The black-spotted ridge-tailed monitor, Varanus baritji, is a medium-sized ground dwelling monitor lizard.^[2] It is also known as White’s ridged-tailed monitor^[2] or White's dwarf goanna.^[3] It is found in the northernmost part of the Northern Territory of Australia.^[4][5]

The species name of this lizard, baritj, is an Australian aboriginal word for white, as the lizard is named after its discoverer, Dr. Neville White.^[1]

Description

This monitor lizard is spiny. It is similar to Varanus acanthurus in appearance, but differs in colour patterns. For example, Varanus baritji has a bright yellow underside. However, Varanus baritji lacks the light and dark dorsal neck stripes and the light ocellated markings on its back for which Varanus acanthurus is known. The black-spotted ridge-tailed monitor can reach up to 72 cm in length.^[3]

References

1. ^ ^{a b} JCVI.org
2. ^ ^{a b} Monitor-lizards.de
3. ^ ^{a b} Mampam.com
4. ^ Museum.wa.gov.au
5. ^ GBIF.org