Biawak, 6(2), pp. 78 © 2012 by International Varanid Interest Group First Record of the Rough-necked Monitor Varanus rudicollis from Penang, Malaysia RAY HAMILTON E-mail: [email protected] Abstract - Varanus rudicollis is recorded from the island of Penang, Malaysia for the first time. In Malaysia, the known distribution of the from a slight adjustment of its upper body position, the rough-necked monitor Varanus rudicollis is poorly lizard was apparently unconcerned by our presence documented, with relatively few reliable localities nearby. The canopy walkway from which the observation scattered throughout Borneo and Peninsular Malaysia was made is located at the edge of a developed area (Bennett & Liat, 1995). As far as it can be determined, bordered by dense forest, with mature trees and thick there are no records of its occurrence on the island of vegetation. The Penang Hill Canopy Walkway is located Penang, Malaysia. 1.7 km from the upper Penang Hill Railway Station, at On 29 April 2008, a single specimen of V. rudicollis an approximate elevation of 710 m above sea level at the was observed and photographed on the island of Penang, summit of Penang Hill (Bukit Bendera), Malaysia (5° Malaysia (Figs. 1 & 2). The sub-adult lizard was seen 25 ̍ 46.38 ̎ N; 100° 16 ̍ 3.68 ̎ E). during mid-afternoon at rest in a tree, approximately 10 m off the ground. The lizard remained at rest in the same References position during the ten minutes under observation. Apart Bennett, D. & L.B. Liat. 1995. A note on the distribution of Varanus dumerilii and V. rudicollis in Peninsular Malaysia. Malayan Nature Journal 49: 113-116. Figs. 1 & 2. Varanus rudicollis observed from the Penang Hill Canopy Walkway, Penang, Malaysia. Received: 14 November 2012; Accepted: 27 November 2012.