Rough necked monitor - (Varanus rudicollis) , Penang.
First Record of the Rough-necked Monitor Varanus rudicollis from Penang, Malaysia
RAY HAMILTON
In Malaysia, the known distribution of the rough-necked monitor Varanus rudicollis is poorly documented, with relatively few reliable localities scattered throughout Borneo and Peninsular Malaysia (Bennett & Liat, 1995). As far as it can be determined, there are no records of its occurrence on the island of Penang, Malaysia.
On 29th April 2008 a single specimen of V.rudicollis was observed and photographed on the island of Penang, Malaysia. The sub-adult lizard was seen at rest in a tree, approximately ten metres off the ground during mid afternoon. The lizard remained at rest in the same position during the ten minutes under observation. Apart from a slight adjustment of the upper body position the lizard was apparently unconcerned by our presence nearby. The canopy walkway in which the observation was made is at the edge of the developed area and bordered by well forested jungle, with mature trees and thick vegetation. The Penang Hill Canopy Walkway is located 1.7 km from the upper Penang Hill Railway Station, at an approximate elevation of 710 metres above sea level at the summit of Penang Hill (Bukit Bendera), Malaysia.
Rough necked monitor - (Varanus rudicollis) , Penang.
First Record of the Rough-necked Monitor Varanus rudicollis from Penang, Malaysia
RAY HAMILTON
In Malaysia, the known distribution of the rough-necked monitor Varanus rudicollis is poorly documented, with relatively few reliable localities scattered throughout Borneo and Peninsular Malaysia (Bennett & Liat, 1995). As far as it can be determined, there are no records of its occurrence on the island of Penang, Malaysia.
On 29th April 2008 a single specimen of V.rudicollis was observed and photographed on the island of Penang, Malaysia. The sub-adult lizard was seen at rest in a tree, approximately ten metres off the ground during mid afternoon. The lizard remained at rest in the same position during the ten minutes under observation. Apart from a slight adjustment of the upper body position the lizard was apparently unconcerned by our presence nearby. The canopy walkway in which the observation was made is at the edge of the developed area and bordered by well forested jungle, with mature trees and thick vegetation. The Penang Hill Canopy Walkway is located 1.7 km from the upper Penang Hill Railway Station, at an approximate elevation of 710 metres above sea level at the summit of Penang Hill (Bukit Bendera), Malaysia.