Emerald tree monitor

Emerald tree monitor[1]
CITES Appendix II (CITES)
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Family: Varanidae
Genus: Varanus
Subgenus: Hapturosaurus
Species:
V. prasinus
Binomial name
Varanus prasinus
Schlegel, 1839
Map showing the distribution of Varanus prasinus, found throughout Papua New Guinea and several islands in the Torres Strait.
Distribution of the emerald tree monitor, shown in red.
Emerald tree monitor

The emerald tree monitor (Varanus prasinus) or green tree monitor, is a small to medium-sized arboreal monitor lizard. It is known for its unusual coloration, which consists of shades from green to turquoise, topped with dark, transverse dorsal banding. This coloration helps camouflage it in its arboreal habitat.[3] Its color also makes the emerald tree monitor highly prized in both the pet trade and zoos alike.[4]

  1. ^ "Varanus prasinus". Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Retrieved 28 August 2008.
  2. ^ Shea, G., Allison, A., Parker, F. & Tallowin, O. 2018. Varanus prasinus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2018: e.T42485751A101752115. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2018-2.RLTS.T42485751A101752115.en.
  3. ^ Wilson, Don W.; Burnie, David (2001). Animal. London: DK. p. 422. ISBN 978-0-7894-7764-4.
  4. ^ Bartlett, Patricia Pope; Bartlett, Richard D. (1996). Monitors, Tegus, and Related Lizards: Everything About Selection, Care, Nutrition, Diseases, Breeding, and Behavior. Woodbury, N.Y: Barron's Educational Series. p. 63. ISBN 978-0-8120-9696-5.