Varanus macraei

(Böhme & Jacobs, 2001)

Vernacular names
English : Blue tree monitor
French : Varan de Mac Rae

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

Identification
Adults can grow to 110 cm in length. Slender body with long head and very long prehensile tail. Unmistakable. Coloration is black with pearl-like scales and scattered areas of turquoise blue, forming bands and circles. Tip of snout pinkish.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in South East Asia and is endemic to the island of Batanta in Indonesia, off Vogelkop Peninsula of New Guinea. Lives in tropical lowland forests.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : ENDANGERED
CITES : Appendix II
Status : The species has one of the smallest ranges for a monitor. It is severely endangered by habitat loss and overcollection.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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