The giant lizard of the Philippines, also known as the Philippine monitor lizard (Varanus bitatawa), is a fascinating and little-known species of monitor lizard. This species was officially discovered in 2010, making it a relatively recent discovery in the world of science. Before that, the Philippine monitor lizard was known to local indigenous communities but had managed to escape the attention of scientists due to its isolated habitat and elusive nature.
This giant lizard can reach up to 2 meters in length, with most of that length attributed to its long tail. Like all reptiles, it has a skin covered in scales, typically black or gray with yellow or greenish patterns, providing excellent camouflage in its forest environment. It also has a forked tongue, similar to snakes, which helps it more easily detect scent particles and prey.
If you want to see this species, you can find it in the Sierra Madre, in the northern part of Luzon Island in the northern Philippines. It inhabits tropical rainforests with dense and wooded areas. In fact, without trees, your chances of spotting one would be diminished, as the Philippine monitor lizard is arboreal, meaning it spends most of its time in the branches.
This giant lizard is diurnal, meaning it is active during the day. As mentioned earlier, it is an arboreal species and spends most of its time high up in the branches. It comes down to the ground to search for food. Unlike its mostly carnivorous monitor lizard cousins, it primarily feeds on fruits. It also consumes leaves, flowers, and occasionally eggs and small animals.
Scientists don’t have specific details regarding the reproduction of this giant lizard. However, they believe that, like other monitor lizards, it lays eggs, which it buries in the ground or places in crevices.
This species is classified as ‘vulnerable’ by the IUCN. The main cause is habitat destruction due to deforestation caused by humans. Poaching also poses a threat.
The Philippine monitor lizard plays a crucial role in the local environment. As a frugivore, it helps disperse seeds, contributing to forest regeneration. Conservation and protection initiatives are underway to safeguard the forest habitats of this species. Awareness and education programs are being implemented to inform local populations about the importance of this species and the need to protect it.