While it’s common to see chickens eating lizards, there exists a type of lizard that eats chickens. In South America, there is a large lizard known scientifically as Tupinambis teguixin, with adults reaching over one meter in length (including the tail). These lizards typically inhabit dense, lush areas and are often found in forest regions adjacent to rivers.
Despite being wild animals, these large lizards enjoy living near human settlements, often seen lurking around villages.
This species is quite omnivorous, feeding on both invertebrates and small vertebrates. Locals frequently discover them as the culprits behind chicken and egg theft. They particularly enjoy eating frogs, large insects, worms, larvae, and some types of fruits and leaves. They hunt during the day, and at night or during cooler weather, they retreat to their burrows.
These large lizards prefer to live on the ground but are also excellent climbers and swimmers.
They share a common trait with domestic lizards in being very alert: at the first sign of danger, they quickly flee from sight. However, when cornered and attacked, they will bravely fight back. They can unexpectedly strike with their tails, delivering powerful blows to their enemies, and their bites can be quite painful. Nevertheless, these clever lizards know that “discretion is the better part of valor” and will quickly escape danger whenever possible.
The “foster care” behavior of the Tupinambis teguixin lizard is quite unique. Female lizards burrow into termite mounds and lay about 4-5 eggs there; the unsuspecting termites will seal the lizard’s eggs while repairing their damaged nest. The termites are completely unaware that they are protecting the offspring of the creature that disturbed their home. Being sealed within the mound protects the lizard eggs from dehydration and helps avoid predation during their development. When they hatch, the young lizards must dig their way out of the termite mound.
The Tupinambis teguixin lizard truly deserves its reputation as one of the largest lizards in South America. It has a relatively large head covered with evenly spaced scutes, and its robust body is supported by four strong legs. Young, healthy lizards can run on just their hind legs.
The tail is thick and significantly longer than the rest of the body, featuring white bands at the tip. The scales on their backs are rough, while the scales on their bellies are larger and square-shaped. Typically, their body is dark brown or black with small white or yellow spots on horizontal stripes.
Found in the eastern Andes of South America, indigenous tribes often capture this chicken-stealing reptile and use its yellow fat as a remedy for inflammation.
