Varanus salvator

Asian water monitor ( Varanus salvator ) is a large varanid lizard native to South and Southeast Asia.

Etymology

It was described by Josephus Nicolaus Laurenti in 1768 as Stellio salvator, which is erroneous as Stellio is found only in America.  ?It was corrected only in 1847 by Theodore Cantor, when he reclassified it to Varanus.?

The generic name ‘Varunus’  was derived from Arabic word ‘waran’ ( ورل ), which originated from Semitic word ‘ouran’, which mean “dragon” or “lizard beast”.   The species epithet ‘salvator’ has Latin origins meaning ‘savior’.

Subspecies

There are 7 subspecies of Varanus salvator according to their localities :

• V. s. salvator – Sri Langka, 1768, 1937

• V. s. adamanensis – Adaman Islands, 1944

• V. s. bivittatus – Sunda islands, 1820

• V. s. komaini – Thailand, 2007

• V. s. macromaculatus – SE Asia, 1944

• V. s. ziegleri – Obi Island, 2010

Poison / Venom

The aftereffects of a Varanus bite were thought to be due to oral bacteria alone, but recent studies have shown venom glands are likely to be present in the mouths of several, if not all, of the species.

The venom may be used as a defensive mechanism to fend off predators, to help digest food, to sustain oral hygiene, and possibly to help in capturing and killing prey.

Economic Significant

Monitor lizards are traded globally and are the most common type of lizard to be exported from Southeast Asia, with 8.1 million exported between 1998 and 2007.

The Asian water monitor is one of the most exploited varanids; its skin is used for fashion accessories such as shoes, belts and handbags.  Another uses include a perceived remedy for skin ailments and eczema, novelty food in Indonesia, and a perceived aphrodisiac, and as pets.

Conservation

Varanus salvator is currently listed as Least Concern in the IUCN Red List and in CITES Appendix 2

In Nepal, it is a protected species under the Wild Animals Protection Act of 2002.

In Hong Kong, it is a protected species under Wild Animals Protection Ordinance Cap 170.

In Thailand, all monitor lizards are protected species under the Wildlife Preservation and Protection Act 1992.