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
Sand goanna sand goanna does consume smaller species of monitors: Ackies, rock monitors and other dwarf species are often found and eaten. It is common to see a Gould's disturbing rock piles in an attempt to flush out any "Odatria". It lays its eggs in termite mounds to protect them from the harsh desert climate. Like all goannas and snakes the sand monitor has a forked tongue, with which it "tastes" the air. Scents are picked up on each side of the fork which, when retracted, brushes over an area in the mouth called the Jacobson's organ, which identifies on which side