Search

Your search keyword '"Varanus"' showing total 21 results
Start Over Descriptor "Varanus" Publication Year Range Last 3 years
21 results on '"Varanus"'

1. Habitat use and distribution of nile monitors (Varanus niloticus) in a mosaic of land use types and human population densities in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

Author

Genevier, Euan E. Z., Price, Cormac, Evans, Nick, Streicher, Jarryd P., and Downs, Colleen T.

Abstract

Context: Globally, with the continuous increase in human populations, unprecedented changes in land use are taking place. Little is known about how African reptiles respond to this rapid land use change. Objectives: We used sightings to establish if Nile monitors (Varanus niloticus) are persisting in a mosaic of human population densities and land use types in KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa. Methods: We collected sighting data throughout KwaZulu-Natal between April 2022 and July 2023, using three main methods, namely urban sightings obtained from reptile relocation groups and collaborations with reptile relocators; sightings obtained from personal encounters and citizen scientist observations using social media,s posters, newspaper articles and interviews; and sightings from iNaturalist observations. Results: We obtained and used 419 sightings and then identified two hotspot areas in the province on which we chose to focus. Site A was dominated by natural habitat, and anthropogenic land use types dominated site B. We found a significant relative selection strength for most tested land covers over anthropogenic cover in site A, whereas most were insignificant in site B. Our results suggest that the use of anthropogenic land use types by Nile monitors in KwaZulu-Natal may be driven by habitat transformation and loss. Nile monitors were found persisting in urban mosaic landscapes and, when compared with available cover, were found in increasingly wooded (natural and urban vegetation) areas with increased human populations. Furthermore, they used small anthropogenic water bodies (e.g., swimming pools and storm drains), making them less reliant on rivers in urban environments. Their population demographics were similar in low and high human population density, but there appeared to be a skew towards smaller and younger individuals in medium human population density areas. Reproduction was occurring successfully in urban environments, but the detection of larger monitors by potential wild and domestic predators and negative human interactions pose risks. Our study outlined the importance of natural and managed (e.g., gardens, parks, golf courses) green spaces in urban mosaic landscapes for wildlife persistence, specifically Nile monitors, and supporting human well-being as well as reptile conservation. There is an overall need for more research on this highly exploited yet understudied reptilian urban adapter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Published
2025
Full Text
View/download PDF

2. Plasma Osmolality of Australian Reptiles: Are We Assuming Too Much?

Author

Cameron, Lachlan, Mills, Benjamin, and Peters, Andrew

Subjects
*OSMOLALITY, *REPTILES, *FLUID therapy, *LIZARDS, *PYTHONS
Abstract

Fluid therapy is the principal mechanism by which a clinician can stabilize a hemodynamically compromised patient. To ensure the provision of fluids is therapeutic, it is essential to know the osmolality of the administered fluid relative to the plasma of the species being treated. The clinical utility of common isotonic fluids for reptiles was determined through comparisons to the plasma osmolality of 15 Australian reptile species representing 3 genera. All sampled species had an osmolality that was either comparable, or significantly hyperosmolar, to that of the isotonic fluids. Pairwise comparisons revealed a significant difference (P < 0.05) between monitor lizards (Varanus spp.; x ¯ = 329.71 mOsm/kg) and carpet pythons (Morelia spp.; x ¯ = 294.92 mOsm/kg), and at a species-subspecies level, between eastern carpet pythons (Morelia spilota mcdowelli; x ¯ = 318.25 mOsm/kg) and Bredli carpet pythons (Morelia spilota bredli; x ¯ = 306.33 mOsm/kg). In support of previous studies, almost all species demonstrated a wider tolerable range in plasma osmolality than would be expected in mammals. Lizards in the genus Varanus demonstrated the most clinically significant results, with all species means being greater than any commercial isotonic fluid. The facultatively aquatic Mertens water monitor (Varanus mertensi) was the species with the most significant difference ( x ¯ = 344.50 mOsm/kg). A preliminary exploration of taxonomic rank (at the genus and species level) and habitat aridity was also performed to assess their utility as indicators for estimating the plasma osmolality of an unmeasured species. Neither were found to be suitable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Published
2024
Full Text
View/download PDF

3. The Clot Thickens: Differential Coagulotoxic and Cardiotoxic Activities of Anguimorpha Lizard Venoms.

Author

Dobson, James, Chowdhury, Abhinandan, Tai-A-Pin, Jeremie, van der Ploeg, Harold, Gillett, Amber, and Fry, Bryan G.

Subjects
*VENOM, *SNAKE venom, *LIZARDS, *DRUG design, *CARDIOVASCULAR system, *ZYMOGENS, *KININS
Abstract

Despite their evolutionary novelty, lizard venoms are much less studied in comparison to the intense research on snake venoms. While the venoms of helodermatid lizards have long been assumed to be for defensive purposes, there is increasing evidence of toxic activities more useful for predation than defence (such as paralytic neurotoxicity). This study aimed to ascertain the effects of Heloderma, Lanthanotus, and Varanus lizard venoms on the coagulation and cardiovascular systems. Anticoagulant toxicity was demonstrated for the Varanus species studied, with the venoms prolonging clotting times in human and bird plasma due to the destructive cleavage of fibrinogen. In contrast, thromboelastographic analyses on human and bird plasmas in this study demonstrated a procoagulant bioactivity for Heloderma venoms. A previous study on Heloderma venom using factor-depleted plasmas as a proxy model suggested a procoagulant factor was present that activated either Factor XI or Factor XII, but could not ascertain the precise target. Our activation studies using purified zymogens confirmed FXII activation. Comparisons of neonate and adult H. exasperatum, revealed the neonates to be more potent in the ability to activate FXII, being more similar to the venom of the smaller species H. suspectum than the adult H. exasperatum. This suggests potent FXII activation a basal trait in the genus, present in the small bodied last common ancestor. This also indicates an ontogenetic difference in prey preferences in the larger Heloderma species paralleing the change in venom biochemistry. In addition, as birds lack Factor XII, the ability to clot avian plasma suggested an additional procoagulant site of action, which was revealed to be the activation of Factor VII, with H. horridum being the most potent. This study also examined the effects upon the cardiovascular system, including the liberation of kinins from kininogen, which contributes to hypotension induction. This form of toxicity was previously described for Heloderma venoms, and was revealed in this study was to also be a pathophysiological effect of Lanthanotus and Varanus venoms. This suggests that this toxic activity was present in the venom of the last common ancestor of the anguimorph lizards, which is consistent with kallikrein enzymes being a shared toxin trait. This study therefore uncovered novel actions of anguimorph lizard venoms, not only contributing to the evolutionary biology body of knowledge but also revealing novel activities to mine for drug design lead compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Published
2024
Full Text
View/download PDF

4. Host associations of the Asian monitor lizard tick Amblyomma varanense (Supino, 1897) (Ixodida: Ixodidae), with a new host record from the Philippines.

Author

S. Amarga, Ace Kevin, Robbins, Richard G., and Lin, Si-Min

Abstract

Amblyomma varanense (Supino) (Ixodida: Ixodidae) is a reptile-associated bont tick native to the Oriental and Australasian zoogeographic regions. This species is primarily ectoparasitic on monitor lizards (Varanidae) and snakes but has been reported to occasionally occur on turtles and mammals. Prior to the research described here, only one collection of A. varanense had been reported from the Philippines. Herein, we present a second Philippines collection of A. varanense as well as updated host records across this tick's geographic range and an overview of associated microbes with zoonotic potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Published
2023
Full Text
View/download PDF

5. Observation records of the Bangon Monitor Lizard, Varanus bangonorum (Squamata, Varanidae), with emphasis on behaviour and local threats, from the Municipality of Abra de Ilog, Occidental Mindoro, Philippines.

Author

Zdunek, Przemysław and Webb, Michaela S.

Subjects
VARANUS, SQUAMATA, MONITOR lizards, SPECIES distribution
Abstract

Varanus bangonorum, the Bangon Monitor Lizard, is one of eleven Varanidae species endemic to the Philippines; its occurrence is restricted to dwindling habitats on the islands of Mindoro and Semirara. This lizard is still poorly known and is presently classified as "Least Concern" under the IUCN Red List in 2022. Observations recorded during eleven years (2011 to 2022) originate from the north-central Municipality of Abra de Ilog in Occidental Mindoro where this species was never before documented. We emphasise the primary factors that pose threats to the monitor lizard population, including insights gained from the knowledge of local community members. We present information about the lizards' diet, for example, they can consume invasive toxic cane toads without harm. The result of our collective long-term observation records may serve as a baseline for further studies and contribute to evaluating the conservation status of this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Published
2023
Full Text
View/download PDF

6. Anguimorpha as a model group for studying the comparative heart morphology among Lepidosauria: Evolutionary window on the ventricular septation.

