Watch out for the top 15 largest reptiles and amphibians in the world. From the giant meat-eating salamander to Green Iguanas! Subscribe to Talltanic http://goo.gl/wgfvrr 8. Giant Frogs The African Goliath frog is the largest living species of frog in the world with body lengths of up to 13 inches, and that’s not including its legs. They live underwater in rivers and have a mainly carnivorous diet as adults. They have a diverse range of food options like worms, insects, small frogs, crabs, baby turtles, and snakes. Sadly, this giant frog is endangered due to habitat destruction in many parts of Africa. 7. Green Iguanas Green Iguanas are among the largest species of iguana in the world. They are also known as the American iguana. Iguanas’ diets mostly consist of eating leaves, flowers, and fruits, so they are mainly omnivorous. This genus of lizard is native to the Caribbean, South America, and Central America and are common household pets. The largest green iguanas that exist today can grow up to almost six feet in length and weigh over 20 pounds. Carrying a giant iguana around on your shoulder is sure to draw some attention. 6. Amphiumas (am-fee-oom-as) Amphiumas look like slimy snakes, but they are actually a species of salamander native to the southeastern parts of the United States. Some of these creatures can grow to lengths of up to 46 inches and, although not visible in this image, have tiny legs that grow to about 2 centimeters in length. Not only are these slithery guys among the largest salamander species in the world, but they have one of the largest biological pools of DNA--about 25 times larger than humans. That is astonishing, considering they are much smaller than humans. 5. Giant Meat-eating Salamander This is an image of a giant carnivorous salamander that emerged from a local river in China. The species, Giant Chinese Salamander, is considered the largest class of salamanders in the world and has been listed as a critically endangered species due to habitat loss and pollution of lakes and streams. The giant aquatic creature has historically been used in traditional Chinese medicine and consumed in some villages as a delicacy. Some individuals have grown to lengths of almost six feet and can weigh up to 110 pounds. The giant Chinese salamander is truly a wonder in the world of amphibians, but if something isn’t done soon, they could become extinct within the next few years. 4. Alabama Alligator The largest alligator ever recorded was captured by five members of a family in Alabama in 2014. The colossal beast took the new world record as the largest alligator ever caught, measuring 15 feet 9 inches and weighing just over 1000 pounds. The former title of largest alligator measured just over 14 feet and weighed 838 pounds, so the Alabama gator won by a large margin. The alligator has been displayed in the Montgomery Zoo and is available for the public to see. 3. Orinoco Crocodile The Orinoco Crocodile is a species of critically endangered reptile indigenous to few freshwater rivers in South America. In the past, poachers extensively hunted these creatures for their skin to near extinction, which is why few are left today. The large beasts have been known to grow to lengths of up to 22 feet, but there have been no known sightings of one this big among their dwindling ranks today. Nevertheless, it is still considered one of the largest reptiles in South America today, and it would be a shame to see these great animals fall to extinction. 2. Mata Mata Turtle With its spiky, scaly skin, abnormally shaped head and long, protruding necks, the mata mata turtle might leave you wondering if it’s a terrestrial reptile or an alien lifeform. Endemic to freshwater environments in South America, the mata mata is a mainly sedentary reptile that spends its days waddling in shallow water with its long neck poking in the air to breathe. When its neck is fully extended, a fully-grown adult can measure several feet in length. Not only do males use their long necks to obtain food and stick their heads out from under the water, but they also use them as a mating strategy to attract females. An awkward turtle indeed. 1. Asian Water Monitor While not the largest species of lizard on this list, the Asian water monitor is still a monstrosity as far as lizards go. The average length of one of these creatures is around 6.6 feet, but the largest water monitor ever recorded was over ten feet long and weighed almost 200 pounds. The water monitor is one of the most common types of monitor lizard found in Asia. They defend themselves with their long, muscular tails and powerful, chomping jaws, so don’t go around Asia looking for trouble with these reptilian beasts.
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