Varanus mabitang is a highly arboreal, secritive species. Even upon capture, individuals demonstrate no defensive or threatening behaviors.
Varanus mabitang is one of three species of primarily frugivorous monitor lizards (Subgenus: Philippinosaurus), all of which are endemic to the Philippines. This species is highly conspicuous, being highly melanistic, colored nearly solid black. Dorsal black color with a scattering of tiny yellow dots on the posterior end of some nuchal, trunk, and limb scales. Ventral coloration dark gray to black.
At the time of its description, Varanus mabitang was considered scarce, and recommended for consideration as critically endangered. Although this species has a highly restricted documented distribution, full realization of its population density requires continued studies throughout its potential range.
Varanus mabitang is designated as a CITES Appendix II species. This taxon is not currently threatened by extinction, but may become so unless trade or other factors are closely monitored.
Varanus mabitang is nearly solid black, with minimal gold flecking dorsally. Ventral coloration is also nearly completely black. The body lacks any discernable transverse bands. Nuchal scales relatively small, as are most scales throughout the body, conferring overall fewer scale counts when compared to V. bitatawa and V. olivaceus. Tail is triangular in cross-section, with a well-defined, dorsal longitudinal double keel. Head elongated, with slightly domed canthal region, as well as well as hypertrophied adducter musculature in the temporal region. Ventral and caudal scales strongly keeled.
V. mabitang is known only from the forested areas of northern Panay Island, Philippines. Specifically, this species has been documented in areas of the northwest Panay Peninsula and the western Panay mountains, in low- to mid-elevations.
As with the other two species of frugivorous monitors, Varanus mabitangis a predominately arboreal species, spending the majority of its time in the canopies of fruiting trees. This species has not been documented to feed on mulluscs, and to date is the only known, exclusively herbivorous (frugivorous) monitor lizard species.
The specific epithet was derived from mabitang, the Kinarayan peoples' name for the species.
Visayan (Central) Pleistocene Aggregate Island Complex
Varanus mabitang is a forest obligate (as are its closest relatives V. bitatawa and V. olivaceus), and is heavily dependent upon unfragmented lowland and mid-elevation forests with sufficient stands of fruiting Pandanus, Pinanga, or Ficus trees.
Varanus mabitang might be confused with the sympatrically distributed water monitor, V. nuchalis, but can easily be distinguished by the near solid black color, and behavioral and dietary characteristics.
Varanus mabitang is considered a forest obligate, requiring relatively large tracts of intact habitat. Specifically, the protection of habitat which includes dense populations of this species' prefered fruiting trees (Pandanus, Pinanga, and Ficus) will be essential for maintaining this species in the future.
The most severe threat to this species is likely habitat loss or degradation.
