Our house is only 50 odd yards from the bush so we do have a lot of wildlife around. We like to see them as none do any harm.
2 people like this
@celticeagle (159098)
• Boise, Idaho
1 Dec 15
@JudyEv ...Bet you have some eventful days with them coming in. I guess you've shared some already.
2 people like this
@JudyEv (325815)
• Rockingham, Australia
1 Dec 15
@celticeagle I've written about them quite a bit mostly on Bubblews.
@Tampa_girl7 (49009)
• United States
1 Dec 15
I have never heard of these creatures before.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (325815)
• Rockingham, Australia
1 Dec 15
I like learning about the native animals of other countries. I was amazed to find out that South America has such a variety of wildlife.
@JudyEv (325815)
• Rockingham, Australia
1 Dec 15
We certainly see them from time and time and more often in the summer as they like the warmth.
@JudyEv (325815)
• Rockingham, Australia
1 Dec 15
Are you talking about the komodo dragon? I wouldn't like to be near any of them. I think they are very scary.
@chrisandmark (606)
• United Kingdom
1 Dec 15
My daughter would love to live in a country where lizards like that are running around!
1 person likes this
