A daring monitor lizard sneaks into a crocodile’s nest, seizing the opportunity to feast on the unguarded eggs. This thrilling encounter showcases the cunning and survival instincts of these opportunistic predators.
Mark Fox came across a sneaky monitor lizard while traveling through the Kruger National Park in South Africa. Monitor lizards, though small, often target the young of large predators. It’s not uncommon to see these tiny carnivores raiding a crocodile nest.
Eating the unborn crocs helps keep the population under control and prevents an influx of crocodiles. This is just another example of the food chain and ecosystem at play. Due to their size, monitor lizards often go unnoticed by adult crocodiles and can more easily sneak up on their abandoned nests.
While the crocodile leaves to enjoy a refreshing swim, the monitor lizard strikes and attacks the nest. It munches down on the eggs, experiencing a large and nutritious meal. These lizards benefit greatly from the nutrition in baby crocodile eggs, keeping up their strength and health.
Even though crocodiles have adapted to hide their nests, these sneaky monitor lizards still manage to find them. It’s a true example of survival of the fittest—and smartest.