Black tree monitor

Taxobox
name = Black Tree MonitorITIS|ID=716501|taxon="Varanus beccarii"|year=2008|date=28 August]


image_width = 240px
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Chordata
classis = Reptilia
ordo = Squamata
familia = Varanidae
genus = "Varanus"
species = "V. beccarii"
binomial = "Varanus beccarii"
binomial_authority = Doria, 1874 [cite journal|last=Doria|first=Giacomo|date=1874|title=Enumerazione dei rettili raccolti dal Dott. O. Beccari in Amboina alle Isole Aru ed alle Isole Kei durante gli anni|journal=Ann. Mus. Civ. Stor. Nat.|volume=6|url=325-257]

The Black tree monitor ("Varanus beccarii"), or Beccari's monitor is a relatively small member of the Varanidae family, growing up to about 3-4 feet (90-120 cm) in length. They inhabit the Aru Islands of New Guinea, living in an arboreal habitat. Their skin color is completely black, lending the monitor its name.

Taxonomy

"Varanus beccari" was first described as "Monitor beccari" by Doria, in 1874. Years later it was classified as a subspecies of the Emerald tree monitor ("Varanus prasinus"), but has since been regarded as a full species in its own right. Its true classification remains a point of contention among herpetologists. [cite journal|last=Sprackland|first=R.G.|date=1991|title=Taxonomic review of the Varanus prasinus group with descriptions of two new species|journal=Mem. Queensland Museum|volume=3|issue=3|pages=561-576]

The generic name "Varanus" is derived from the Arabic word "waral" (ورل), which translates as "monitor" in English.cite book |author=King, Ruth Allen; Pianka, Eric R.; King, Dennis |title=Varanoid Lizards of the World |publisher=Indiana University Press |location=Bloomington |year=2004 |pages=225-229 |isbn=0-253-34366-6 |oclc= |doi= |accessdate=] Its specific name, "beccarii", is named after the Italian explorer Odoardo Beccari.cite book |author=Netherton, John; Badger, David P. |title=Lizards: A Natural History of Some Uncommon Creatures, Extraordinary Chameleons, Iguanas, Geckos, and More |publisher=Voyageur Press |location=Stillwater, MN |year=2002 |pages= 137|isbn=0-7603-2579-0 |oclc= |doi= |accessdate=]

Description

Hatchlings and juveniles are a dark grey in colour, with regular rows of bright yellow-green dots which are particularly noticeable on the back. As they achieve adulthood they turn completely black, losing the colourful dots. Fully grown specimens reach 3 to 4 feet (90-120cm) in length, with the males slightly larger than the females.

The black tree monitor is generally well adapted for living in trees. Its tail is particularly long, sometimes two-thirds of the overall body length, and is used in a prehensile manner to stabilize the animal in the branches.cite book | last = Cogger | first = Harold |authorlink = Harold Cogger | last2 = Zweifel | first2 = Richard | title = Reptiles & Amphibians | publisher = Weldon Owen | location = Sydney |date = 1992 | isbn = 0831727861] In fact, the tail is used solely for this purpose, as the animal does not evince the defensive tail-lashing behaviour seen in other monitor species. The black tree monitor’s feet sport large claws and adhesive soles, which help it to maintain grip in the trees. It also has unusually long teeth for a monitor of its size, which may help it to hold on to prey it catches in the canopy. Black tree monitors in the wild are reported to be nervous and high-strung; they will flee if threatened and if handled carelessly will scratch, bite, and defecate on the offender.

Predators and prey

Black tree monitors are carnivorous, consuming insects, smaller lizards, and small mammals such as shrews. They may also take scorpions, eggs, and nestlings. They are themselves preyed upon by larger lizards and snakes, as well as foxes, which were introduced to the region. They are also hunted by humans.

Distribution

The species is native the Aru Islands of Papua New Guinea, where it is known locally as "Waweyaro". It mainly inhabits humid forests and mangrove swamps.cite book | last = Monk | first = Kathryn A. | last2 = De Fretes | first2 = Yance | title = The Ecology of Nusa Tenggara and Maluku | publisher = Periplus Editions |date = 1997 | isbn = 9625930760]

Conservation

"Varanus beccarii" is not on the IUCN red list, but it is vulnerable to loss of habitat due to its restricted range. It is also popular in the pet trade, with most specimens being captured from the wild because they need so much room to breed in captivity.

References

External links

* [http://www.thebigzoo.com/Animals/Black_Tree_Monitor.asp The Big Zoo: Black Tree Monitor]
* [http://www.repticzone.com/caresheets/415.html Reptic Zone: Dwarf Monitor Care Sheets]
* [http://www.stlzoo.org/animals/abouttheanimals/reptiles/lizards/blacktreemonitor.htm Saint Louis Zoo: Black Tree Monitor]
* [http://www.centralpets.com/animals/reptiles/lizards/lzd2705.html Central Pets: Monitor - Black Tree]
* [http://www.dallaszooed.com/animalfacts/animalfacts.php?id=103&typeid=4&ci=0&li=7 Dallas Zoo: Black Tree Monitor]
* [http://www.rfadventures.com/Black%20Tree%20Monitor.htm Rainforest Adventures: Black Monitor]
* [http://www.treemonitors.com/beccarii.htm treemonitors.com: Black Tree Monitor]