Fanie Cilliers with the huge Rock Monitor lizard that was found wandering in a Ladysmith resident’s backyard.

A more than five meter long Rock Monitor lizard, commonly known as a ‘likkewaan’ was found wandering in the back yard of a residential property in Acaciavale area of Ladysmith.

Fanie Cilliers, owner and founder of Ladysmith Snake Removal was called out to the Calendula Avenue house, on Monday, February 15.

“The resident sounded scared and at first could not believe he had found the large lizard in his yard,” said Cilliers.

The reptile was described as being as large as a dog.

Cilliers said that it was easy to catch the Monitor and the huge reptile seemed right at home in Cilliers’ arms as it allowed him to pick off ticks and clean some wounds on its body.

“I think she knows that she is safe,” he said.

Fanie Cilliers with the huge Rock Monitor lizard that was found wandering in a Ladysmith resident’s backyard.PHOTO:

Fanie Cilliers with the huge Rock Monitor lizard that was found wandering in a Ladysmith resident’s backyard.PHOTO:

Fanie Cilliers with the huge Rock Monitor lizard that was found wandering in a Ladysmith resident’s backyard.PHOTO:

“The way that ‘likkewaan’ is looking at you, it seems that you have a new secret admirer for Valentine’s month,” quipped Melissa Cilliers, Fanie’s wife, who helped him to treat the reptile.

Cilliers said that there were clear marks of abuse on the Monitor’s body.

“Here and there you can see it was beaten with a sharp object,” he said.

It is believed the Rock Monitor had moved into the residential area, looking for food.

It weighed close to 18 kilograms.

Cilliers said this type of lizard is the second longest African lizard and is family to varanidae.

Cilliers said that the ‘likkewaan’ is listed on the ‘red list’ and as such is a protected species.

It will be safely released.