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Varanus Priscus
| Scientific Classification |
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Varanus priscus
(almost always known as "Megalania", although this
is not the correct scientific name - see below)
was a giant monitor lizard that
lived in Australia,
between about 1.6 million and 40,000 years ago. It may well have been encountered
by early aboriginal people when they first arrived in
Australia.
No complete
fossil skeletons of
Megalania have yet been found, so there is still considerable debate about the animal's size.
Some estimates say the largest individuals could have been 23 feet (7 meters) long,
whereas others put an upper limit of around 15 feet (4.5 meters).
In any case, Megalania is the largest terrestrial lizard known,
and probably fed on animals such
Diprotodon.
The name "Megalania" was chosen by
Sir Richard Owen
in 1859, he called the species "Megalania prisca" which means
"ancient great roamer". However today, "Megalania" is considered
to be a synonym for "Varanus" (the genus containing monitor lizards),
and because "Varanus" was coined first, this name takes priority.
Additionally, since "Varanus" is masculine, whereas "Megalania"
is femine, the word "prisca" needs to change to "priscus", and thus
the correct name of the species is "Varanus priscus".
Although Megalania is generally considered to be extinct,
some cryptozoologists (people who search for rumored animals
whose existence is uncertain), claim that it is possible that
there might be a small surviving population in the wilderness
areas of New Guinea or
Australia.
Varanus Priscus Timeline:
Varanus priscus were giant monitor lizards that lived in Australia between 1.6 million and 40,000 years ago
Related Information & Resources
See Also
Megalania Books
Here are some books from Amazon.com:
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By Ralph E. Molnar
Indiana University Press
Released: March 30th, 2004
Hardcover (224 pages)
 | List Price: $35.00*
Lowest New Price: $30.10*
In Stock*
*(As of 10:42 Pacific 6 Oct 2024 More Info)
Click Here | Description:
Dragons in the Dust: The Paleobiology of the Giant Monitor Lizard Megalania- Manufacturer: Indiana University Press
- Brand: Indiana University Press
- ISBN: 0253343747
- EAN: 9780253343741
- PartNumber: Illustrated
Details:- Hardcover
- Format: Download: Adobe Reader
- Edition: First Edition
- Number of Pages: 224
- Author: Ralph E. Molnar
- Publication Date: March 30th, 2004
- Release Date: March 30th, 2004
Physical Description:- Size: 10.1 inches by 7.3 inches by 0.9 inches
- Weight: 1.4991433816 pounds
Click here for more information |
|
By Stephen Charles
Independently published
Released: March 26th, 2022
Paperback (205 pages)
 | Lowest New Price: $11.08*
In Stock*
*(As of 10:42 Pacific 6 Oct 2024 More Info)
Click Here | Description:
Megalania- Manufacturer: Independently published
- EAN: 9798440068384
Details:- Paperback
- Number of Pages: 205
- Author: Stephen Charles
- Publication Date: March 26th, 2022
- Release Date: March 26th, 2022
Physical Description:- Size: 9.0 inches by 6.0 Inches by 0.47 inches
Click here for more information |
|
By Travis Kerr
CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
Released: April 10th, 2014
Paperback (516 pages)
 | Lowest New Price: $14.99*
In Stock*
*(As of 10:42 Pacific 6 Oct 2024 More Info)
Click Here | Description:
Megalania- Manufacturer: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
- ISBN: 1533066493
- EAN: 9781533066497
Details:- Paperback
- Number of Pages: 516
- Author: Travis Kerr
- Publication Date: April 10th, 2014
- Release Date: April 10th, 2014
Physical Description:- Size: 8.0 Inches by 5.0 Inches by 1.29 inches
Click here for more information |
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By Robert Forrester
CREATESPACE
Released: January 18th, 2015
Paperback (266 pages)
 | Lowest New Price: $12.99*
In Stock*
*(As of 10:42 Pacific 6 Oct 2024 More Info)
Click Here | Description:
Megalania (Vile Beasts Series)- Manufacturer: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
- Brand: CREATESPACE
- ISBN: 1507598173
- EAN: 9781507598177
- PartNumber: black & white illustrations
Details:- Paperback
- Number of Pages: 266
- Author: Robert Forrester
- Publication Date: January 18th, 2015
- Release Date: January 18th, 2015
Physical Description:- Size: 8.0 inches by 5.0 inches by 0.6 inches
- Weight: 0.59083886216 Pounds
Click here for more information |
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By Carol K. Lindeen
Brand: Capstone Press
Released: September 1st, 2007
Library Binding (32 pages)
 | List Price: $26.65*
Lowest Used Price: $17.61*
In Stock*
*(As of 10:42 Pacific 6 Oct 2024 More Info)
Click Here | Description:
Giant Ripper Lizard (Blazers: Extinct Monsters)- Manufacturer: Blazers
- Brand: Brand: Capstone Press
- ISBN: 1429601159
- EAN: 9781429601153
Details:- Product Category: Library Binding
- Number of Pages: 32
- Author: Carol K. Lindeen
- Publication Date: September 1st, 2007
- Release Date: September 1st, 2007
Physical Description:- Size: 9.25 inches by 7.0 inches by 0.25 inches
- Weight: 0.54 Pounds
Features:- Used Book in Good Condition
Click here for more information |
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By STEPHEN DEDMAN
Megalania Books
Kindle Edition (267 pages)
 | Lowest New Price: $2.99*
Available for download now*
*(As of 10:42 Pacific 6 Oct 2024 More Info)
Click Here | Description:
IMMUNITY- Manufacturer: Megalania Books
Details:- Kindle Edition
- Format: Kindle eBook
- Number of Pages: 267
- Authors: STEPHEN DEDMAN, Stephen Dedman
Click here for more information |
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