Varanus semotus

Mussau mangrove monitor

 

TAXONOMY: Member of the Varanus indicus species group

DISTRIBUTION: Bismarck Islands (for detailed distribution data, see Auliya & Koch 2020)

RED LIST STATUS: Not Evaluated (NE)

CITES: Appendix II

NATIONAL PROTECTION:

THREATS: Logging activities have most likely reduced the distribution of the species to a small coastal strip. If cane toads (Bufo marinus) were introduced (they are already present on the nearby Emirau Isl.), this may also detrimentally affect the viability of V. semotus.

RESEARCH NEEDS:

CURRENT PROJECTS: