It has a prominent, distinctive, scaled protrusion on the front of its snout, which has led to its common naming after a rhinoceros.

It is generally arboreal, and mostly diurnal, hunting small mice and other rodents, birds, and perhaps other vertebrate prey.

After 60 days' incubation, hatchlings are 30–35 cm (12–14 in) total length, brownish grey with dark edges on several dorsal scales.

[8] Studies conducted by Bangor University have suggested that the nasal protrusion is used for mating displays in which the males may 'fence' off rivals.

Other studies have found little correlation between the use of the nasal protrusion and courtship displays, which may suggest the true function is still unknown.