Varanus beccarii

(Doria, 1874)

Vernacular names
English : Black tree monitor
French : Varan noir

Classification
Class : Reptilia
Order : Squamata
Family : Varanidae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
Slender-bodied monitor with long prehensile tail, reaching up to 120 cm in total length. Adults are entirely shiny black with pearly-looking scales. Juveniles are dark grey with rows of greenish spots on back.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in Australasia and is endemic to the Aru Islands, off New Guinea. Lives in lowland rainforests and mangrove forests.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : DATA DEFICIENT
CITES : Appendix II
Status : Nobody knows yet how affected the species has been by near total loss of forest in Aru islands. Vulnerable to overcollection for animal trade as well.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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