Varanus zugorum
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Family: Varanidae
Genus: Varanus
Subgenus: Euprepiosaurus
Species:
V. zugorum
Binomial name
Varanus zugorum

Varanus zugorum, also known commonly as the silver monitor[3] or Zugs' monitor,[4] is a species of monitor lizard in the family Varanidae. The species is endemic to the island of Halmahera in the Moluccas, in Indonesia.[5]

Etymology

The specific name, zugorum (genitive, plural), is in honor of American herpetologist George R. Zug and his wife Patricia.[2][5][6]

Geographic range

V. zugorum is only known with certainty from its type locality in the vicinity of Jailolo.[5][2][7] Reasonably reliable local eyewitness accounts exist from Akesahu (lower western side of Kao Bay) and Labi Labi (northeast Halmahera).[7]

Taxonomy

Zugs' monitor was described from a juvenile museum specimen originally labeled as Varanus indicus.[2][5] At least one or two specimens resembling the type specimen and generally agreed to represent this species have been imported at various times for the pet trade. Other than this however, the species is unknown. Its habits are unknown as it has not been observed in the wild and is rarely seen even by natives.[7]

Conservation status

V. zugorum is among the 25 “most wanted lost” species that are the focus of Re:wild's “Search for Lost Species” initiative.[4] The Biodiversity Group is currently working to find the Zug’s Monitor using EDNA and using a 3D scanning camera to avoid having to taxidermy the specimen.[8]

Description

Based on the holotype, a juvenile that measures 150 mm (5.9 in) in snout–vent length and 360 mm (14.2 in) in total length, the background color of V. zugorum is a silver-greyish. The body and limbs are patternless save for scattered bluish scales. The tail is mostly patternless except for a dozen faint dark bands towards the tip. The underside is yellowish and unpatterned. The tongue is dark purplish with a pink base.[2]

References

  1. ↑ Shea, G.; Arida, E.; Koch, A. (2021). "Varanus zugorum". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2021: e.T83779141A83779173. Retrieved 19 November 2021.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 Böhme W [in German]; Ziegler T [in French] (2005). "A new monitor lizard from Halmahera, Moluccas, Indonesia (Reptilia: Squamata: Varanidae)". Salamandra. 41 (1/2): 51–59. (Varanus zugorum, new species).
  3. ↑ "Silver Monitor (Varanus zugorum)". Varanus indicus species-complex. Retrieved 17 February 2021.
  4. 1 2 "The Search for Lost Species". Global Wildlife Conservation. Retrieved 2017-06-02.
  5. 1 2 3 4 Varanus zugorum at the Reptarium.cz Reptile Database. Accessed 17 February 2021.
  6. ↑ Beolens B, Watkins M, Grayson M (2011). The Eponym Dictionary of Reptiles. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press. xiii + 296 pp. ISBN 978-1-4214-0135-5. (Varanus zugorum, p. 294).
  7. 1 2 3 Weijola, Valter S-Å (2010). "Geographical Distribution and Habitat Use of Monitor Lizards of the North Moluccas" (PDF). Biawak. 4 (1): 7–23.
  8. ↑ "Using eDNA in Quest to Rediscover Zug's Monitor Lizard: a Top 25 Most Wanted Lost Species". Experiment - Moving Science Forward. Retrieved 2023-11-26.
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