Yemen monitor

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Yemen monitor
Conservation status
Data Deficient  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Domain:	Eukaryota
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Reptilia
Order:	Squamata
Family:	Varanidae
Genus:	Varanus
Subgenus:	Polydaedalus
Species:	V. yemenensis
Binomial name
Varanus yemenensis Böhme, Joger & Schätti, 1989

The Yemen monitor (Varanus yemenensis) is a species of

Although the species was first described in 1988 by Wolfgang Böhme et al. under the name Varanus yemensis, specimens have been collected since the late 19th century to be held by the British Museum by 1903. However, it was assumed that they were mislabelled and actually came from Africa. The discovery was made in an odd manner: two years before the first description Wolfgang Böhme recognized a yet undescribed species of monitor lizard filmed in a TV documentary about nature in Yemen. A few months later, 8 voucher specimens were brought to Europe.[2] The holotype specimen is ZFMK 46500, a subadult.^[3]

Distribution

The Yemen monitor inhabits mainly the

The Yemen monitor often lives close to shallow water or in dry river beds. During the driest season of the year in the months from January to March its activity may be reduced or even suspended.[2]^[3]

Behaviour

Deep burrows are excavated under rocks and tree stumps. They are relatively docile in captivity for a monitor.

Its diet mostly consists of invertebrates such as snails and insects, especially beetles. Large vertebrate prey are presumably taken as well when given the chance to. ^[2]

References