Varanus cf. koniecznyi

Konieczyni’s Monitor

TAXONOMY: Provisionally we place Varanus griseus konieczyni  under species status based on morphological grounds, alongside chorological distribution patterns in parapatric speciation with Varanus caspius (Böhme et al 2023); however genetic data have yet to confirm this taxonomic status.

DISTRIBUTION:  India, Pakistan (see Auliya & Koch 2020)

RED LIST STATUS: Not Evaluated

CITES: Appendix I

NATIONAL PROTECTION:

India. – Listed in Schedule 1, Part II of the Wildlife (Protection) Act of India, 1972

Pakistan. – All wildlife is protected in Pakistan, for e.g., the Sindh Wildlife Protection Ordinance, 1972 is relevant; it extends to the whole of the Province of Sindh; nothing hereinafter provided shall be deemed to authorize any person to hunt in the reserved or protected forests or on any person’s private property without permission.

THREATS:

General. – Increase and intensification of agriculture and livestock farming,  trade for varying purposes (medicine, decor, food, pets, leather), urbanization.

RESEARCH NEEDS:

General. – Assess the impact of the varying threats on local populations; a socio-economic study resulting in awareness programs; reassess the taxonomic status of this species-complex.

Confirm the genetic identity of Varanus konieczyni.

CURRENT PROJECTS: …..