Alymann, Ariff Azlan
(2024)
Multidimensional And Transdisciplinary Strategies For Sustainable Coexistence With Varanus
Salvator (Reptilia: Varanidae) In Malaysia.
PhD thesis, Universiti Sains Malaysia.
Abstract
Habitat conversion in Peninsular Malaysia increases the dependence of species like Varanus salvator on urban and agricultural habitats. Sustainable coexistence is essential for maintaining V. salvator, one of the few remaining large predators and scavengers in these habitats. Significant gaps about these dynamics warrant further research. From the human perspective, Malaysians exhibit moderate knowledge, and positive attitudes toward V. salvator. Knowledge and attitude scores were positively correlated. Conflict (injury and domestic animal depredation) was reported by a minority. Cultural perceptions were negative, but their infrequency limits meaningful insights. These findings indicate coexistence to be sustainable from the human perspective. From the wildlife perspective, V. salvator was most abundant in urban areas, followed by agricultural and forest habitats. Urban individuals displayed larger allometric traits linked to sexual dimorphism, while agricultural lizards displayed variations in thigh width, suggesting increased sprinting. Across habitats, body size and condition were consistent and positively correlated, suggesting good overall health in all habitats. Due to the unreliability of non-invasive sexing methods, this study identified morphological variables for sex determination, including the overlooked base-tail circumference.
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