Conservation Status
V. salvadorii is currently protected under the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species (CITES) Appendix II, which requires an exportation permit for international trade. It is not listed on the IUCN Red List or the Endangered Species Act. It faces threats from deforestation and poaching as it is hunted and skinned alive by native peoples to make drums, who consider the monitor an evil spirit that "climbs trees, walks upright, breathes fire, and kills men". The species is maintained at 17 zoological parks worldwide. The total U.S. captive zoo population totals 52 individuals and an unknown number in private collections.
Read more about this topic: Varanus Salvadorii
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