Panay monitor

Panay monitor
Scientific classification
Kingdom:Animalia
Phylum:Chordata
Class:Reptilia
Order:Squamata
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
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.