Finsch's monitor facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Finsch's monitor |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Varanus
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| Species: |
finschi
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The Finsch's monitor (Varanus finschi) is a type of monitor lizard. These lizards belong to the family called Varanidae. You can find Finsch's monitors living in New Guinea and Australia.
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What's in a Name?
The scientific name for this lizard, finschi, honors a German naturalist named Friedrich Hermann Otto Finsch. He was a scientist who studied nature and lived from 1839 to 1917.
Where Finsch's Monitors Live
At first, people thought Finsch's monitors only lived in a few places like Blanche Bay, Ralum, and Massawa in New Britain. But after more research, scientists found them in more areas.
Now we know they also live in the Bismarck Archipelago (which includes New Ireland), other parts of New Guinea, and even in Queensland, Australia. We don't know the exact spots in Northern Australia where they live because one specimen found there didn't have clear location details.
Where They Make Their Home
Finsch's monitors can live in many different kinds of places. They are found in mangrove forests, which are forests that grow in salty water near the coast. They also live in inland forests, areas where trees have recently been cut down, and coconut plantations. You might even spot them on rocky beaches!
Finsch's Monitor Family Tree
The Finsch's monitor belongs to a group called Euprepiosaurus. It's closely related to other monitor lizards. For example, the Ceram mangrove monitor (Varanus (Euprepiosaurus) cerambonensis) and the peach-throated monitor (Varanus (Euprepiosaurus) jobiensis) are like its cousins in the monitor lizard family.
What Finsch's Monitors Look Like
Adult Finsch's monitors have a special pattern on their back. They have black spots that look like eyes, often arranged in rows. These spots have a yellowish center and are on a dark grayish background.
Their heads are dark, but they have many small yellowish spots. If you were to see their tongue, you would notice it is pink!
How They Are Protected
The Finsch's monitor is listed as a species of "Least Concern" by the IUCN. This means that, for now, there are plenty of these lizards in the wild. Scientists don't believe they are in danger of disappearing anytime soon.
See also
In Spanish: Varanus finschi para niños
