Learn more about the 4 kinds of protected monitor lizards found in Thailand in World Lizard Day.

            • Varanus bengalensis, often known as Laan or Taguat, has a grey-yellow or grey-brown body with pale yellow dots distributed throughout. It like to reside in open woodlands.

            • Tud Dtoo, Varanus dumerilii, or Dumeril's monitor, has big, rough, ridged scales, particularly on the throat. The neck's underside is white. The body is grayish-brown. Found in the jungles in the south and west. It has a calm and slow demeanor.

            • Hao Chang, Varanus rudicollis, sometimes known as the roughneck monitor, is smaller than the monitor lizard. Its body is dark black and covered in faint horizontal patterns. The scales across its neck resemble durian thorns. It is a cautious and timid animal that makes noises like a cobra.

            • Hia, Varanus salvator, often known as the Common Water Monitor, has white or yellow stripes across its body. Their tail is segmented in black and pastel yellow. The Common Water Monitor is the largest in its family and can be found in rivers, canals, rainforests, and mangrove forests. Common Water Monitor is a skilled diver and climber.

        Monitor lizards are scavengers, which are regarded as an important ecological mechanism. They have been classified as protected wildlife under the Wildlife Conservation and Protection Act. Hunting, trading, and possession are all prohibited.

Written, translated, and illustrated by: Ratchanok T.