Author

Gregorovicova, Martina, Bartos, Martin, Jensen, Bjarke, Janacek, Jiri, Minne, Bryan, Moravec, Jiri, and Sedmera, David

Subjects
*COMPARATIVE anatomy, *ECOLOGICAL niche, *HEART, *HYPERTENSION, *NOCTURNAL animals, *PHYLOGENETIC models, *HEART septum, *ATRIAL flutter
Abstract

The group Anguimorpha represents one of the most unified squamate clades in terms of body plan, ecomorphology, ecophysiology and evolution. On the other hand, the anguimorphs vary between different habitats and ecological niches. Therefore, we focused on the group Anguimorpha to test a possible correlation between heart morphology and ecological niche with respect to phylogenetic position in Squamata with Sphenodon, Salvator, and Pogona as the outgroups. The chosen lepidosaurian species were investigated by microCT. Generally, all lepidosaurs had two well‐developed atria with complete interatrial septum and one ventricle divided by ventricular septa to three different areas. The ventricles of all lepidosaurians had a compact layer and abundant trabeculae. The compact layer and trabeculae were developed in accordance with particular ecological niche of the species, the trabeculae in nocturnal animals with low metabolism, such as Sphenodon, Heloderma or Lanthanotus were more massive. On the other hand athletic animals, such as varanids or Salvator, had ventricle compartmentalization divided by three incomplete septa. A difference between varanids and Salvator was found in compact layer thickness: thicker in monitor lizards and possibly linked to their mammalian‐like high blood pressure, and the level of ventricular septation. In summary: heart morphology varied among clades in connection with the ecological niche of particular species and it reflects the phylogenetic position in model clade Anguimorpha. In the absence of fossil evidence, this is the closest approach how to understand heart evolution and septation in clade with different cardiac compartmentalization levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Published
2022
Full Text
View/download PDF

7. influence of tropical seasonality on breeding phenology, growth, survival and movement of a large reptile (Varanus komodoensis).

Author

Jessop, Tim S, Purwandana, Deni, Imansyah, M Jeri, Ciofi, Claudio, Benu, Y Jackson, and Arieifandy, Achmad

Subjects
*LEAF area index, *PHENOLOGY, *PLANT phenology, *DECIDUOUS forests, *REPTILES
Abstract

Terrestrial animals in global wet-dry tropical ecosystems experience year-round high temperatures but concentrated summer rainfall. This highly seasonal precipitation is expected to have major evolutionary and ecological consequences for animals. We considered how strong seasonal patterns of rainfall might influence the environment and biological attributes of the world's largest predatory lizard, the Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis). We predicted that annual variation in rainfall or temperature may influence the seasonal phenology of vegetation, and in turn, the phenology of Komodo dragon reproduction and hatchling emergence. Similarly, seasonal environmental differences may affect Komodo dragon rates of somatic growth, body condition, survival and daily movement. Our results indicated evidence of strong seasonal variation in mean monthly rainfall and leaf area index for open deciduous forest and closed dense forest. These environmental variables were significantly correlated with female Komodo dragon nesting activity and hatchling emergence. Neither Komodo dragon somatic growth rate nor body condition exhibited seasonal differences. There was, however, increased daily movement rates of Komodo dragons during the dry season. This suggests dry season associated life-history activities or thermoregulatory efficiency might explain increased daily movement. Ultimately, the Komodo dragon showed differential sensitivities in its biology to seasonal environmental variation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Published
2022
Full Text
View/download PDF

8. Use of road underpasses by mammals and a monitor lizard in eastern Australia and consideration of the prey‐trap hypothesis.

Author

Goldingay, Ross L., Rohweder, David, Taylor, Brendan D., and Parkyn, Jonathan L.

Subjects
*KOALA, *MAMMALS, *CORRIDORS (Ecology), *RED fox, *ANIMAL traps, *KANGAROOS
Abstract

Road networks continue to expand globally with predictable effects on ecological systems. Research into the effectiveness of road underpasses and overpasses for wildlife has been concentrated in North America and Europe. In Australia, most studies of underpasses have been of relatively short duration and without reference sites to give context to the measured rates of use. We studied 5–7 road underpasses at two locations in eastern Australia over 2–3 years, comparing camera trap detections of animals in underpasses with those at nearby forest sites. Three species of large macropod (wallabies and kangaroos) were frequently detected in the underpasses, with some underpasses traversed 1–4 times per week, and in many cases exceeded detections in the forest. The lace monitor (Varanus varius) was detected in all underpasses, often once per week during spring and summer, and infrequently in the forest. At each location, a different small macropod species, including one regionally threatened, showed a higher probability of detection in one underpass compared with several of the forest sites. The vulnerable koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) was detected infrequently in underpasses and in the adjoining forest. The short‐beaked echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus) had a high probability of detection in a single underpass. The "prey‐trap hypothesis" postulates that predators will exhibit increased activity at underpasses as a consequence of prey being funneled. We found the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) had high activity in some underpasses. However, its activity coincided less than expected with the activity of the mammals most at risk to it. Our results provide no consistent support for the "prey‐trap hypothesis." Instead, our study confirms the generic value of underpasses for a range of medium‐large mammals as well as one large reptile. Habitat adjoining underpasses exert a strong influence on their use and require greater consideration to maximize underpass use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Published
2022
Full Text
View/download PDF

9. Taking the bait: Developing a bait delivery system to target free‐ranging crocodiles and varanid lizards with a novel conservation strategy.

Author

Aiyer, Abhilasha, Bunuba Rangers, Bell, Tina, Shine, Richard, Somaweera, Ruchira, Bruny, Miles, and Ward‐Fear, Georgia

Subjects
*CROCODILES, *RHINELLA marina, *FISHING baits, *LIZARDS, *CAPTIVE wild animals, *BODY size
Abstract

In tropical Australia, conditioned taste aversion (CTA) can buffer vulnerable native predators from the invasion of a toxic prey species (cane toads, Rhinella marina). Thus, we need to develop methods to deploy aversion‐inducing baits in the field, in ways that maximize uptake by vulnerable species (but not other taxa). We constructed and field‐tested baiting devices, in situ with wild animals. Apparatus were set next to waterbodies and baited concurrently at multiple locations (over water, water's edge, and on the bank). Baits were checked and replaced twice daily during the trial; remote cameras recorded visitation by native predators. Bait longevity was compared at sun‐exposed and shaded locations over 12 h. The strength required to remove baits from apparatus was measured in varanids and crocodiles. The device promoted high rates of bait uptake by freshwater crocodiles (47% baits consumed), varanid lizards (19% baits consumed), and non‐target taxa (34% baits consumed). Targeting specific predators can be achieved by manipulating bait location and time of deployment, as well as the force required to dislodge the bait. Crocodiles were best targeted with over‐water baits, whereas varanid lizards preferred baits located at the edges of waterbodies. When testing bait longevity in ambient conditions, during the daytime baits desiccated fully within 12 h, and faster in the sun than in the shade. Based on studies using captive animals, the "pulling force" strength of reptilian predators scaled with body size and was greater in crocodiles than in varanid lizards. We present the first conservation baiting protocol designed specifically for reptiles. Our results demonstrate the feasibility of widespread and taxon‐specific deployment of aversion‐inducing baits to buffer the impacts of invasive cane toads, and our methods are applicable (with modification) to other research and management programs globally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Published
2022
Full Text
View/download PDF

10. Odour-mediated Interactions Between an Apex Reptilian Predator and its Mammalian Prey.

Author

Dickman, Christopher R., Fardell, Loren L., and Hills, Nicole

Subjects
*TOP predators, *PREDATION, *EAVESDROPPING, *MAMMALS, *ODORS
Abstract

An important but understudied modality for eavesdropping between predators and prey is olfaction, especially between non-mammalian vertebrate predators and their prey. Here we test three olfactory eavesdropping predictions involving an apex reptilian predator, the sand goanna Varanus gouldii, and several species of its small mammalian prey in arid central Australia: 1) small mammals will recognize and avoid the odour of V. gouldii; 2) V. gouldii will be attracted to the odour of small mammals, especially of species that maximize its energetic returns; and 3) small mammals will be less mobile and will show higher burrow fidelity where V. gouldii is absent compared with where it is present. As expected, we found that small mammals recognized and avoided faecal odour of this goanna, feeding less intensively at food patches where the odour of V. gouldii was present than at patches with no odour or a pungency control odour. Varanus gouldii also was attracted to the odour of small mammals in artificial burrows and dug more frequently at burrows containing the odour of species that were energetically profitable than at those of species likely to yield diminishing returns. Our third prediction received mixed support. Rates of movement of three species of small mammals were no different where V. gouldii was present or absent, but burrow fidelity in two of these species increased as expected where V. gouldii had been removed. We conclude that olfaction plays a key role in the dynamic interaction between V. gouldii and its mammalian prey, with the interactants using olfaction to balance their respective costs of foraging and reducing predation risk. We speculate that the risk of predation from this apex reptilian predator drives the highly unusual burrow-shifting behaviour that characterizes many of Australia's small desert mammals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Published
2022
Full Text
View/download PDF

11. Competition and geography underlie speciation and morphological evolution in Indo‐Australasian monitor lizards.

Author

Pavón‐Vázquez, Carlos J., Brennan, Ian G., Skeels, Alexander, and Keogh, J. Scott

Subjects
*LIZARDS, *BIODIVERSITY, *FAMILY relations, *SPECIES diversity, *GENETIC speciation, *ARCHIPELAGOES
Abstract

How biotic and abiotic factors act together to shape biological diversity is a major question in evolutionary biology. The recent availability of large datasets and development of new methodological approaches provide new tools to evaluate the predicted effects of ecological interactions and geography on lineage diversification and phenotypic evolution. Here, we use a near complete phylogenomic‐scale phylogeny and a comprehensive morphological dataset comprising more than a thousand specimens to assess the role of biotic and abiotic processes in the diversification of monitor lizards (Varanidae). This charismatic group of lizards shows striking variation in species richness among its clades and multiple instances of endemic radiation in Indo‐Australasia (i.e., the Indo‐Australian Archipelago and Australia), one of Earth's most biogeographically complex regions. We found heterogeneity in diversification dynamics across the family. Idiosyncratic biotic and geographic conditions appear to have driven diversification and morphological evolution in three endemic Indo‐Australasian radiations. Furthermore, incumbency effects partially explain patterns in the biotic exchange between Australia and New Guinea. Our results offer insight into the dynamic history of Indo‐Australasia, the evolutionary significance of competition, and the long‐term consequences of incumbency effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Published
2022
Full Text
View/download PDF

13. Varanus undetermined

Author

Georgalis, Georgios L., Mennecart, Bastien, and Smith, Krister T.

