List of monitor lizards

Range Description: This species is endemic to the island of Panay in the Philippines. It is generally distributed in the still forested parts of the mountain ranges of northwestern and western Panay. Animals have been recorded from around 200 to 1, 000 m asl. Countries occurrence: Lower elevation limit (metres): 200 Upper elevation limit (metres): 1000 Range Map: Population: It appears to be a very rare species. Only twelve animals have been caught since 2002. Current Population Trend: Decreasing Additional data: ♦Population severely fragmented: Yes Habitat and Ecology: This highly arboreal species is associated with large trees in primary lowland tropical moist forest. It has been recorded between 200 to 1, 000 m asl, however, it is particularly rare above 600 m asl. This is a highly specialized frugivorous monitor lizard. It reportedly needs Dipterocarpaceae as sleeping places (Gaulke 2005). It is unlikely to be present in modified habitats, especially where food trees are absent. Systems: Terrestrial Major Threat(s): The species is considered to be very threatened by the loss and degradation of its lowland forest habitat, through conversion of land to agricultural use and logging operations. In addition to the threat of habitat loss, this lizard is a favourite food animal, possibly related to its frugivorous diet, and overhunting represents a serious threat to the species. Conservation Actions: There are ongoing projects on Panay to conserve remaining areas of suitable habitat, and on the biology and habitat requirements of this lizard, run by non-governmental organizations (Biologische Patenschaften e.V., Eschborn [BIOPAT] and Philippine Endemic Species Conservation Project [PESCP]). The species is present in the Central Panay and North West Panay protected areas. It is listed on Appendix II of CITES.

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