Giant frugivorous monitor lizards only live in the Philippines and are under serious threat from habitat destruction. The butaan of Polillo Island are disappearing fast! We developed a range of non-intrusive methods to study these animals on Polillo Island and have used them to explore other areas of the Philippines, with very exciting results.
Because giant fruit-eating lizards are so shy they are easily overlooked by scientists. New species still await discovery but many more have probably disappeared without ever being identified. The situation for the remaining populations is critical. We desperately need your help. Although the other endangered monitor lizard (the famous Komodo dragon) has received vast amounts of funding to aid its conservation, the butaan has been almost entirely neglected. Just $10 will make a difference! Please consider helping us. We will acknowledge your support here and in subsequent publications and keep you informed of all developments.