Subjects
Varanus undetermined, Varanidae, Squamata, Animalia, Biodiversity, Chordata, Varanus, Taxonomy
Abstract

Varanus sp. Figure 2. Material. Two isolated teeth (NMB Hüe.1 and NMB Hüe.2). Description. Both teeth are incomplete, with NMB Hüe.1 missing the tip and tooth base, and NMB Hüe.2 being slightly abraded and also lacking the tooth base (Fig. 2). They are rather small, unicuspid, labiolingually compressed, and posteriorly curved; the curvature is more pronounced in NMB Hüe.1. Asharp carina runs throughout both the mesial and distal margins of both teeth, being especially prominent in NMB Hüe.1. In that specimen, both mesial and distal carinae are distinctly serrated, comprising prominent denticles; these denticles are fairly regular in size (about 0.09 mm /denticle) and gently rounded in profile, separated by interdenticle grooves. The serration of the distal carina of NMB Hüe.1 is prominent throughout its preserved length, while that of the mesial carina is more prominent at mid-height on the tooth and diminishes apically and especially basally. In NMB Hüe.2, the portions where the two carinae are preserved are eroded. Plicidentine (the infolding of dentine in the pulp cavity; Kearney & Rieppel, 2006) is not documented in either tooth, although it could have been present on the non-preserved tooth bases. The pulp cavity of both teeth is distinctive in being labiolingually compressed. Surrounding this slot-like pulp cavity, the basal surface of the tooth is covered by scallop-shaped erosional features reminiscent of Howship’s lacunae, which mark the action of osteoclasts that have destroyed dental tissue in preparation for tooth shedding (LeBlanc et al., 2023). In NMB Hüe.1, where the pulp cavity is more well exposed and visible, measurements on these scallop-shaped erosional features reveal typical diameters of around 30–40 μm (mean range around 20–50 μm), values that are consistent with our interpretation of them as Howship’s lacunae., Published as part of Georgalis, Georgios L., Mennecart, Bastien & Smith, Krister T., 2023, First fossil record of Varanus (Reptilia, Squamata) from Switzerland and the earliest occurrences of the genus in Europe, pp. 1-10 in Swiss Journal of Geosciences 116 (9) on page 3, DOI: 10.1186/s00015-023-00440-5, http://zenodo.org/record/8136616, {"references":["Kearney, M., & Rieppel, O. (2006). An investigation into the occurrence of plicidentine in the teeth of squamate reptiles. Copeia, 2006, 337 - 350.","LeBlanc, A. R. H., Palci, A., Anthwal, N., Tucker, A. S., Araujo, R., Pereira, M. F. C., & Caldwell, M. W. (2023). A conserved tooth resorption mechanism in modern and fossil snakes. Nature Communications, 14, 742."]}

Published
2023
Full Text
View/download PDF

14. Varanus nebulosus

Author

Figueroa, Alex, Low, Martyn E. Y., and Lim, Kelvin K. P.

Subjects
Reptilia, Varanidae, Varanus nebulosus, Squamata, Animalia, Biodiversity, Chordata, Varanus, Taxonomy
Abstract

