Physical World/Reptiles

	Gila monster Heloderma suspectum Venomous lizard native to the southwestern United States and Mexico A drug derived from Gila monster’s saliva is used to manage type 2 diabetes
	Komodo dragon Varanus komodoensis Largest living lizard, growing up to a length of 3 metres. Named after an island in Indonesia Largest animal to undergo parthenogenesis
	Tuatara family Sphenodontidae Endemic to New Zealand Their name derives from the Maori language, and means "peaks on the back"
	Goanna genus Varanus Australian monitor lizard Features prominently in Aboriginal mythology
	Saltwater crocodile Crocodylus porosus Largest reptile (the Nile crocodile is the second largest reptile). The males of this species can reach sizes up to 6.3 m (20.7 ft) and weigh up to 1,360 kg (3,000 lb) The most dangerous breed of crocodile to humans
	Gharial Gavialis gangeticus Also known as the gavial. Native to the northern part of the Indian Subcontinent Characterised by its extremely long, thin jaws. Males develop a hollow bulbous nasal protuberance at the tip of the snout upon sexual maturity
	Caiman subfamily Caimaninae Caimans inhabit Central and South America. They are relatively small crocodilians Closely related to alligators
	Inland taipan Oxyuranus microlepidotus Also known as the fierce snake Considered the most venomous snake in the world; based on the median lethal dose value in mice. Endemic to Australia
	Green anaconda Eunectes murinus A boa species found in South America. It is the largest, heaviest, and second longest (behind the reticulated python) known extant snake species
	King cobra Ophiophagus hannah The world's longest venomous snake, with a length up to 5.7 m Ophiophagus is a Greek-derived word which means "snake-eater", and its diet consists primarily of other snakes
	Black mamba Dendroaspis polylepis Native to sub-Saharan Africa It takes its common name not from the colour of its scales, but from the interior of its mouth, which is inky-black. The venom of the black mamba is highly toxic
	Eastern diamondback Crotalus adamanteus A venomous pit viper species found in the southeastern United States. It is the heaviest though not the longest venomous snake in the Americas and the largest rattlesnake
	Sidewinder Crotalus cerastes A rattlesnake found in the desert regions of the southwestern United States and Mexico. Also known as the horned rattlesnake As its body progresses over loose sand, it forms a letter J-shaped impression
	Galapagos giant tortoise Chelonoidis nigra Largest living species of tortoise – can weigh up to 250 kg Giant tortoises exist only on two remote archipelagos: the Galapagos, and Aldabra in the Indian Ocean
	Leatherback sea turtle Dermochelys coriacea Differentiated from other modern sea turtles by its lack of a bony shell. Instead, its carapace is covered by skin and oily flesh. It is capable of maintaining an elevated body temperature, which allows it to swim in cold waters. Largest of all living turtles
	Hawksbill sea turtle Eretmochelys imbricata Easily distinguished from other sea turtles by its sharp, curving beak, and the saw-like appearance of its shell margins Hawksbill shells were the primary source of tortoiseshell material used for decorative purposes