Gila Monster

The Gila monster (or Heloderma suspectum) is a large species of venomous lizard native to the arid regions of the Southern United States and Northern Mexico. It has orange and black scales arranged in a banded and reticulated pattern. The Gila monster has a very keen sense of smell that it uses for hunting, and can often be seen scenting the air by flicking its tongue in and out of its mouth. The Gila monster measures 51cm to 60cm long, and weighs between 0.35kg and 0.7kg, making it the largest lizard native to the United States.

The Gila monster is Near Threatened, primarily affected by habitat loss due to urban and agricultural expansion. They are unable to cross fortified canals and highways, unable to reach more suitable habitat or dying to vehicle collisions while trying. In some areas, they are harvested for commercial or private collections. They are also often killed by humans out of fear, despite the fact that they are too slow moving to be a serious threat to people. Gila monsters were the first venomous species to be legally protected in 1952. Today, they and their habitat are protected across all of their native range, and international trade is limited under CITES Appendix II. Translocations of Gila monsters from habitats at risk have proven unfruitful; these animals will attempt to return to their initial range at great risk. Public awareness campaigns improving the reputation and reducing fear in the population may instead help to promote a peaceful side-by-side where new settlements are built on Gila monster territory.