Panay monitor

Panay monitor
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Lacertilia
Family: Varanidae
Genus: Varanus
Subgenus: Philippinosaurus
Species: V. mabitang
Binomial name
Varanus mabitang
Gaulke & Curio, 2001 [2][3]

The Panay monitor (Varanus mabitang) is an endangered monitor lizard native to Panay Island in the Philippines. Unlike most monitors, it is a specialized frugivore.[4]

Distribution and habitat

The Panay monitor occurs only on Panay, inhabiting remnant forests in the northwestern and western mountain ranges at altitudes of 200-1000 m. It is highly arboreal and dependent on primary forest ecosystems.[1]

Conservation

The species is classified as Endangered by the IUCN. It appears to be greatly impacted by habitat loss, and is also a favoured hunting target. The species appears to be rare; only twelve animals have been caught since 2002. There are ongoing conservation efforts being carried out on the island.[1]

References

  1. 1 2 3 Gaulke, M., Diesmos, A., Demegillo, A. & Gonzalez, J.C. (2009). "Varanus mabitang". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN. 2009: e.T169829A6679528. Retrieved 20 September 2016.
  2. "Varanus mabitang". ITIS.
  3. Varanus.nl
  4. http://varanidae.org/Vol4_No2.pdf
Wikispecies has information related to: Varanus mabitang
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