Yellow monitor

The yellow monitor, scientifically known as Varanus flavescens, is a captivating species of monitor lizard native to South Asia. Often referred to as the golden monitor or Sun Gohoro, it also bears local names such as SANGOIH in Maithili and Svarna Godhika in Bengali.

This lizard is renowned for its distinctive appearance and unique behaviors. It typically inhabits wet environments, often found near forest edges and even close to human settlements, which unfortunately makes it susceptible to direct killing. The yellow monitor is a carnivore, but it is not as adept at climbing trees as some of its relatives, owing to its shorter hind toes.

These lizards can be found in the floodplains of major rivers such as the Indus, Ganges, and Brahmaputra, across regions in India, Pakistan, Nepal, and Bangladesh.

The yellow monitor faces numerous threats, including illegal trade, hunting for its skin, and habitat loss due to expanding human activities. Conservation efforts are underway in countries like Nepal, India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. These initiatives focus on research, enforcing legal protections, and educating local communities about the importance of preserving this species.

Despite these efforts, there remains much to learn about the yellow monitor, such as its precise population trends. Researchers believe the population is declining, but further studies are necessary to confirm this and to develop effective conservation strategies. Understanding its ecology and the specific threats it encounters is essential for ensuring the survival of this distinctive lizard.