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Two species of the genus Salvator, S. merianae (Common Tegu) and S. rufescens (Red Tegu or Caraguay) are the largest lizards in Argentina, reaching up to 1.30 m from snout to tail tip.
Since long exploited for its leather, in the 1930’s more than one million skins were exported annually.
They are prolific (each female can lay around 40 eggs a year) and omnivorous (they eat any kind of food, from live animals or carrion to vegetables, honey, and eggs). Unlike many reptiles, they have some learning capabilities and can become docile and trusting over time.