Varanus nebulosus (Gray, 1830) — Native. Monitor Nebulosus Gray, 1830: 27. Holotype: MNHN-RA 0.8258, by original designation. Type locality: “ Java ”, Indonesia. Clouded Monitor (Figure 15E; Eng Neo Ave Forest) Singapore records. Varanus nebulosus — Hanitsch, 1898: 19.—Ridley, 1899: 206.— Boulenger, 1912: 77.— Hanitsch, 1912b: 15.— de Rooij, 1915: 145.—Sworder, 1925a: 66.—K.K.P. Lim & L.M. Chou, 1990: 55.—K.K.P. Lim & F.L.K. Lim, 1992: 99, 149.—K.K.P. Lim & Subaraj, 1994: 5 (Old Upper Thomson Road).— R. Subaraj, 1994: 13 (MacRitchie North Forest).—L.M. Chou et al., 1994: 106.—R. Subaraj et al., 1995: 4 (Golf Course Link [MNF]; Mosquito Ring [SRF]; Upper Seletar West [USWF]).—K. Lim, 1995: 17 (Bukit Kalang [SRF]; Island Club Road [SICC]; MacRitchie Reservoir Park; Nee Soon Swamp Forest; Old Upper Thomson Road; Sime Forest [SRF]; Upper Peirce Reservoir Service Road [NSSF]).— Metcalfe, 1996: 107 (Bukit Timah Nature Reserve).—R.C.H. Teo & Rajathurai, 1997: 386.—Chan-ard et al., 1999: 29.—E.K. Chua, 2000: 107 (Pulau Ubin).—K.P. Lim & F.L.K. Lim, 2002: 149.—N. Baker & K.P. Lim, 2008: 88, 160 (Bukit Batok Nature Park).— Das, 2010: 255.— Corlett, 2011a: 47.—L.L. Grismer, 2011a: 155.—L.L. Grismer, 2011b: 688, 692.—T.M. Leong & J.W.M. Gan, 2011: 29.—P.K.L. Ng et al., 2011: 382.—N. Baker & K.P. Lim, 2012: 88, 160.—L.K. Wang et al., 2012: 105.—K.K.P. Lim, 2013a: 42 (Outward Bound School [Pulau Ubin]).—Thomas, 2013: 44–45 (Palm Valley [SBG]; Rainforest Walk [SBG]).—R. Subaraj, 2015: 25, 31, 38, 55 (Mandai Range Forest; Night Safari; Singapore Zoo).—S. Subaraj, 2015: 4, 5, 6, 7 (Mandai Range Forest; Night Safari; Project Western Boundary [= MBP]; Singapore Zoo; Stephen Lee Woods [= RPN]).—E.K. Chua et al., 2016: 90 (Pulau Ubin).—K.K.P. Lim et al., 2016: 178 (Pulau Tekong).—Will, 2017a:6 (Bukit Timah Nature Reserve).—W.Wong, 2017:81.— Kurniawan et al., 2018: 63 (Night Safari).—H.C. Ho et al., 2019: 124 (Clementi Forest).—Sankar & Harrick, 2019: 48.—R.C.H. Teo & Thomas, 2019: 147, 148, 159, 180 (Bukit Timah Nature Reserve; Dairy Farm Nature Park; Hindhede Nature Park; Pulau Ubin).—Allain & Goodman, 2020: 216, 217 (Singapore Botanic Gardens [Heliconia Walk]).— Jones et al., 2020b: 2.—K.H. Koh & Chanani-Parikh, 2021: 3.—B.C. Ng, 2021: 138 (Pang Sua Woodland).—H.H. Tan & K.K.P. Lim, 2022: 1 (Jurong Bird Park).—L.N. Chin, 2022: 1 (Dairy Farm Nature Park).—E.K. Chua, 2022: 36 (Hindhede Nature Park).— Janssen & Sy, 2022: 141, 172.—M.L. Kwak & A. Ng, 2022: 929. Varanus bengalensis nebulosus — Manthey & Grossmann, 1997: 288.— Anonymous, 2009: 74.— Anonymous, 2011c: 54.— Kmiotek, 2013: 46 (Bukit Cemetery [Bukit Brown). Varanus (Empagusia) nebulosus — Denzer & Manthey, 1991: 319. “Malayan Monitor Lizard ”— Anonymous, 2014: 61 (Singapore Polytechnic). “Clouded Monitor ”—H.C. Ho et al., 2015: 25 (Clementi Forest). “ Monitor Lizard ”— Lean, 2022b (Hindhede Nature Park). Remarks. A conspicuously common species today (Baker & Lim 2012), V. nebulosus was only known from one specimen collected on 11 September 1897 from an unknown location and deposited in the Raffles Museum (Hanitsch 1898) until Pottie found a roadkill specimen on OUTR on 14 August 1994 marking its rediscovery (Lim & Subaraj 1994). Thus, V. nebulosus went unreported from Singapore for 97 years (Table 2). Sworder (1925) commented that the individual from Hanitsch (1898) may have been introduced given the solitary record. Correspondingly, V. nebulosus was considered a rare species in Singapore (Lim & Lim 1992). Following the record from Lim & Subaraj (1994), more frequent reports of V. nebulosus were made (e.g., Subaraj 1994; Lim 1995; Teo & Thomas 2019; Ng 2021). During their surveys, Teo & Rajathurai (1997) recorded 32 observations of V. nebulosus and suggested that its rarity was likely due to mistaken identity with V. salvator. Although true, having been recognised as its own species since Gray (1830), its presence in Singapore referred to by Sworder (1925), and having been observed in Peninsular Malaysia by Flower (1896, 1899b), it seems highly improbable that these authors would have misidentified it. Occurrence. Wide-ranging. Common. Singapore conservation status. Least Concern. Conservation priority. Lowest. IUCN conservation status. Not Evaluated. LKCNHM & NHMUK Museum specimens. Singapore (no locality): ZRC.2.1881 (11-Sep-1897); Bukit Batok Nature Park: ZRC.2.7223 (25-May-2015); Bukit Kalang [SRF]: ZRC.2.6493 (07-Aug-2007); Central Nature Reserve: ZRC.2.6310 (2006); Greenbank Park : ZRC.2.5483 (12-Jul-2002); Island Club Road [SICC]: ZRC.2.6162 (29-Mar-2005), ZRC.2.6163 (20-Jun-2005), ZRC.2.6309 (02-Nov-2006), ZRC.2.6770 (25-Aug-2008); Old Upper Thomson Road: ZRC.2.6131 (02-Oct-2004); Pulau Ubin: ZRC.2.5807 (04-Mar-2003), ZRC.2.5806, ZRC.2.5808 (May-2003); Rifle Range Road: ZRC.2.5528 (24- Feb-2002); Upper Peirce Reservoir Road: ZRC.2.6129 (08-Apr-2005). Additional Singapore museum specimens. Singapore (no locality): CM, MCZ, SAMA, UWBM; Island Club Road [= SICC]: UWBM. Singapore localities. Bukit Batok Nature Park—Bukit Brown Cemetery—Bukit Timah Nature Reserve—Clementi Forest—Dairy Farm Nature Park—Eng Neo Ave Forest—Greenbank Park—Hindhede Nature Park— Jurong Bird Park—MacRitchie North Forest—MacRitchie Reservoir Park—Mandai Range Forest—Nee Soon Swamp Forest—Night Safari—Old Upper Thomson Road—Pang Sua Woodland—Pulau Tekong— Pulau Ubin—Rifle Range Road—Sime Road Forest—Singapore Botanic Gardens—Singapore Island Country Club—Singapore Polytechnic—Singapore Zoo—Upper Peirce Reservoir Road—Upper Seletar West Forest., Published as part of Figueroa, Alex, Low, Martyn E. Y. & Lim, Kelvin K. P., 2023, Singapore's herpetofauna: updated and annotated checklist, history, conservation, and distribution, pp. 1-378 in Zootaxa 5287 (1) on pages 128-129, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5287.1.1, http://zenodo.org/record/7960319, {"references":["Hanitsch, R. (1898) Annual report of the curator and librarian on the Raffles Library and Museum, for the Year Ending 31 st December, 1897. In: Straits Settlements, Annual Reports for the Year 1898. Published by Authority, Singapore, pp. 11 - 22.","Boulenger, G. A. (1912) A Vertebrate Fauna of the Malay Peninsula from the Isthmus of Kra to Singapore, Including the Adjacent Islands. Reptilia and Batrachia, Taylor and Francis, London, xiii + 294 pp. https: // doi. org / 10.5962 / bhl. title. 10813","Hanitsch, R. (1912 b) List of the Birds, Reptiles and Amphibians in the Raffles Museum, Singapore. Raffles Library and Museum, Singapore, 19 pp.","de Rooij, N. (1915) The Reptiles of the Indo-Australian Archipelago. I. Lacertilia, Chelonia, Emydosaura. E. J. Brill, Leiden, xiv + 384 pp.","Lim, K. K. P. & Lim, F. L. K. (1992) A Guide to the Amphibians and Reptiles of Singapore. Singapore Science Centre, Singapore, 160 pp.","Lim, K. K. P. & Subaraj, R. (1994) Recent records (1994) - herptiles. The Pangolin, 7 (1 - 4), 5.","Chou L. M., Ng, P. K. L. & Lim, K. K. P. (1994) Animalia. In: Wee, Y. C. & Ng, P. K. L. (Eds.), A First Look at Biodiversity in Singapore. National Council on the Environment, Singapore, pp. 70 - 106.","Metcalfe, D. (1996) A researcher's forest idyll. In: Lum, S. & Sharp, I. (Eds.), A View from the Summit: The Story of Bukit Timah Nature Reserve. Nanyang Technological University, National University of Singapore and National Parks Board, Singapore, pp. 106 - 107.","Chua, E. K. (2000) Pulau Ubin. Ours to Treasure. Simply Green, Singapore, 140 pp.","Lim, K. P. & Lim, F. L. K. (2002) A Guide to the Amphibians and Reptiles of Singapore. Revised Edition. Singapore Science Centre, Singapore, 160 pp.","Das, I. (2010) A Field Guide to the Reptiles of Thailand and South-East Asia. New Holland, London, 376 pp.","Corlett, R. T. (2011 a) Terrestrial Ecosystems. In: Ng, P. K. L., Corlett, R. T. & Tan, H. T. W. (Eds.), Singapore Biodiversity: An Encyclopedia of the Natural Environment and Sustainable Development. Editions Didier Millet and Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research, Singapore, pp. 44 - 51.","Grismer, L. L. (2011 a) Field Guide to the Amphibians and Reptiles of the Seribuat Archipelago (Peninsular Malaysia). Edition Chimaira, Frankfurt am Main, 239 pp.","Grismer, L. L. (2011 b) Lizards of Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore and Their Adjacent Archipelagos. Edition Chimaira, Frankfurt am Main, 728 pp.","Lim, K. K. P. (2013 a) Clouded monitor lizard eating garden supple skink. Singapore Biodiversity Records, 2013, 42.","Lim, K. K. P., Chua, M. A. H. & Lim, N. T. - L. (2016) Freshwater fishes, terrestrial herpetofauna and mammals of Pulau Tekong, Singapore. Nature in Singapore, 9, 165 - 198.","Kurniawan, A., Lee, G., Nasruddin, T. & Low, M. - R. (2018) King cobra feeding on a monitor lizard at night. Singapore Biodiversity Records, 2018, 63.","Jones, M. D., Crane, M. S., Silva, I. M., Artchawakom, T., Waengsothorn, S., Suwanwaree, P., Strine, C. T. & Goode, M. (2020 b) Supposed snake specialist consumes monitor lizards: diet and trophic implications of king cobra feeding ecology. Ecology, 101 (10), e 03085, 1 - 4. https: // doi. org / 10.1002 / ecy. 3085","Koh, K. H. & Chanani-Parikh, I. (2021) Biodiversity Record: Predation of dog-faced water snake and shore pit-viper by king cobra. Nature in Singapore, 14 (e 2021138), 1 - 3.","Lim, N. T. - L. (2022) Biodiversity Record: A brown anole at Choa Chu Kang. Nature in Singapore, 15, e 2022047.","Janssen, J. & Sy, E. (2022) A Naturalist's Guide to the Lizards of Southeast Asia. John Beaufoy Publishing Ltd, England, 176 pp.","Manthey, U. & Grossmann, W. (1997) Amphibien und Reptilian Sudostasien. Natur und Tier, M ¸ nster, 512 pp.","Anonymous (2009) News notes. Biawak, 3 (3), 74 - 76. https: // doi. org / 10.1192 / S 1749367600000667","Anonymous (2011 c) Recent publications. Biawak, 5 (3), 53 - 54.","Kmiotek, P. (2013) Illustrations. Biawak, 7 (1), 42 - 46.","Denzer, W. & Manthey, U. (1991) A nominal checklist of the lizards inhabiting peninsular Malaysia and Singapore. Raffles Bulletin of Zoology, 39 (2), 309 - 322.","Anonymous (2014) Campus in a Garden: A Stroll through Nature and Time - in Commemoration of Singapore Polytechnic's 60 th Anniversary. Singapore Polytechnic, Singapore, 122 pp.","Ho, H. C., Lai, C. K. & Tham, W. H. (2015) Green Rail Corridor: A Guide to the Ecology and Heritage of the Former Railway Land. Nature Society and Singapore Heritage Society, Singapore, 18 + [40] pp.","Lean, J. (2022 b) King cobra at Bukit Timah devours monitor lizard whole over 2 hours. Mothership, 01 May 2022. Available from: https: // mothership. sg / 2022 / 05 / king-cobra-bukit-timah-monitor-lizard / (accessed 01 May 2022)","Baker, N. & Lim, K. P. (2012) Wild Animals of Singapore: A Photographic Guide to Mammals, Reptiles, Amphibians and Freshwater Fishes. Updated Edition. Draco Publishing and Distribution Pte Ltd and Nature Society, Singapore, 180 pp.","Flower, S. S. (1896) Notes on a collection of reptiles and batrachians made in the Malay Peninsula in 1895 - 96; with a list of the species recorded from that region. Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London, 1896 (4), 856 - 914, pls. 44 - 46.","Flower, S. S. (1899 b) Notes on a second collection of reptiles made in the Malay Peninsula and Siam, from November 1896 - September 1898, with a list of the species recorded from those countries. Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London, 1899 (4), 600 - 696, pls. 36 - 37."]}

Published
2023
Full Text
View/download PDF

15. Varanus komodoensis Ouwens 1912

Author

Figueroa, Alex, Low, Martyn E. Y., and Lim, Kelvin K. P.

