Yellow-headed water monitor

Varanus cumingi

The yellow-headed water monitor , also commonly known as the Philippine water monitor or Cuming's water monitor, is a large species of monitor lizard in the family Varanidae. ''Varanus cumingi'' was previously recognized as a subspecies of the water monitor , but today is acknowledged as a species in its own right. It feeds on birds, fish, mammals, and carrion. The species thrives in forest and water margins in tropical refuges.
Close-up of a Yellow-headed water monitor (Varanus cumingi). Yellow-headed water monitor (Varanus cumingi), also known as the Cuming's water monitor. Wildlife animal. animal,asia,asian,close,cuming,cumingi,fauna,forest,head,headed,island,jungle,lacertilia,life,lizard,mindanao,monitor,natural,nature,one

Appearance

''V. cumingi'' has the highest degree of yellow coloration among all the endemic water monitors in the Philippines, probably even in the world.

Naming

The specific name, ''cumingi'', is in honor of English conchologist and botanist Hugh Cuming.Two subspecies were formerly recognized: ''V. c. cumingi'' occurring on Mindanao and offshore islands and ''V. c. samarensis'' on the islands of Bohol, Leyte and Samar. However, the latter has since been elevated to full species status as ''Varanus samarensis''.

Habitat

''V. cumingi'' inhabits primary and secondary forests, and cultivated lands.

Food

The diet of ''V. cumingi'' is composed of rodents, birds, fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and other invertebrates, including eggs and carrion.

References:

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Status: Least concern
EX EW CR EN VU NT LC
Taxonomy
KingdomAnimalia
DivisionChordata
ClassReptilia
OrderSquamata
FamilyVaranidae
GenusVaranus
SpeciesC. cumingi
Photographed in
Chile