Stephen's Lizard

Endemic to the Aenica desert, Stephen's lizard is a large carnivorous reptile with a surprising turn of speed. Also known as the armoured lizard or terror lizard, Stephen's lizard is named after the naturalist who discovered - and was subsequently eaten by - them. Of course, they had been known to the native population for centuries before then.   Females can grow up to three metres long, and males can grow up to two metres. They are quadropedal, with short stumpy legs and a belly that drags on the ground. They are yellow-brown in colour and are covered in hard scales, so strong that they can deflect steel. They have a mouth full of sharp, needle-like teeth. Some individuals have been known to live for over one hundred years.   They spend most of the day basking in the sun. Their core temperature can reach up to sixty degrees celsius, which would kill most other animals. They are most active during the twilight, as this is when other animals emerge from their day time burrows. Their diet is made up of snakes, rodents, and other lizards, though they are rather opportunistic and will kill larger prey if the chance arises. This includes people.   Female Stephen's lizards are surprisingly attentive parents. They lay between six and ten eggs at a time, which have very soft shells, and they bury them in dirt. They will guard their nests for the two months it takes for the eggs to hatch, and then will stay with the hatchlings for the next few months, providing them with food and teaching them to hunt.   The scales have been used for armour and weapons for hundreds of years. Due to the fact the population is declining, new sets of armour and weapons are rarely made. However, the scales are still coveted by wealthy individuals, and there are currently no laws against the killing of these lizards.