Subjects
Reptilia, Varanidae, Squamata, Animalia, Biodiversity, Chordata, Varanus, Taxonomy, Varanus komodoensis
Abstract

Varanus komodoensis Ouwens, 1912 — Erroneous. Komodo Dragon Singapore records. “commodore dragon”—N. Koh, 1986: 2. Remarks. Varanus komodoensis is endemic to four islands in Komodo National Park and one island in Flores, Indonesia (Ciofi & De Boer 2004). Koh (1986) erroneously listed it as occurring in Singapore in a newspaper article, stating that “thankfully it is rare in Singapore ”. LKCNHM & NHMUK Museum specimens. No specimens. Additional Singapore museum specimens. No specimens. Suborder Serpentes Linnaeus, 1758 (9 species) Family Colubridae Oppel, 1811 (7 species) Subfamily Calamariinae Bonaparte, 1840 (2 species) Genus Calamaria H. Boie in F. Boie, 1827 (1 species), Published as part of Figueroa, Alex, Low, Martyn E. Y. & Lim, Kelvin K. P., 2023, Singapore's herpetofauna: updated and annotated checklist, history, conservation, and distribution, pp. 1-378 in Zootaxa 5287 (1) on page 285, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5287.1.1, http://zenodo.org/record/7960319, {"references":["Koh, N. (1986) Leaping lizards! Know your house guests. The cicak is really ' a nice guy'. From gecko to commodore dragon. The Straits Times, 17 February 1986, Section 2, 1 - 2.","Ciofi, C. & de Boer, M. E. (2004) Distribution and conservation of the Komodo monitor (Varanus komodoensis). Herpetological Journal, 14 (2), 99 - 107."]}

Published
2023
Full Text
View/download PDF

16. Varanus salvator

Author

Figueroa, Alex, Low, Martyn E. Y., and Lim, Kelvin K. P.

Subjects
Varanus salvator, Reptilia, Varanidae, Squamata, Animalia, Biodiversity, Chordata, Varanus, Taxonomy
Abstract

