Varanus ornatus (Daudin 1803)

Since the relatively recent classification of the ornate monitor as a distinct species, very little research has been carried out to assess its specific biology and ecology. Like the Nile monitor it is diurnal but unlike its better known relative, the ornate monitor is active throughout the year. Although generally considered to be terrestrial, this dextrous lizard is both an excellent swimmer and climber. The specific dietary habits of the ornate monitor have received little attention from researchers, but in one study, crabs were found to form a considerable component of the diet of both juveniles and adults (2).

There are no specific conservation measures in place for the ornate monitor but it is listed on Appendix II of CITES which makes it an offence to trade this species without a permit (1).

Until 1997 the ornate monitor was considered a subspecies of the more ubiquitous and slightly larger Nile monitor. The two closely related species are very similar in appearance, sharing many attributes such as a powerful stout body, elongated snake-like head, sharp claws and long compressed tail (2). Although both monitors are reasonably alike in colouration, the more brightly coloured ornate monitor has darker olive to black skin with fewer bands of yellow spots spaced from the shoulder to the tail (2) (3).

In contrast with the wide range of habitat occupied by the Nile monitor, the ornate monitor is typically found in the vicinity of watercourses in lowland rainforest (2).

The ornate monitor occurs form Senegal east to Chad, and south as far as Angola (1).

Listed on Appendix II of CITES (1).

The ornate monitor is threatened by habitat loss and exploited for its skin (3)