Week #14 Cordylus giganteus or newly described as Smaug giganteus

So, here we are, only 14 weeks into the year, and already I have posted 3 lizards from the Cordylus genus!  Or Smaug for this weeks species if you are into the new classification, or the hobbit, or better yet, both.  There are obvious reasons as to why I've chosen these amazing lizards for the countdown.  They are rarely seen in captivity, and are the largest of the genus.  They are notoriously difficult to breed in captivity.  I'm not even really sure how many have had success in breeding their captive populations (wikipedia states only one person has successfully persuaded theirs to do so), so this species is just for those that love the animal itself, and not for those looking to make their 'investment' back.  That being said, they have been farm bred in South Africa where they are native to.  Check out the feeding video below, and again, special thanks to Steve Cemelli at www.leapingleachies.com for letting me photograph and video record his collection for the sole purpose of the countdown, and for the viewing pleasure of those of you that care to venture onto this blog.  It is appreciated!  Have a good, and safe weekend!  Oli