Sand goanna Sand goanna The sand goanna ("Varanus gouldii" ) is a species of large Australian monitor lizard, also known as Gould's monitor, the sand monitor, or racehorse goanna. In some Aboriginal languages, the sand goanna is called "bungarra", a term also commonly used by non-Aboriginal people in Western Australia. In Pitjantjatjara and other central Australian languages it is called "Tingka". The name "sand monitor" can be used to describe various other species. The specific name, "gouldii", is a Latinised form of the name of the scientist who first described this species, English ornithologist John Gould. "Nota bene": A trinomial authority in
Goanna Other goannas are adapted to swampy coastal environments, such as the mangrove goanna ("V. semiremex"). Further still, the Mertens' water monitor (water goanna – "V. mertensi"), found in lagoons and rivers across northern Australia, is streamlined for swimming, using its tail as a paddle. Most other goannas are good swimmers, but tend not to voluntarily venture into the water. The diets of goannas vary greatly depending on the species and the habitat. Prey can include all manner of small animals: insects, smaller lizards, snakes, mammals, birds, and eggs. Meals are often eaten whole, thus the size of their meals may