Black Tree Monitor

Scientific Name: Varanus beccarii

Found In: Indonesia – it is only known from the Aru islands in Maluku Province Forest canopy of lowland rain forests

Size: Adults average 3 to 4 feet in length.

Diet: Carnivore. Diet consists of insects, small mammals, and smaller lizards.

Threat Level: Data deficient. While there is not enough information known about this species for IUCN to determine a conservation status, major threats include the exotic pet trade and habitat loss from deforestation.

Facts: The black tree monitor has a prehensile tail that is two-thirds the size of its body and helps it to balance in the trees.