Ecological Risk Screening Summary - Common Water Monitor (Varanus salvator) - Uncertain Risk

Species that are considered uncertain risk need a more in-depth assessment beyond the Risk Summary to better define the species’ risk to U.S. environments.

The common water monitor (Varanus salvator) is a semiaquatic, omnicarnivorous reptile native to southern and southeastern Asia. This species is in trade within its native range, internationally, and in the United States, although there is limited information about the volume of live trade. Hawaii and Maine regulate import and possession of V. salvator. V. salvator has been reported as introduced outside its native range, however, none of the introductions have resulted in an established population. No information was available regarding impacts from those introductions. The history of invasiveness is classified as No Known Nonnative Population. The overall climate match for the contiguous United States was Medium; the Gulf and South Atlantic coasts had a medium match and southern Florida had a high match. The certainty of assessment was Low due to uncertainty about nonnative establishment and lack of information on impacts of introduction. The overall risk assessment category is Uncertain.

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Uncertain Risk
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Reptiles