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
Adult Varanus acanthurus, Western Australia State © Ryan J. Ellis
Adult Varanus acanthurus, Western Australia State © Ryan J. Ellis