Peacock monitor

In the next article, we are going to explore and analyze Peacock monitor in depth. This topic has captured the attention of academics and experts in recent years, generating a debate that continues today. From its origins to its relevance in modern society, Peacock monitor has been the subject of studies and research that have shed light on its multiple facets and its implications in different areas. Through a multidisciplinary approach, we will examine the various perspectives that exist around this topic and its impact on everyday life. In addition, we will delve into little-known aspects and the latest news related to Peacock monitor, with the aim of providing the reader with a complete and updated vision of this fascinating matter.

Peacock monitor
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Family: Varanidae
Genus: Varanus
Subgenus: Odatria
Species:
V. auffenbergi
Binomial name
Varanus auffenbergi

The peacock monitor (Varanus auffenbergi), also known commonly as Auffenberg's monitor, is a species of small monitor lizard in the family Varanidae. The species, which belongs to the subgenus Odatria, is endemic to Rote Island, Indonesia.[3]

Etymology

The generic name Varanus is derived from the Arabic word waral ورل, (alternative spelling waran= "lizard"). The name comes from a common semitic root ouran, waran, or waral, meaning "lizard".[4] The occasional habit of varanids to stand on their two hind legs and to appear to "monitor" their surroundings may have led to this name, as it was Latinized into Varanus. The specific name auffenbergi honors US herpetologist Walter Auffenberg.[5]

Description

Adult male from Rote Island. (Despite the caption, it is a peacock monitor, as it is from Rote Island)

The peacock monitor is one of the smaller monitor lizards, usually reaching a length of 60 cm (23.5 in).[3] It is similar to the Timor monitor (V. timorensis), with some differentiation in the underside coloring and patterns. The coloring patterns fade as these lizards reach adulthood. The peacock monitor has blue-grey ocelli, whereas the Timor monitor has cream-colored ocelli.[6]

Behavior

In the wild, peacock monitors have been seen climbing the trunks of palms and then basking on the crowns of the trees.[7] The peacock monitor is calm and shy compared to other monitor lizards, remaining shy even in captivity.[3]

References

  1. ^ Arida, E.; Reilly, S. (2021). "Varanus auffenbergi". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2021: e.T83777277A83777299. Retrieved 19 November 2021.
  2. ^ "Varanus auffenbergi . ITIS.gov". Retrieved 10 February 2010.
  3. ^ a b c "Reptiliana.wordpress.com". 16 March 2008. (Retrieved Feb. 10, 2010.)
  4. ^ Sprackland, Robert George (1992). Giant Lizards. Neptune, New Jersey: T.F.H. Publications. p. 61. ISBN 0-86622-634-6.
  5. ^ Beolens, Bo; Watkins, Michael; Grayson, Michael (2011). The Eponym Dictionary of Reptiles. Baltimore, Maryland: Johns Hopkins University Press. xiii + 296 pp. ISBN 978-1-4214-0135-5. (Varanus auffenbergi, p.12).
  6. ^ monitor-lizards.net Archived 2010-05-19 at the Wayback Machine (Retrieved Feb. 10, 2010.)
  7. ^ Del Canto R (2007). "Notes on the occurrence of Varanus auffenbergi on Roti Island". Biawak Quarterly Journal of Varanid Biology and Husbandry 1 (1): 24–25.
  • Sprackland RG (1999). "New species of monitor (Squamata: Varanidae) from Indonesia". Reptile Hobbyist 4 (6): 20–27. (Varanus auffenbergi, new species).
  • JCVI.org (Downloaded Feb. 10, 2010.)
  • Varanaus.nl (Downloaded Feb. 10, 2010.)
  • ITIS.gov (Downloaded Feb.11, 2010)
  • Museumstuff.com (Downloaded Feb.11, 2010)
  • Wesiak K (2008). "Unterbringung, Pflege und Nachzucht von Varanus (Odatria) auffenbergi SPRACKLAND 1999 ". Elaphe 16 (1): 37–47. (in German).
  • Green, Brian; King, Dennis (1999). Monitors : The Biology of Varanid Lizards, 2nd ed. Malabar: Krieger Publishing Company.
  • King, Ruth Allen; Pianka, Eric R.; King, Dennis (2004). Varanoid Lizards of the World. Bloomington: Indiana University Press. pp. 225–229. ISBN 0-253-34366-6.
  • King, Dennis & Green, Brian. (1999). Goannas: The Biology of Varanid Lizards. University of New South Wales Press. ISBN 0-86840-456-X
  • Behavior video on YouTube



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