Varanus salvator (Laurenti, 1768) — Native. Stellio salvator Laurenti, 1768: 56. Neotype: ZFMK 22092, designated by Koch et al. (2007: 130). Type locality: “[h]abitat in America”; later designated as “Ceylon” (= Sri Lanka) by Mertens (1959: 234) later restricted to “Ceylon” (= Sri Lanka) via neotype designation. Water Monitor (Figure 15F) Singapore records. Varanus salvator — Flower, 1896: 873 (Blakan Mati [= Sentosa).— Hanitsch, 1898: 19.— Flower, 1899: 643.—Ridley, 1899: 206.— Hanitsch, 1910a: 5 (“Selitar” [= Seletar]).— Hanitsch, 1912b: 15.— Sworder, 1924a: 16, 20 (Pulau Ayer Merbau; Pulau Senang; Pulau Sudong).—Sworder, 1925a: 66.—D.S. Johnson, 1964: 26.— Chuang, 1973: 4.—Sharma, 1973: 233.—L.M. Chou et al., 1980: 71.— Gremli, 1988: 62.—K. Lim & F. Lim, 1988c: 75 (Lim Chu Kang Road).—K. Lim & F. Lim, 1989: 3 (Woodlands Town Garden).—Hall, 1989d: 33 (Pasir Panjang Hill).—K. Lim, 1989e: 39 (Sentosa).—K. Lim, 1989h: 64 (Pulau Hantu).—K. Lim, 1990a: 9 (Coralarium [Sentosa]).—K.K.P. Lim & L.M. Chou, 1990: 55.— Anonymous, 1991b: 13.—D.S. Johnson, 1992: 36.—K.K.P. Lim & Subharaj, 1992: 8 (Pulau Ubin; Sentosa; Sungei Kadut; Sungei Simpang Mangroves).—P.K.L. Ng, 1992a: 141.—P.K.L. Ng, 1992b: 141.—K.K.P. Lim & F.L.K. Lim, 1992: 98, 149.—W.K. Tan, 1992: 3.—Wee, 1992: 74 (Lower Peirce Reservoir Park).—L.M. Chou et al., 1994: 106.—J.K.Y. Low et al., 1994: 158.—R. Subaraj et al., 1995: 4 (Changi Jetty; Seletar North Peninsula [USNF]).—K. Lim, 1995: 17 (Sungei Buloh Nature Park [= SBWR]).—R. Subaraj, 1995: 35.— Metcalfe, 1996: 107 (refers to V. nebulosus).— Manthey & Grossmann, 1997: 292.—Chan-ard et al., 1999: 29.— P.K.L. Ng & Sivasothi, 1999: 147.—E.K. Chua, 2000: 107.—E.K. Chua, 2002: 107.—B.P.L. Goh et al., 2002: 146.— Karns et al., 2002: 488 (Pasir Ris Park Mangroves).—K.P. Lim & F.L.K. Lim, 2002: 149.— Anonymous, 2003: 32, 92 (Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve).— Anonymous, 2007: 54 (Punggol Park).—E.K. Chua, 2007a: 35 (Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve).—H.T.W. Tan et al., 2007: 81.—N. Baker & K.P. Lim, 2008: 89, 160.—P.K.L. Ng et al., 2008: 169.— Anonymous, 2009: 76 (Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve).—M.F.C. Ng, 2009: 59, 109 (Semakau Landfill [PS]).—P.K.A. Ng, 2009: 61.—E.K. Chua, 2010: 21, 66, 154.— Das, 2010: 256.—H.T.W. Tan et al., 2010: 111.—D.C.J. Yeo et al., 2010: 195.— Anonymous, 2011a: 31 (Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve).—L.M. Chou, 2011: 75.—M.A.H. Chua, 2011: 281 (Semakau Landfill [PS]).— Corlett, 2011a: 47.—L.L. Grismer, 2011a: 157.—L.L. Grismer, 2011b: 697, 698.—P.K.L. Ng et al., 2011: 382.—D.L. Yong, 2011: 103 (Bukit Gombak).—N. Baker & K.P. Lim, 2012: 89, 160.— Davison et al., 2012: 108.—M.F.C. Ng, 2012: 69, 146 (Semakau Landfill [PS]).—Ananthanarayanan & I.S. Law, 2014: 291, 292 (Chinese Gardens; Swan Lake [SBG]).—K.K.P. Lim, 2014d: 225, 226 (Swan Lake [SBG]).—D.L. Yong et al., 2014: 202, 203.—Chan-ard et al., 2015: 142.—M.A.H. Chua, 2015a: 17 (Pulau Tekong).—R. Subaraj, 2015: 9, 25, 31, 38, 43, 46, 47, 55 (Mandai Range Forest; Night Safari; Singapore Zoo; Upper Seletar Peninsula [= USNF]).—S. Subaraj, 2015: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 (Mandai Range Forest; Night Safari; Project Western Boundary [= MBP]; Singapore Zoo; Stephen Lee Woods [= RPN]; Upper Seletar Peninsula [= USNF]).—E.K. Chua et al., 2016: 90.—R. He, 2016 (Sungei Buloh [= SBWR]).—B.C. Ng & K.K.P. Lim, 2015: 51 (Orchidville Plant Nursery).—K.K.P. Lim et al., 2016: 179 (Pulau Tekong).—H.H. Tan, 2016a: 122 (Kent Ridge Park).—Thomas et al., 2016: 8 (Pulau Ubin).—W. Wong, 2017: 81.— Chiok, 2019: 40 (Pulau Ubin).—H.C. Ho et al., 2019: 124, 125 (Alexandra Woodlands; Clementi Forest).— H.T.W. Tan et al., 2019: 129, 130, 133 (Kent Ridge Park; National University of Singapore Kent Ridge Campus).—R.C.H. Teo & Thomas, 2019: 160, 180 (Bukit Timah Nature Reserve).—W. Cheong, 2020: 104 (River Safari).— Leo et al., 2020: 258.—K.K.P. Lim, 2020: 2.—C.J. Tan, 2020: 58 (Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve [Migratory Bird Trail]).—B.C. Ng, 2021: 134 (Pang Sua Woodland).—Riyanto & Rahmadi, 2021: 2936.—Sankar et al., 2021: 1 (Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve).— Bungum & Johns, 2022; 1–55.—E.K. Chua, 2022: 57, 166 (Pasir Ris Park; Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve; Tampines River).— Janssen & Sy, 2022: 172.— Kurniawan et al., 2022: 111.—M.L. Kwak & A. Ng, 2022: 929.—Trivalairat & Srikosamatara, 2022: 13.—K.H. Koh, 2023: 1 (Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve). Hydrosaurus salvator —Saville-Kent, 1897: 96.— Anonymous, 2011b: 50. “Monitor lizard”—Anonymous, 1947: 5 (Claymore Road).—Kow, 2021 (Singapore Botanic Gardens).— Lay, 2021c (Ulu Pandan canal).—G.Z. Tan, 2021 (Ulu Pandan Park Connector).—Kow, 2022 (Pasir Ris Park).—Z.S. Kow, 2022 (Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve). “Monitor lizards”— Harrison & Tham, 1973: 253. Varunas [sic] salvator —F.L.K. Lim, 1984: 18. Varanus (subgen. nov.) salvator salvator — Denzer & Manthey, 1991: 319. Varanus salvator salvator —R.C.H. Teo & Rajathurai, 1997: 386.— Bayless, 2004: 52.— Gaulke & Horn, 2004: 246. Varanus salvator macromaculatus — Anonymous, 2008: 103 (Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve).— Cota et al., 2009: 135, 138.— Anonymous, 2012: 7 (Chinese Gardens).—M. Ng & Mendyk, 2012: 34– 37 (Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve).— Cota & Sommerlad, 2013: 64.— Anonymous, 2013: 49 (Japanese Gardens). “Water Monitor Lizard”— Anonymous, 2014: 89 (Singapore Polytechnic).—K.M. Ngo et al., 2022: 6. Soterosaurus salvator —Pettit et al., 2021: 114. Remarks. Flower (1896) was the first to record V. salvator from Singapore from an individual he collected at “Blakan Mati” (now Sentosa) in January 1896. He mentioned that Blanford (1881) reported it previously from Singapore, but Blanford did not state Singapore as a locality in his paper. As with other species, V . salvator went unreported for 39 years (Table 2) between Sworder (1925a) and Johnson (1964). Following Johnson (1964), V. salvator has been reported numerous times from all throughout Singapore and its islands, except for PT where it is decidedly uncommon (Lim et al. 2016). Records of V. salvator on PT are only from individuals captured on camera traps (Lim et al. 2016). Varanus salvator is part of a species complex that spans from Sri Lanka east through SE Asia to the Moluccas and northern Philippines (Koch et al. 2007). Recent and ongoing work has progressively been uncovering hidden species diversity, but the Singapore populations are still considered V. salvator (Koch et al. 2007; Koch et al. 2010; Welton et al. 2014). Occurrence. Ubiquitous. Common. Singapore conservation status. Least Concern. Conservation priority. Lowest. IUCN conservation status. Least Concern [2021]. LKCNHM & NHMUK Museum specimens. Singapore (no locality): ZRC.2.6334– ZRC. 2.6335 (no date); Bukit Timah Campus [NUS] : ZRC.2.6732 (04-Aug-2008); Changi : ZRC.2.1897 (Sep-1927); Loyang : ZRC.2.2260(01-Nov-1979); Pasir Panjang NParks Nursery : ZRC.2.6168(13-Oct-2005); Pasir Ris Park : ZRC.2.6563 (18-Jul-2007); Pulau Ayer Merbau : ZRC.2.1895– ZRC.2.1896 (12-May-1921); Pulau Ubin : ZRC.2.1894 (23-Feb-1921); RAF Seletar [= Seletar Air Base] : BMNH 1983.955 (no date); Singapore Island Country Club Road: ZRC.2.6057 (15-Sep-2003); ZRC.2.6132 (22-Jan-2005), ZRC. 2.6136 (13- Jun-2005); Sungei Buloh Nature Park [= SBWR] : ZRC.2.4760 (Nov-1999); Tyersall Road : ZRC.2.7125 (Dec-2015); Upper Seletar Reservoir Road : ZRC.2.6822 (26-May-2009). Additional Singapore museum specimens. Singapore (no locality): NMI, NMW, RMNH, SAMA, WAM, ZMH. Singapore localities. Alexandra Woodlands—Bukit Gombak—Bukit Timah Nature Reserve—Changi—Changi Jetty—Chinese Gardens—Claymore Road—Clementi Forest—Japanese Gardens—Kent Ridge Park—Lim Chu Kang Road—Lower Peirce Reservoir Park—Loyang—Mandai Range Forest—National University of Singapore Bukit Timah Campus—National University of Singapore Kent Ridge Campus—Night Safari— Orchidville Plant Nursery—Pang Sua Woodland—Pasir Panjang Hill—Pasir Panjang NParks Nursery— Pasir Ris Park—Pasir Ris Park Mangroves—Pulau Ayer Merbau—Pulau Hantu—Pulau Semakau—Pulau Senang—Pulau Sudong—Pulau Tekong—Pulau Ubin—Punggol Park—River Safari—Seletar—Seletar Air Base—Seletar North Forest—Sentosa—Singapore Botanic Gardens—Singapore Island Country Club—Singapore Polytechnic—Singapore Zoo—Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve—Sungei Kadut—Sungei Simpang Mangroves—Tampines River—Tyersall Road—Ulu Pandan—Upper Seletar North Forest— Upper Seletar Reservoir Road—Woodlands Town Garden., Published as part of Figueroa, Alex, Low, Martyn E. Y. & Lim, Kelvin K. P., 2023, Singapore's herpetofauna: updated and annotated checklist, history, conservation, and distribution, pp. 1-378 in Zootaxa 5287 (1) on pages 129-131, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5287.1.1, http://zenodo.org/record/7960319, {"references":["Koch, A., Auliya, M., Schmitz, A., Kuch, U. & B ˆ hme, W. (2007) Morphological studies on the systematics of South East Asian water monitors (Varanus salvator complex): nominotypic populations and taxonomic overview. Mertensiella, 16 (109), e 80.","Mertens, R. (1959) Liste der Warane Asiens und der Indoaustralischen Inselwelt, mit systematischen Bemerkungen. Senckenbergiana Biologica, 40 (5 / 6), 221 - 240.","Flower, S. S. (1896) Notes on a collection of reptiles and batrachians made in the Malay Peninsula in 1895 - 96; with a list of the species recorded from that region. Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London, 1896 (4), 856 - 914, pls. 44 - 46.","Hanitsch, R. (1898) Annual report of the curator and librarian on the Raffles Library and Museum, for the Year Ending 31 st December, 1897. In: Straits Settlements, Annual Reports for the Year 1898. Published by Authority, Singapore, pp. 11 - 22.","Flower, S. S. (1899 b) Notes on a second collection of reptiles made in the Malay Peninsula and Siam, from November 1896 - September 1898, with a list of the species recorded from those countries. Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London, 1899 (4), 600 - 696, pls. 36 - 37.","Hanitsch, R. (1910 a) Annual report of the Raffles Museum and Library. In: Annual Departmental Reports of the Straits Settlements for the Year 1908. Published by Authority, Singapore, pp. 18 - 26.","Hanitsch, R. (1912 b) List of the Birds, Reptiles and Amphibians in the Raffles Museum, Singapore. Raffles Library and Museum, Singapore, 19 pp.","Johnson, D. S. (1964) An Introduction to the Natural History of Singapore. Rayirath (Raybooks) Publications, Singapore, x + 106 pp.","Chuang, S. H. (1973) Introduction. In: Chuang, S. H. (Ed.), Animal Life and Nature in Singapore. Singapore University Press, Singapore, pp. 1 - 6.","Chou L. M., Ho, S. H., Khoo, H. W., Lam, T. J., Murphy, D. H. & Tan, W. H. (1980) The Present State of Mangrove Ecosystems in Southeast Asia and the Impact of Pollution - Singapore. South China Sea Fisheries Development and Coordinating Programme, Manila. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and United Nations Environment Programme, SCS / 80 / WP / 94 d (Rev.), pp. i - vi + 1 - 76.","Gremli, M. (1988) Reptile visitors to local coastal waters. The Pangolin, 1 (3), 60 - 62.","Lim, K. & Lim, F. (1988 c) Reptiles. The Pangolin, 1 (4), 74 - 77.","Lim, K. & Lim, F. (1989) Reptiles. The Pangolin, 2 (1), 2 - 4.","Lim, K. (1989 e) Reptiles - Snakes & Lizards. The Pangolin, 2 (3), 38 - 39.","Lim, K. (1989 h) Reptiles, Amphibians and Freshwater Fishes. The Pangolin, 2 (4), 63 - 66.","Lim, K. (1990 a) Reptiles. The Pangolin, 3 (1 - 4), 6 - 12.","Anonymous (1991 b) Nature in Our Reservoir Parks. Public Relations Division, Public Utilities Board, Singapore, 20 pp.","Johnson, D. S. (1992) Natural History of Singapore. Revised Edition. Tynron Press, Leicestershire, ix + 142 pp.","Lim, K. K. P. & Subharaj, R. (1992) Reptiles & Amphibians. The Pangolin, 5 (1 - 4), 5 - 9.","Lim, K. K. P. & Lim, F. L. K. (1992) A Guide to the Amphibians and Reptiles of Singapore. Singapore Science Centre, Singapore, 160 pp.","Chou L. M., Ng, P. K. L. & Lim, K. K. P. (1994) Animalia. In: Wee, Y. C. & Ng, P. K. L. (Eds.), A First Look at Biodiversity in Singapore. National Council on the Environment, Singapore, pp. 70 - 106.","Low, J. K. Y., Arshad, A. & Lim, K. H. (1994) Mangroves as a habitat for endangered species and biodiversity conservation. In: Wilkinson, C., Sudara, S. & Ming, C. L. (Eds.), Proceedings of the Third ASEAN-Australia Symposium on Living Coastal Resources: Status Reviews. Vol. 1. Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand, 16 - 20 May 1994. Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, pp. 157 - 169.","Metcalfe, D. (1996) A researcher's forest idyll. In: Lum, S. & Sharp, I. (Eds.), A View from the Summit: The Story of Bukit Timah Nature Reserve. Nanyang Technological University, National University of Singapore and National Parks Board, Singapore, pp. 106 - 107.","Manthey, U. & Grossmann, W. (1997) Amphibien und Reptilian Sudostasien. Natur und Tier, M ¸ nster, 512 pp.","Chua, E. K. (2000) Pulau Ubin. Ours to Treasure. Simply Green, Singapore, 140 pp.","Chua, E. K. (2002) Chek Jawa: Discovering Singapore's Biodiversity. Simply Green, Singapore, 116 pp.","Goh, B. P. L., Sodhi, N. S., Li, D., Ho, S. H. & Ng, P. K. L. (2002) A Guide to Urban Creatures. Singapore Science Centre, Singapore, 160 pp.","Karns, D. R., Voris, H. K. & Goodwin, T. G. (2002) Ecology of Oriental-Australian rear-fanged water snakes (Colubridae: Homalopsinae) in the Pasir Ris Park mangrove forest, Singapore. Raffles Bulletin of Zoology, 50 (2), 487 - 498.","Lim, K. P. & Lim, F. L. K. (2002) A Guide to the Amphibians and Reptiles of Singapore. Revised Edition. Singapore Science Centre, Singapore, 160 pp.","Anonymous (2003) Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve - A Decade of Wetland Conservation. National Parks Board, Singapore, 98 pp.","Anonymous (2007) On the cover. Biawak, 1 (2), 54. https: // doi. org / 10.1525 / sp. 2007.54.2. cover","Chua, E. K. (2007 a) Feral iguana attacks Varanus salvator at Sungei Buloh Wetland reserve. Biawak, 1 (1), 35 - 36.","Anonymous (2009) News notes. Biawak, 3 (3), 74 - 76. https: // doi. org / 10.1192 / S 1749367600000667","Chua, E. K. (2010) Wetlands in a City: The Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve. Simply Green, Singapore, 176 pp.","Das, I. (2010) A Field Guide to the Reptiles of Thailand and South-East Asia. New Holland, London, 376 pp.","Anonymous (2011 a) Errata. Biawak, 5 (1 - 2), 30 - 31.","Chou, L. M. (2011) Marine Ecosystems. In: Ng, P. K. L., Corlett, R. T. & Tan, H. T. W. (Eds.), Singapore Biodiversity: An Encyclopedia of the Natural Environment and Sustainable Development. Editions Didier Millet and Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research, Singapore, pp. 76 - 87.","Chua, M. A. (2011) The herpetofauna and mammals of Semakau Landfill: A Project Semakau checklist. Nature in Singapore, 4, 277 - 287.","Corlett, R. T. (2011 a) Terrestrial Ecosystems. In: Ng, P. K. L., Corlett, R. T. & Tan, H. T. W. (Eds.), Singapore Biodiversity: An Encyclopedia of the Natural Environment and Sustainable Development. Editions Didier Millet and Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research, Singapore, pp. 44 - 51.","Grismer, L. L. (2011 a) Field Guide to the Amphibians and Reptiles of the Seribuat Archipelago (Peninsular Malaysia). Edition Chimaira, Frankfurt am Main, 239 pp.","Grismer, L. L. (2011 b) Lizards of Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore and Their Adjacent Archipelagos. Edition Chimaira, Frankfurt am Main, 728 pp.","Davison, G., Tan, R. & Lee, B. (2012) Wild Singapore. John Beaufoy Publishing, Oxford, 208 pp.","Law, I. S., Sankar, A. & Law, I. T. (2014) Malaysian giant terrapin at the Singapore Botanic Gardens. Singapore Biodiversity Records, 2014, 274.","Lim, K. K. P. (2014 d) Malayan water monitor lizards at the Singapore Botanic Gardens. Singapore Biodiversity Records, 2014, 225 - 226.","Chua, M. A. H. (2015 a) Malayan water monitor walking with raised tail. Singapore Biodiversity Records, 2015, 17.","He, R. (2016) Sungei Buloh king cobra blocks hiker's path, devours monitor lizard. Mothership, 10 January 2016. Available from: https: // mothership. sg / 2016 / 01 / sungei-buloh-king-cobra-blocks-hikers-path-devours-monitor-lizard / (accessed 14 January 2021)","Lim, K. K. P., Chua, M. A. H. & Lim, N. T. - L. (2016) Freshwater fishes, terrestrial herpetofauna and mammals of Pulau Tekong, Singapore. Nature in Singapore, 9, 165 - 198.","Chiok, W. X. (2019) Attempted predation on an octopus by a Malayan water monitor lizard. Singapore Biodiversity Records, 2019, 40 - 41.","Cheong, W. (2020) Consumption of a softshell turtle by Malayan water monitors. Singapore Biodiversity Records, 2020, 104 - 105.","Leo, S., Suherman, M., Permatasari, A., Suganda, D. & Zulamri, W. N. (2020) Herpetofauna diversity in Zamrud National Park, Indonesia: baseline checklist for a Sumatra peat swamp forest ecosystem. Amphibian & Reptile Conservation, 14 (2), 250 - 263.","Lim K. K. P. (2020) Snakes and lizards recorded by Alexander Cross in Singapore from 1942 to 1945. Singapore Biodiversity Records, 2020 (Spec. No.), 1 - 6.","Bungum, H. Z. & Johns, P. (2022) Aggressive interactions between smooth-coated otters and water monitor lizards in Singapore. bioRxiv, 1 - 55. [published online] https: // doi. org / 10.22541 / au. 165657637.74846473 / v 1","Janssen, J. & Sy, E. (2022) A Naturalist's Guide to the Lizards of Southeast Asia. John Beaufoy Publishing Ltd, England, 176 pp.","Kurniawan, N., Septiadi, L., Fathoni, M., Kadafi, A. M. & Marhendra, A. P. W. (2022) A checklist of the herpetofauna of Nusa Kambangan Island, Central Java, Indonesia. Tropical Life Sciences Research, 33 (2), 91 - 131. https: // doi. org / 10.21315 / tlsr 2022.33.2.6","Koh, K. H. (2023) Biodiversity Record: Malayan water monitor preying on Gerard's water snake. Nature in Singapore, 16, e 2023006.","Anonymous (2011 b) Historical facsimiles. Biawak, 5 (3), 48 - 50.","Lay, B. (2021 c) Monitor lizard eats python in Ulu Pandan canal but throws it up wholesale & burps loudly Mothership, 27 February 2021. Available from: https: // mothership. sg / 2021 / 02 / monitor-lizard-eat-python-singapore / (accessed 27 February 2021)","Harrison J. L. & Tham, A. K. (1973) The exploitation of animals. In: Chuang, S. H. (Ed.), Animal Life and Nature in Singapore. Singapore University Press, Singapore, pp. 251 - 259.","Lim, F. L. K. (1984) Reptile and amphibian encounters. In: Wee, Y. - C. (Ed.), Nature in an Urban Singapore. Proceedings of the Seminar on Nature in an Urban Singapore. Singapore Branch of the Malayan Nature Society, Singapore, pp. 17 - 19.","Denzer, W. & Manthey, U. (1991) A nominal checklist of the lizards inhabiting peninsular Malaysia and Singapore. Raffles Bulletin of Zoology, 39 (2), 309 - 322.","Bayless, M. K. (2004) The local names of Pacific monitor lizards (Sauria: Varanidae) of Oceanica and Indo-Malaysia, excluding Australia. Micronesica, 37 (1), 49 - 55.","Gaulke, M. & Horn, H. - G. (2004) Varanus salvator (nominate form). In: Pianka, E. R., King, D. R. & King, R. A. (Eds.), Varanoid Lizards of the World. Indiana University Press, Bloomington, pp. 244 - 257.","Anonymous (2008) Editor's note. Biawak, 2 (3), 102 - 103. https: // doi. org / 10.1108 / dmij. 2008.32502 caa. 001","Cota, M., Chan-ard, T. & Mekchai, S. (2009) Geographical distribution and regional variation of Varanus salvator macromaculatus in Thailand. Biawak, 3 (4), 134 - 143.","Anonymous (2012) News notes. Biawak, 6 (1), 6 - 7.","Cota, M. & Sommerlad, R. (2013) Notes and observations on the fish prey of Varanus salvator macromaculatus (Reptilia: Squamata: Varanidae) in Thailand with a review of the fish prey of the Varanus salvator complex known to date. Biawak, 7 (2), 63 - 70.","Anonymous (2013) Table of contents. Biawak, 7 (2), 49.","Anonymous (2014) Campus in a Garden: A Stroll through Nature and Time - in Commemoration of Singapore Polytechnic's 60 th Anniversary. Singapore Polytechnic, Singapore, 122 pp.","Blanford, W. T. (1881) On a collection of reptiles and frogs chiefly from Singapore. Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London, 1881 (1), 215 - 226, pls. 20 - 21. https: // doi. org / 10.5962 / bhl. title. 101596","Koch, A., Gaulke, M. & Boehme, W. (2010) Unravelling the underestimated diversity of Philippine water monitor lizards (Squamata: Varanus salvator complex), with the description of two new species and a new subspecies. Zootaxa, 2446 (1), 1 - 54. https: // doi. org / 10.11646 / zootaxa. 2446.1.1"]}

