Pilbarensis
Active Member
Varanus tristis is currently a very confusing species in terms of taxonomy and work needs to be done to establish further clarity with this stunning and diverse species. The species has a remarkably large distribution and a range extending from the most northern point of Australia (Cape York), across central Australia and south-west to regions of Western Australia. They are an incredibly successful and adaptable species of varanid and inhabit an array of unique environments from tropical rainforests to arid rocky outcrops. All this has resulted in an incredible diversity in terms of size, colour, pattern and markings. To date so far little is known taxonomically-wise about this species and little research has been done to establish a greater understanding of this species' subspecies, potentially new subspecies and even new species.
At any rate that work is for a taxonomist. I'm just asking if anyone has any information/speculations on the subspecies/potential sp/ssp. Along with that I've been working on a list of locales, listed below is what I have so far. If anyone knows any other locales I'd appreciate it if you let me know, not much research has been done and it's primarily through herpers, photographers and fellow varanid keepers that I've managed to create the current list.
V. t. orientalis
Cape York (QLD)
Magnetic Island (QLD)
Darwin (NT)
Prosperine (QLD)
Brigalow Belt (QLD/NSW)
Ditmer (QLD)
Barakula State Forest (QLD)
Moorrinya NP (QLD)
Mt. Isa (QLD)
Eidsvold (QLD)
Culgoa NP (QLD/NSW)
Dajarra (QLD)
Barkly Downs (QLD)
Rosedale/Central Coastal QLD (QLD)
Central QLD (Exact locale not specified)(commonly referred to as 'reds')
Note: The extent of most of these animals ranges is not currently known.
V. t. tristis
Bourke (NSW)
Diamantina Lakes NP (QLD)
Mt. Isa (QLD)
Alice Springs (NT)
Theda Station/Kimberley (NT)
Kununurra/Kimberley (NT)
Umbrawarra Gorge (NT)
Kakadu NP (NT)
Soudan Station (NTO)
Halls Creek (WA)
Hamersley Ranges (WA)
Swan River (WA)
Port Hedland (WA)
Moore River (WA)
Southern WA (exact locale not specified)
Note: The extent of most of these animals ranges is not currently known.
If anyone has anything to add especially in regards to potentially more subspecies and definitely more locales would be very welcome. Also I've heard of a potentially new subspecies V. t. centralis, anyone care to elaborate on this?
Cheers guys & thanks
Scotty
At any rate that work is for a taxonomist. I'm just asking if anyone has any information/speculations on the subspecies/potential sp/ssp. Along with that I've been working on a list of locales, listed below is what I have so far. If anyone knows any other locales I'd appreciate it if you let me know, not much research has been done and it's primarily through herpers, photographers and fellow varanid keepers that I've managed to create the current list.
V. t. orientalis
Cape York (QLD)
Magnetic Island (QLD)
Darwin (NT)
Prosperine (QLD)
Brigalow Belt (QLD/NSW)
Ditmer (QLD)
Barakula State Forest (QLD)
Moorrinya NP (QLD)
Mt. Isa (QLD)
Eidsvold (QLD)
Culgoa NP (QLD/NSW)
Dajarra (QLD)
Barkly Downs (QLD)
Rosedale/Central Coastal QLD (QLD)
Central QLD (Exact locale not specified)(commonly referred to as 'reds')
Note: The extent of most of these animals ranges is not currently known.
V. t. tristis
Bourke (NSW)
Diamantina Lakes NP (QLD)
Mt. Isa (QLD)
Alice Springs (NT)
Theda Station/Kimberley (NT)
Kununurra/Kimberley (NT)
Umbrawarra Gorge (NT)
Kakadu NP (NT)
Soudan Station (NTO)
Halls Creek (WA)
Hamersley Ranges (WA)
Swan River (WA)
Port Hedland (WA)
Moore River (WA)
Southern WA (exact locale not specified)
Note: The extent of most of these animals ranges is not currently known.
If anyone has anything to add especially in regards to potentially more subspecies and definitely more locales would be very welcome. Also I've heard of a potentially new subspecies V. t. centralis, anyone care to elaborate on this?
Cheers guys & thanks
Scotty
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