| Asian water monitor | |
|---|---|
| |
| V. s. salvator | |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Family: | Varanidae |
| Genus: | Varanus |
| Subgenus: | Soterosaurus |
| Species: | V. salvator
|
| Binomial name | |
| Varanus salvator (Laurenti, 1768)
| |
The Asian water monitor (Varanus salvator) is a large varanid lizard native to South and Southeast Asia. It is widely considered to be the second-largest lizard species, after the Komodo dragon. It is distributed from eastern and northeastern India and Bangladesh, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Sri Lanka, through southern China and Hainan Island in the east to mainland Southeast Asia and the islands of Sumatra, Borneo, Java, Lombok, the Riau Archipelago, Sulawesi. It is one of the most widespread monitor lizards.
The Asian water monitor has a natural affinity towards water, inhabiting the surroundings of lakes, rivers, ponds, swamps and various riparian habitats, including sewers, city parks, and urban waterways. It is an excellent swimmer and hunts fish, frogs, invertebrates, water birds, and other types of aquatic and amphibious prey. Due to its apparently large, stable population, it is currently listed as Least Concern on to the IUCN Red List.
- ^ a b Quah, E.; Lwin, K.; Cota, M.; Grismer, L.; Neang, T.; Wogan, G.; McGuire, J.; Wang, L.; Rao, D.-Q.; Auliya, M. & Koch, A. (2021). "Varanus salvator". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2021: e.T178214A113138439. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2021-2.RLTS.T178214A113138439.en. Retrieved 29 January 2022.