Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Anyone have information on the Fensch’s Monitor (V. fenschi)? They are supposedly similar to the Yellow/Quince Monitor (V. melinus). Looking for a group of them, but have not seen any available. It is my understanding they have a good disposition like the V. melinus.
Shane

http://www.kingsnake.com/dnj/monitors/finschi.html
try emailing this guy. they look like they'll be a bit pricey.

Hi,
"Finsch's" Monitor was named/described after Ornithologist Otto Finsch. It is known to New Britain, Halmaheira, and Cape York Peninsula, Australia = so it has a vast range, and (probably) an archaic one.

They frequent damp areas, jungle environs, and are little known of in the wild = there is a recent article by Dr. Jim McGuire (UCB) in "Amphibians and Reptile Conservation" Journal (= www.herpetofauna.org).

I co-authored an article on closely related V. doreanus in Reptiles, Feb. 2002, 10(2):76-82.

Happy Christmas and Merry Holidays...
markb

Hi all,

Its funny when I read Varaniod Lizard of the world I was quite curious as to the the records of V. finschi and V. doreanus on Cape York.

I am not so sure to accept them yet as they actual collection locality is unknown....to the Museum they are lodged in.

So subsquently, the records can't be checked (a person can't go to exact spot where these where found...to possibly find more)

Neither species was included in Wilson and Swan 2003 or Wilson 2005. (Incidently Steve Wilson works at the Qld Museum (not in the Herp dept)

Regards,

Scott Eipper

i had a pair of finschi and found them to be interesting little monitors. my female laid 2 clutches in summer of 2003 but they were infertile. they are not imported often, in fact, i believe there are less than 5 living in the states now. i sold my female recently but wish i hadnt. my male died unexpectedly and i couldnt acquire another. if you want more info on how i kept them, or photos, email me. -john

cybersalvator.com