Varanus varius

(White, 1790)

Vernacular names
English : Lace monitor
French : Varan bigarré

Classification
Class : Reptilia
Order : Squamata
Family : Varanidae
Notes : 2 other subspecies known.

Identification
Adults can grow to over 2 meters with a long and powerful tail and impressive claws. Two color forms are known, the commonest is black with clear spotting and bands around face, the other one has broad yellow and black bands.

Range and habitat
The species is endemic to Australia and occurs in the eastern part of the country, from Queensland to New South Wales and South Australia. Lives in open and closed forests, prairies with scattered trees, dry areas.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Appendix II
Status : The species has a large range and broad tolerance for habitat. Hunting by aborigines isn’t a threat so far.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

Back to “Monitors, Tegus and relatives” page