Varanus olivaceus

(Hallowell, 1859)

Vernacular names
English : Gray’s monitor, Butaan
French : Varan de Gray

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

Identification
Adults can grow to 180 cm in length with a body length of about 70 cm, males being longer than females. Long prehensile tail. Small triangular head. Coloration variable, often black to dark green-grey with golden-yellow areas.

Range and habitat
The species is endemic to Philippines, only occurring in south Luzon and Sierra Madre, Polilo and Catanduanes. Lives in primary and secondary lowland tropical rainforests, up to 400 meters.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : VULNERABLE
CITES : Appendix II
Status : The species has a very small range and its habitat is now severely degraded and fragmented. It is continuously declining.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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