Varanus zugorum

Description

Zugs' monitor (Varanus zugorum), also known as the silver monitor, is a species of monitor lizards found on the island of Halmahera in the Moluccas. It is currently only known from the vicinity of Jailolo District but its range is likely to be throughout the island. Zugs' monitor was described from a juvenile museum specimen originally labeled as Varanus indicus. At least one or two specimens resembling the type specimen and generally agreed to represent this species have been imported at various times for the pet trade. Other than this however, the species is unknown. Its habits are unknown as it has not been observed in the wild and is rarely seen even by natives. The monitor is among the 25 “most wanted lost” species that are the focus of Global Wildlife Conservation’s “Search for Lost Species” initiative.