Being a field biologist is a lot like being a detective. Field biologists look for clues to help them learn about animals. Use the Field Guide to get to know the animals by clicking their pictures. Once you are familiar with the animals, click Animal Identification Challenge to test your rainforest detective skills.

Ornate Nile Monitor

Varanus ornatus

Size: Up to 6 feet

Diet: Small animals and bird or reptile eggs

Life span: About 15 years

Social organization: Solitary, congregate during breeding

Threats to survival: Habitat destruction, hunting, pet trade

Fun facts: The first known hatching of this species in captivity occurred at the Bronx Zoo in September 1998.