Author's Notes:

The photo is of a goanna's claw.

A goanna is any of several Australian monitor lizards of the genus Varanus. Of the 30 known species of goanna, 25 are found in Australia.

This varied group of carnivorous reptiles ranges greatly in size. Being predatory lizards, they are often quite large, with sharp teeth and claws. The largest is the perentie (V. giganteus), which can grow over 2.5 m (8.2 ft) in length. It is the fourth-largest living lizard on earth, after the Komodo dragon, Asian water monitor, and the crocodile monitor. Found west of the Great Dividing Range in the arid areas of Australia, it is rarely seen because of its shyness and the remoteness of much of its range from human habitation.

Goannas have beautiful markings and there are many variations in colouring and patterning, useful for camouflage.

The goanna features prominently in Aboriginal mythology (the Dreamtime). It was a favoured food item among desert Aboriginal tribes, and the fat was used for medicinal and ceremonial purposes.

As an Australian, and someone who goes camping often, I am used to all the 'critters', but unexpected encounters can be scary. Goannas will chase you if you get too close. I broke the Olympic 100 metres record when one chased me several years ago. What a pity my sprint was unrecorded.

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