Varanus acanthurus

Ridgetail monitor

 

TAXONOMY: Three populations are recognized (V. a. acanthurus, V. acanthurus brachyurus, V. acanthurus insulanicus), however the taxonomic status remains uncertain

DISTRIBUTION: Western Australia, Queensland & Northern Territory (for detailed distribution data, see Auliya & Koch 2020)

RED LIST STATUS: Least Concern (LC) in 2017

CITES: Appendix II

NATONAL PROTECTION: According to the Australian EPCT Act (Environment Protection and Biodiversity Act) of 1999, the commercial export of live specimens is prohibited

THREATS: …

RESEARCH NEEDS:Reassess the taxonomic status of members in this species complex and therein current distribution in all of Australia; assess potential threats that could negatively affect the abundance of regional populations

CURRENT PROJECTS: At present unknown