Varanus timorensis

Varanus timorensis
	; Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Domain:	Eukaryota
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Reptilia
Order:	Squamata
Family:	Varanidae
Genus:	Varanus
Subgenus:	Odatria
Species:	V. timorensis
Binomial name
	Varanus timorensis; (Gray, 1831)
Synonyms
	Monitor timorensis Gray, 1831

Varanus timorensis, the Timor monitor^[2] or spotted tree monitor,^[3] is a species of small monitor lizards native to the island of Timor and some adjacent islands.^[2]

Taxonomy

banded tree monitors (Varanus scalaris), and spotted tree monitors (Varanus similis) were once considered subspecies

of the Timor monitor, but have since been elevated to full species status.

Currently, the peacock monitor (Varanus auffenbergi) is sometimes considered a subspecies, but is usually considered its own species.^[2]

Description

The Timor monitor is a dwarf

dorsal

surface and a lighter straw-yellow color on its ventral side. It has a pointed snout, excellent eyesight and hearing, sharp teeth, and a prehensile tail that measures two-thirds of its total length. V. timorensis also has long, sharp claws well-suited for climbing and defense. The species grows to a maximum of 61 cm, and weighs between 100 and 350 g.

Habitat

Varanus timorensis live in hollowed trees and branches, the spotted coloration helps them camouflage into the surrounding habitats.

Behavior

Timor monitors are

eggs

are laid; the eggs incubate three to four months, depending on the average temperature. Hatchlings are about 5 in long, but grow quickly.

Geographic distribution

The Timor monitor is found in Indonesia, specifically the islands of Timor, Savu, and Rote, and in East Timor.

In captivity

Frequently bred in captivity, this monitor is also still imported in small numbers for the exotic pet trade. Wild-caught specimens can be nervous and difficult to handle, but captive-raised animals are much less shy.^{[citation needed]}

References

^ Arida, E.; Reilly, S. (2021). "Varanus timorensis". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2021: e.T83778959A101752375. Retrieved 19 November 2021.
^
ISBN 978-3-89624-290-7
.

^ Varanus timorensis at the Reptarium.cz Reptile Database. Accessed 27 April 2021.
^ "Varanus Timorensis".

King, Dennis & Green, Brian. 1999. Goannas: The Biology of Varanid Lizards. University of New South Wales Press.
ISBN 0-86840-456-X

[iucn_status_19_November_2021-1] Arida, E.; Reilly, S. (2021). "Varanus timorensis". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2021: e.T83778959A101752375. Retrieved 19 November 2021.

[Auliya_and_Koch_2020-2] 
ISBN 978-3-89624-290-7
.

[RDB-3] Varanus timorensis at the Reptarium.cz Reptile Database. Accessed 27 April 2021.

[4] "Varanus Timorensis".

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