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.
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.