Domestic use.

In several range States of Varanus spp. the human population traditionally utilizes monitor lizards for varying purposes. Examples of species utilized in different regions/countries will be illustrated and if known, the intention of the respective use is described.

Local use of Varanus spp. in the Philippines

Varanus cf. marmoratus from Isabela Province, Luzon, butchered and cooked by locals; © Gerson Kim Penetrante

Skull of Varanus nuchalis at a souvenir market on Boracay Island © Maren Gaulke

Varanus nuchalis slaughtered by local people (probably caught in trap), Panay Island © Maren Gaulke

Presumably a specimen of Varanus samarensis shot by locals, Camotes Island (between Cebu and Leyte Island) © Maren Gaulke

Same specimen of presumably Varanus samarensis shot by locals, Camotes Island (between Cebu and Leyte Island) © Maren Gaulke

Two individuals of Varanus nuchalis trapped for consumption in Talisay City, Negros Isl. © PCTAR

Keychains made from Varanus palawanensis feet in a souvenir shop in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan Isl. © Emerson Y. Sy

Water monitor lizards [here: Varanus cumingi] are regularly trapped for consumption as snacks while drinking liquor, Siargao Island © Emerson Y. Sy

Slippers made from monitor lizard skin are occasionally available in Japan surplus stores © Emerson Y. Sy

A drum with Varanus palawanensis skin made by indigenous people on Palawan Island © Emerson Y. Sy

An Ifugao Province necklace made from monitor lizard (most likely Varanus marmoratus) vertebrae and jaw bone was on sale in a collectible shop in Manila City © Emerson Y. Sy

Local use of Varanus spp. in Indonesia

Varanus salvator celebensis sold at bushmeat market in Tomohon, North Sulawesi Province, Indonesia © Tom Kirschey

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Local use of Varanus spp. in Vietnam

Restaurant workers slaughter and gut a monitor lizard in preparation for cooking, in 2006 © ENV

Live recently captured Varanus nebulosus. Posted on social media following capture in 2016 © Subject of case

Varanus salvator in wine jar advertised on Facebook in 2020 by a subject, unknown locality. Case resulted in deactivation of the subject’s Facebook account following ENV intervention © Subject of case

Dried monitor lizards advertised for sale on Facebook in 2021. The subject was from Phuc Tho © Subject of case

Advertisement of selling monitor lizards’ gallbladders on Facebook in 2020. The subject was from Kon Tum. Police intervention resulted in warning and Facebook account deactivation © Subject of case

Gallbladders of monitor lizards advertised for sale on Facebook by a subject in Kon Tum in 2018. Police intervention resulted in removal of the violations and a warning. The subject also advertised bear parts, rhino horn, and ivory © Subject of case

Specimens of Varanus salvator were advertised for sale on Facebook by a subject in Dien Bien province in 2020 © Subject of case

Local use of Varanus spp. in India

A young boy with four specimens of Varanus flavescens killed during a hunting festival in the Bardhaman district of West Bengal, India © Tanmoy Ghosh

A snake charmer community person having the head of the monitor in his mouth, showing it in a snake God fair at Rajasthan, India © Dharmendra Khandal

A Bawaria tribal boy holding a Varanus bengalensis; many Indian communities illegally kill them for consumption, Rajasthan, India © Dharmendra Khandal

Local use of Varanus spp. in Papua New Guinea

Traditional Kundu drum with the skin of V. salvadorii; note the distinctly keeled scales; more commonly the skin of the Arafura filesnake (Acrochordus arafurae) is used; house in Western Province, PNG © Mark O’Shea