Identification:
The species can grow up to 2 meters in length and resembles the Water Monitor in size and shape. However, its tail is not laterally flattened. The nostrils are slit-shaped, positioned closer to the eye than the tip of the snout. The back is gray or light brown with scattered small yellow spots. The limbs have faint black markings that run horizontally, with black stripes. The belly has numerous gray-brown and yellow stripes.
Biology and Ecology:
This species primarily inhabits mountainous forests and dry environments, often associated with water sources. They hide in deep burrows under rocks or within tree roots. Once a monitor lizard enters a burrow, it is difficult to remove it, as they swell their bodies to grip the walls. They are skilled swimmers and climbers, foraging on the ground or in trees. Their diet consists of insects, lizards, birds, and small mammals. They sometimes raid bird nests to consume eggs and young birds. When threatened, the species can feign death, remaining motionless even when their tail is lifted. During the breeding season, males fight for access to females. In the rainy season, they lay approximately 24 eggs with tough shells in a hole they dig, then cover the hole with soil using their snouts.
Distribution:
- Within Vietnam: Quảng Trị, Thừa Thiên – Huế, Kontum, Gia Lai, Đắk Lắk, Bình Phước, Đồng Nai, Kiên Giang, Bà Rịa – Vũng Tàu.
- Worldwide: Southern Myanmar, Thailand, Indonesia.
Value:
Like the Water Monitor, this species has aesthetic value and is often kept in zoos to educate students about the environment.
Status:
The population has declined significantly due to habitat loss in the past and present, driven by environmental exploitation, particularly illegal hunting and trade.
Classification: EN A1c,d.
Conservation Measures:
Listed as a rare and precious forest animal in accordance with Decree 32-HĐBT, Group II B. Conservation requires a complete ban on hunting and illegal trade. Captive breeding in natural reserves is necessary.