Palawan monitor lizard
A species of Monitor lizards Scientific name : Varanus palawanensis Genus : Monitor lizards
Palawan monitor lizard, A species of Monitor lizards
Scientific name: Varanus palawanensis
Genus: Monitor lizards
Content
Description General Info
Description
The Palawan water monitor, Varanus palawanensis, is a monitor lizard endemic to the Philippines. It has enough differences to be considered a distinct species from the closely related water monitor, marbled water monitor, and Varanus rasmusseni. V. palawanensis belongs to the subgenus Soterosaurus with these other species.
General Info
Lifespan
12-20 years
Diet
Palawan monitor lizard is primarily insectivorous, with a pronounced preference for ants. Its diet also includes earthworms, beetles, and smaller vertebrates, providing a varied, protein-rich nutrition.
Appearance
Palawan monitor lizard is a large, long-bodied monitor lizard with a pointed snout and tough, scaly skin. Their coloration varies from dark-grey to brown, with patches of yellow or pale spots arranged in bands on their body and tail. It has a lissome, forked tongue and a fluid, graceful tail which it uses for balancing and swimming. Notable physical differences between individuals are not apparent.
Behavior
Palawan monitor lizard is noted for its solitary behavior, spending most of its time in trees which reflects adaptation for arboreal lifestyle. It shows distinct diurnal activity, foraging for arthropods and small vertebrates. There is minimal evidence on social dynamics or territory defense among this species.
Population
Stable
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
Monitor lizards Genus
Monitor lizards Species
Palawan monitor lizard 
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