Pilbara monitor

The Pilbara monitor (Varanus bushi), also known commonly as Bush's monitor, Bush's pygmy monitor, and the Pilbara mulga goanna, is a species of monitor lizard in the family Varanidae. The species is endemic to Australia.

Pilbara monitor
Conservation status
Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Reptilia
Order:	Squamata
Suborder:	Anguimorpha
Family:	Varanidae
Genus:	Varanus
Subgenus:	Odatria
Species:	V. bushi
Binomial name
Varanus bushi Aplin, A. Fitch & D.J. King, 2006[2]

Etymology

The specific name, bushi, is in honor of Australian naturalist and herpetologist Brian Gordon Bush (born 1947).^[3]

Taxonomy

V. bushi belongs to the subgenus Odatria.^[4]

Description

V. bushi is most similar to the stripe-tailed goanna (V. caudolineatus) and the pygmy mulga goanna (V. gilleni) of all monitor lizards. However, the Pilbara monitor can be distinguished from these other two species by some morphological and genetic differences.^[5]

Geographic range

The Pilbara monitor inhabits the Pilbara region of Western Australia.^[1]

Habitat

The preferred natural habitats of V. bushi are desert and savanna.^[1]

Behaviour

Details about the behaviour of V. bushi are relatively unknown. However, it is known to be arboreal and to shelter in bark crevices, in hollow trees, and under fallen logs.^[1]

Reproduction

V. bushi is oviparous.^[6]