Beechworth Lace Monitor

Beechworth Lace MonitorAs I researched the new Beechworth animals and plants section for our the Beechworth website I came across numerous references to Lace Monitors, or Lace Goanna as they are commonly referred to, being common in the Beechworth area. Strangely enough I had never seen one until I began this page. On a warm day, approximately 36 degrees Celsius I was out taking new images for the website and what should I see, yes a Lace Monitor scampering up a tree approximately 1km into the gorge drive. It scampered up the tree and was well out of reach but not before I was able to snap a few quick shots.

The Lace Monitor is a member of the monitor lizard family of which Australian members are known as goannas. As such Lace Monitors are also known as Lace Goannas in Australia. They are the second-largest monitor in Australia after the Perentie and can grow up to 2.1 metres (over 6ft). Their tails are long and slender and about 1.5 times the length of the head and body. The maximum weight of lace monitor can be 20 kg, but most adults are smaller.

Lace Monitors is Beechworth are mainly active during the warmer months from September to May and are inactive in cooler weather often sheltering in a tree hollow or under a fallen tree or large rock. Females lay from 4 to 14 eggs in spring or summer in termite nests

The diet of Lace Monitors typically consists of insects, reptiles, small mammals, birds and birds' eggs and will also feed on the decaying carcasses of other dead wildlife. Lace monitors are also known to forage in chicken coops for poultry and eggs and rummage through unprotected domestic garbage bags, and trash cans in picnic and recreational areas.

Like all Australian goannas, they were a favourite traditional food of Australian Aboriginal peoples and their fat was particularly valued as a medicine and for use in ceremonies

 Beechworth Lace Monitor

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