Subphylum Vertebrata Scientific name Varanus finschi | Phylum Chordata Class Reptilia Suborder Lacertilia Rank Species | |
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Similar Ceram mangrove monitor, Turquoise monitor, Canopy goanna, Rennell Island monitor, Monitor lizard | ||
Finsch's monitor (Varanus finschi ) is a species of monitor lizard found in New Guinea and Australia.
Contents
Etymology
The specific name, finschi, is in honor of German naturalist Friedrich Hermann Otto Finsch (1839-1917).
Geographic range
Finsch's monitor was only known from Blanche Bay, Ralum, and Massawa in New Britain. Further research on the available museum specimens enlarged the range of the species, which currently includes the Bismarck Archipelago (New Ireland), New Guinea and Queensland, Australia. The specimen from Queensland lacks any fixed data on its locality, so the exact distribution of Finsch's monitor in Northern Australia remains unknown.
Pet trade
Reports of this species imported for the pet trade from the Kei Islands are erroneous and refer to similar though distinct animals which have yet to be formally described.
Habitat
V. finschi is found in several habitats: mangrove forest, inland forest, fresh-cut clearings, coconut plantations, and rocky beaches.
Taxonomy
V. finschi belongs to the subgenus Euprepiosaurus along with the closely related Ceram mangrove monitor, Varanus (Euprepiosaurus) cerambonensis, and the peach-throated monitor, Varanus (Euprepiosaurus) jobiensis.
Description
The dorsal pattern of Varanus finschi adults consists of "black ocelli, which are often arranged in irregular transverse rows - with a yellowish center on a dark grayish background." The dark head of V. finschi is speckled with many yellowish spots. Its tongue color is pink.
Conservation status
Finsch's monitor is of Least Concern as evaluated by the IUCN.