The leguaan is South Africa’s biggest lizard, and may grow to 2 metres in length. It loves the waterside and is a good swimmer and diver, using sideways movements of its flexible tail. Several live in the Cavern grounds and can be seen in the small dams.
![leguaan nile monitor](https://www.cavern.co.za/wp-content/uploads/leguaan-nile-monitor.jpg)
They are carnivorous, starting with insects when young, progressing to crabs and fish, and even eggs and nestling birds, climbing trees if necessary. Females lay up to 60 eggs in a hole dug into a termite mound. Because the termites repair their home the leguaan’s eggs remain hidden and safe, and incubate at a comfortable even temperature. After up to a year the hatchlings dig their way out of the mound after it has been softened by rain.