Title
Additional field records provide further resolution of the distribution of the Water Monitor Varanus salvator (Squamata: Varanidae) in northwestern Myanmar
Author(s)
Platt, S.;Win, M. ;Rainwater, T.
Published
2018
Publisher
Journal of Threatened Taxa
Abstract
Despite being one of the most common and widely
distributed varanids in South and Southeast Asia
(Bennet et al. 2010; Das 2010; Chan-ard et al. 2015),
the distributon of the Water Monitor Varanus salvator
(Laurent, 1768) within Myanmar remains poorly
delineated, partcularly for the central and northern
regions of the country (Cota et al. 2009; Sai Sein Lin Oo
& Bates 2016). Smith (1935) stated that V. salvator was
“plentful throughout Burma” [now Myanmar] without
mentoning any specifc localites. Anderson (1878) and
Boulenger (1888) reported specimens of V. salvator from
the Bhamo and the Kachin Hills, respectvely. Cota et
al. (2009) suggested these earlier
records could be in error, perhaps
representng specimens obtained
in markets or transported as food,
and further noted that extensive
collectng by research teams
from the California Academy of
Sciences failed to record V. salvator
anywhere in central and northern
Myanmar.
Keywords
Water Monitor;Varanus salvator;Geographic Distribution;Myanmar
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