Panay monitor
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]
| 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 | |
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
- Gaulke, M., Diesmos, A., Demegillo, A. & Gonzalez, J.C. (2009). "Varanus mabitang". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2009: e.T169829A6679528. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2009-2.RLTS.T169829A6679528.en.CS1 maint: uses authors parameter (link)
- "ITIS Standard Report Page: Varanus mabitang". www.itis.gov. Retrieved 2020-04-04.
- "Panay Monitor Lizard - Encyclopedia of Life". eol.org. Retrieved 2020-04-04.
- Gaulke, Maren. "Overview on the Present Knowledge on Varanus mabitang Gaulke and Curio, 2001, Including New Morphological and Meristic Data" (PDF). varanidae.org(International Varanid Interest Group). Retrieved 2020-04-04.
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