(excuse this post I guess if this is old news)
Just last night I saw one of Mutual of Omaha's nature specials and featured was Daniel Bennett's reseach on the Butaan, or Gray's Montior lizard.
Probally most of you regulars know, but the Butaan is a very special species of monitor. Not only is it's diet consist of mostly pandanas fruit, but it plays a vital role in spreading the seeds from the pandanas trees in the dense, tropical rain forests on Polillo Island, Philippines. A whole ecosystem relys on this monitor and it's diet.
Though the Butaan need our help as it's forests are being cleared for farming. This is how important seeing this special was for me. I literally jumped from my seat shouting how awesome seeing this was! Hopefully more public awareness will be risen for this beautiful animal and it's pristine habitat. I still remember back when I saw Daniel come to my reptile society meeting a few years ago in Davis, California. It was a huge influence on me and really pushed me to get into conservation. It made me incredibly happy to see this special last night, and makes me think there still might be a chance for this magnificent animal.
Congratulations to Daniel Bennett and the Butaan Crew!
More Butaan Info
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Cheers,
Michael Starkey