Published
2023
Full Text
View/download PDF

17. Varanus dumerilii Schlegel 1839

Author

Figueroa, Alex, Low, Martyn E. Y., and Lim, Kelvin K. P.

Subjects
Reptilia, Varanidae, Squamata, Animalia, Biodiversity, Chordata, Varanus, Varanus dumerilii, Taxonomy
Abstract

Varanus dumerilii Schlegel, 1839 — Native. Monitor Dumerilii Schlegel, 1839: 78. Holotype: RMNH.RENA.3168, by original designation. Type locality: “[e]rstere kommt von Borneo”; later designated as “Banjermasin, southern Kalimantan ”, Indonesia by Bennet (2004: 172). Dumeril’s Monitor (Figure 15D) Singapore records. Varanus dumerili — de Fejérváry, 1935: 129. Varanus dumerili — L.M. Chou et al., 1980: 71.—K.K.P. Lim & F.L.K. Lim, 1992: 149.—J.K.Y. Low et al., 1994: 158.—N. Baker & K.P. Lim, 2012: 160. Varanus dumerilii —Bennett, 1995: 36.—Bennet & B.L. Lim, 1995: 113.— Cox et al., 1998: 107.—K.P. Lim & F.L.K. Lim, 2002: 149.—N. Baker & K.P. Lim, 2008: 160.— Cota et al., 2008: 152.—Yong et al., 2008: 21–22 (Nee Soon Swamp Forest).—T.M. Leong, K.K.P. Lim & N. Baker, 2009: 492.— Das, 2010: 255.—H.T.W. Tan et al., 2010: 229.—P.K.L. Ng et al., 2011: 382.— Janssen & Sy, 2022: 137, 172.—E.Y.L Lui, 2022: 1 (Upper Seletar). Empagusia dumerilii —Pettit et al., 2021: 113. Remarks. At the time that Yong et al. (2008) filmed an adult V. dumerilii foraging at 2245 hrs at NSSF on 18 January 2008, V. dumerilii was only known from one historic record. That record was of a skull deposited at HNHM that was collected by Xantus (de Fejérváry 1935). Since no records were reported after, V. dumerilii was considered extirpated from Singapore (Bennett 1995). Thus, Yong et al. (2008) record constitutes a rediscovery of V. dumerilii in Singapore after 73 years (Table 2). Here, we present five additional records. Two records are from museum specimens, SAMA R15537 and ZMH R07222, both which contain no useful data. The other three records are of a juvenile photographed on 5 August 2012 (A. Ibrahim pers. comm.), an adult photographed on 26 December 2015 (I.S. Law pers. comm.; Fig. 15D), both at NSSF, and an adult filmed on a road at Upper Seletar on 14 October 2022 (Lui 2022). These latter records confirm the presence of V. dumerilii in Singapore and offers that a viable population exists. Varanus dumerilii is an uncommon species that seems to prefer mangroves or riparian areas in mature forests and feeds predominately on crabs (Grismer 2011b). Targeted surveys are required to establish the population status of V. dumerilii in Singapore and determine whether the population is self-sustaining. Occurrence. Known from three museum specimens, and three records from NSSF after 2008. Rare. Singapore conservation status. Critically Endangered. Conservation priority. Highest. IUCN conservation status. Data Deficient [2021]. LKCNHM & NHMUK Museum specimens. No specimens. Additional Singapore museum specimens. Singapore (no locality): SAMA, ZMH. Singapore localities. Nee Soon Swamp Forest—Upper Seletar., Published as part of Figueroa, Alex, Low, Martyn E. Y. & Lim, Kelvin K. P., 2023, Singapore's herpetofauna: updated and annotated checklist, history, conservation, and distribution, pp. 1-378 in Zootaxa 5287 (1) on pages 127-128, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5287.1.1, http://zenodo.org/record/7960319, {"references":["de Fejervary, G. J. (1935) Further contributions to a monograph of the Megalanidae and fossil Varanidae - with notes on recent variants. Annales historico-naturales Musei nationalis Hungarici, 29, 1 - 130, pls. 1 - 14.","Chou L. M., Ho, S. H., Khoo, H. W., Lam, T. J., Murphy, D. H. & Tan, W. H. (1980) The Present State of Mangrove Ecosystems in Southeast Asia and the Impact of Pollution - Singapore. South China Sea Fisheries Development and Coordinating Programme, Manila. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and United Nations Environment Programme, SCS / 80 / WP / 94 d (Rev.), pp. i - vi + 1 - 76.","Lim, K. K. P. & Lim, F. L. K. (1992) A Guide to the Amphibians and Reptiles of Singapore. Singapore Science Centre, Singapore, 160 pp.","Low, J. K. Y., Arshad, A. & Lim, K. H. (1994) Mangroves as a habitat for endangered species and biodiversity conservation. In: Wilkinson, C., Sudara, S. & Ming, C. L. (Eds.), Proceedings of the Third ASEAN-Australia Symposium on Living Coastal Resources: Status Reviews. Vol. 1. Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand, 16 - 20 May 1994. Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, pp. 157 - 169.","Cox, M. J., van Dijk, P. P., Nabhitabhata, J. & Thirakhupt, K. (1998) A Photographic Guide toSnakes and other Reptiles of Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand. New Holland Publishers, London, 144 pp.","Lim, K. P. & Lim, F. L. K. (2002) A Guide to the Amphibians and Reptiles of Singapore. Revised Edition. Singapore Science Centre, Singapore, 160 pp.","Cota, M., Chan-ard, T., Mekchai, S. & Laoteaw, S. (2008) Geographical distribution, instinctive feeding behavior and report of nocturnal activity of Varanus Dumerilii in Thailand. Biawak, 2 (4), 152 - 158.","Das, I. (2010) A Field Guide to the Reptiles of Thailand and South-East Asia. New Holland, London, 376 pp.","Janssen, J. & Sy, E. (2022) A Naturalist's Guide to the Lizards of Southeast Asia. John Beaufoy Publishing Ltd, England, 176 pp.","Lui, E. Y. L. (2022) Biodiversity Record: Unusual behaviour of a Dumeril's monitor at Upper Seletar. Nature in Singapore, 15, e 2022151.","Grismer, L. L. (2011 b) Lizards of Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore and Their Adjacent Archipelagos. Edition Chimaira, Frankfurt am Main, 728 pp."]}

Published
2023
Full Text
View/download PDF

18. Varanus rudicollis

Author

Figueroa, Alex, Low, Martyn E. Y., and Lim, Kelvin K. P.

Subjects
Reptilia, Varanidae, Varanus rudicollis, Squamata, Animalia, Biodiversity, Chordata, Varanus, Taxonomy
Abstract

Varanus rudicollis (Gray, 1845) — Erroneous. Roughneck Monitor Singapore records. No published records. Remarks. Varanus rudicollis ranges from southern Myanmar and Thailand, south to Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra, and Borneo, but does not occur in Singapore (Grismer 2011b). Specimen SAMA R15536 has no data connected to it aside that it was recorded by King. It is most likely that this specimen was a trade specimen in Singapore. LKCNHM & NHMUK Museum specimens. No specimens. Additional Singapore museum specimens. Singapore (no locality): SAMA., Published as part of Figueroa, Alex, Low, Martyn E. Y. & Lim, Kelvin K. P., 2023, Singapore's herpetofauna: updated and annotated checklist, history, conservation, and distribution, pp. 1-378 in Zootaxa 5287 (1) on page 264, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5287.1.1, http://zenodo.org/record/7960319, {"references":["Gray, J. E. (1845) Catalogue of the Specimens of Lizards in the Collection of the British Museum. Trustees [of the British Museum], London, xxviii + 289 pp.","Grismer, L. L. (2011 b) Lizards of Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore and Their Adjacent Archipelagos. Edition Chimaira, Frankfurt am Main, 728 pp."]}

Published
2023
Full Text
View/download PDF

19. Varanus timorensis

Author

Figueroa, Alex, Low, Martyn E. Y., and Lim, Kelvin K. P.

Subjects
Reptilia, Varanidae, Squamata, Animalia, Biodiversity, Chordata, Varanus timorensis, Varanus, Taxonomy
Abstract

Varanus timorensis (Gray, 1831) — Erroneous. Spotted Tree Monitor Singapore records. No published records. Remarks. RBINS has three specimens of V. timoriensis catalogued under RBINS 12393. The three individuals died at the zoo of the Royal Zoological Society of Antwerp on 15 October 1973. As V. timoriensis is native to Timor, Pulau Semau, Pulau Rote, and Pulau Sawu in Indonesia (Pianka & King 2004), the three individuals were most likely sent to the Royal Zoological Society. LKCNHM & NHMUK Museum specimens. No specimens. Additional Singapore museum specimens. Singapore (no locality): RBINS., Published as part of Figueroa, Alex, Low, Martyn E. Y. & Lim, Kelvin K. P., 2023, Singapore's herpetofauna: updated and annotated checklist, history, conservation, and distribution, pp. 1-378 in Zootaxa 5287 (1) on page 264, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5287.1.1, http://zenodo.org/record/7960319

Published
2023
Full Text
View/download PDF

20. Observation records of the Bangon Monitor Lizard, Varanus bangonorum (Squamata, Varanidae), with emphasis on behaviour and local threats, from the Municipality of Abra de Ilog, Occidental Mindoro, Philippines

Author

Przemysław Zdunek and Michaela S. Webb

Subjects
Vertebrata, Tetrapoda, new locality records, Sarcopterygii, Varanidae, Amniota, Biota, Varanus, Platynota, Gnathostomata, Osteichthyes, herpetofauna of the Philippines, Squamata, Varanus bangonorum, Animalia, Animal Science and Zoology, monitor lizard, Bayawak, foraging behaviour, Chordata, Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics
Abstract

Varanus bangonorum, the Bangon Monitor Lizard, is one of eleven Varanidae species endemic to the Philippines; its occurrence is restricted to dwindling habitats on the islands of Mindoro and Semirara. This lizard is still poorly known and is presently classified as “Least Concern” under the IUCN Red List in 2022. Observations recorded during eleven years (2011 to 2022) originate from the north-central Municipality of Abra de Ilog in Occidental Mindoro where this species was never before documented. We emphasise the primary factors that pose threats to the monitor lizard population, including insights gained from the knowledge of local community members. We present information about the lizards’ diet, for example, they can consume invasive toxic cane toads without harm. The result of our collective long-term observation records may serve as a baseline for further studies and contribute to evaluating the conservation status of this species.

Published
2023

Catalog

Books, media, physical & digital resources
See catalog results